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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 GLC-Class[1]. The biggest group, 27 complaints, names the electrical system[2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 46 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Four mention a crash, none mention a fire, 11 report injuries and none report deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system[2] | 27 |
| Engine[5] | 7 |
| Forward collision avoidance[6] | 7 |
| Brakes[7] | 5 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 5 |
| Speed control[9] | 4 |
| Visibility[10] | 3 |
| Structure[11] | 3 |
Electrical system. This group has 2 crashes and 8 injuries, and the median mileage at failure is 7,350[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the instrument panel and the touch screens going black, in some cases with no speedometer visible. Some say dealer software updates did not stop it from coming back[2].
Engine. In the sample we read, owners describe a sudden loss of power or the car stalling while driving[5]. One of the 7 complaints mentions a crash[5].
Forward collision avoidance. Owners in our sample describe sudden hard braking with nothing in the road. One describes a car that did not brake or warn before hitting a storefront[6].
Brakes. Three of the 5 brake complaints mention a crash[7]. The sample texts describe a car that would not stop and a car that accelerated when parking, and some tie the problem to other faults[7].
The other groups have 3 to 5 complaints each, which is too few to call a pattern[8][9][10][11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first[3]:
- Instrument cluster (26V281). Dated 2026-05-01[12]. The infotainment control unit may reset while the car is moving, and the instrument panel display can go blank. Without the speedometer and warning lights, the risk of a crash goes up. The fix is a dealer software update for the infotainment unit at no charge, and owner letters were mailed June 29, 2026[12]. The recall covers certain 2024-2026 models of several Mercedes-Benz lines including the GLC, and up to 144,049 units may be affected[12].
- Steering coupling bolt (25V533). Dated 2025-08-20[13]. The bolt that holds the steering coupling to the steering rack may have been tightened wrongly, so the coupling can come loose. That can mean a loss of steering control and a higher crash risk. The fix is for dealers to tighten the bolts where needed, at no charge[13]. The recall covers certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles, and 3,749 units may be affected[13].
- Roof pillar and sunroof (25V379). Dated 2025-06-06[14]. On certain vehicles with a panoramic sunroof, the rear roof pillar may not absorb enough impact if a rear passenger's head hits it. The vehicles do not meet federal safety standard FMVSS 201 in that respect[14]. The fix is a dealer change to the roof lining and pillar trim, at no charge[14]. Up to 92,851 units may be affected[14].
These recalls cover several models, so check your VIN. VINs for the instrument cluster recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov[12].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version. Gas versions need premium fuel.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| GLC300, rear-wheel drive[4] | 24 / 32 / 27 | $3,050 |
| GLC300 4matic[15] | 23 / 31 / 26 | $3,150 |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe[16] | 23 / 31 / 26 | $3,150 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic[17] | 19 / 25 / 21 | $3,900 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe[18] | 18 / 24 / 21 | $3,900 |
The hybrid versions use premium fuel and electricity. The GLC350e 4matic with EQ Hybrid Tech is rated 25 MPGe combined with 380 miles of range[19]. The AMG GLC63 S E Performance is rated 20 MPGe combined with 340 miles of range, and the coupe has the same rating[20][21].
EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Engine
The EPA lists the 2025 GLC-Class with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine rated from 201 to 469 hp, depending on version[22].
How 2025 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 133 | 12 |
| 2017 | 99 | 12 |
| 2018 | 87 | 12 |
| 2019 | 47 | 12 |
| 2020 | 69 | 16 |
| 2021 | 67 | 9 |
| 2022 | 61 | 2 |
| 2023 | 64 | 12 |
| 2024 | 29 | 8 |
| 2025 | 46 | 3 |
| 2026 | 10 | 3 |
The 2025 model year has 46 complaints and 3 recalls on file[3]. Every year from 2016 to 2023 has more complaints, from 47 in 2019 to 133 in 2016[3]. Only 2024 (29), 2026 (10) and 2027 (0) have fewer[3].
On recalls, 2025 has fewer than 2016 through 2021 and fewer than 2023 and 2024. It has more than 2022 (2) and 2027 (0), and the same number as 2026 (3)[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2025 GLC-Class?
The complaints are concentrated in the electrical system, and the blank instrument panel is also the subject of recall 26V281[2][12]. Ask for proof that the recall work is done, and do the same for the steering and roof pillar recalls[13][14]. The complaint count is lower than for every year from 2016 to 2023, but it is higher than for 2024[3]. Fuel economy varies a lot by version, from 21 combined MPG to 27 for the gas versions[17][4].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
- Of 46 NHTSA complaints, 27 name the electrical system, 7 the engine and 7 forward collision avoidance[1][2][5][6].
- Does the 2025 GLC-Class have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three, for the instrument cluster (26V281), the steering coupling bolt (25V533) and the roof pillar on sunroof models (25V379)[12][13][14].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2025 GLC-Class?
- EPA combined ratings run from 21 MPG for the AMG GLC43 to 27 MPG for the rear-wheel-drive GLC300[17][4]. The GLC350e 4matic with EQ Hybrid Tech is rated 25 MPGe combined[19].
- How does the 2025 GLC-Class compare with other years?
- It has 46 complaints, fewer than every year from 2016 to 2023 and more than 2024, which has 29[3].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (4 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,350). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLC300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 7 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V281, filed May 1, 2026: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V533, filed August 20, 2025: Steering › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V379, filed June 6, 2025: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLC300 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLC300 4matic Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLC350e 4matic with EQ Hybrid Tech, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 380 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC63 S E Performance, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium and Electricity: 20 MPGe combined, 340 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC63 S E Performance (coupe), 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium and Electricity: 20 MPGe combined, 340 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 201 to 469 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov