Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz GLC model year (2016–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid
9 recalls · 91 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 118
10 recalls · 70 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 102
10 recalls · 49 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 93
Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Buy
3 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 18
2 recalls · 22 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 32
1 recall · 30 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 45
Found the right year? Verify that specific GLC with a free VIN report.
Mercedes-Benz GLC — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9 | — | — | 18 | Good |
| 2025 | 2 | 22 | 2 | — | 32 | Good |
| 2024 | 1 | 30 | 6 | — | 45 | Caution |
| 2023 | 4 | 61 | 2 | — | 77 | Avoid |
| 2022 | 1 | 38 | 3 | — | 47 | Caution |
| 2021 | 3 | 47 | — | — | 56 | Caution |
| 2020 | 10 | 49 | 7 | — | 93 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 7 | 54 | 3 | — | 81 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 8 | 61 | 3 | — | 91 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 10 | 70 | 1 | — | 102 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 9 | 91 | — | — | 118 | Avoid |
All 11 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent GLC models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 18 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade GLC units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GLC should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC if possible. It has 9 recalls, 91 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 118 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GLC to buy?+
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 18. It has only 3 recalls and 9 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GLC has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2025, 2024 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mercedes-Benz GLC Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz GLC VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →