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
7 recalls · 91 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 112
5 recalls · 73 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 90
7 recalls · 50 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 85
Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Buy
3 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 23
2 recalls · 32 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 44
5 recalls · 32 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Problem score: 59
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 | 12 | 1 | — | 23 | Good |
| 2025 | 2 | 32 | 3 | — | 44 | Caution |
| 2024 | 5 | 32 | 6 | — | 59 | Caution |
| 2023 | 5 | 61 | 2 | — | 80 | Avoid |
| 2022 | 0 | 42 | 7 | 1 | 61 | Caution |
| 2021 | 3 | 51 | 1 | — | 62 | Caution |
| 2020 | 7 | 50 | 7 | — | 85 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 6 | 55 | 3 | — | 79 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 3 | 61 | 3 | — | 76 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 5 | 73 | 1 | — | 90 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 7 | 91 | — | — | 112 | 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 23 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 7 recalls, 91 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 112 — 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 23. It has only 3 recalls and 12 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.
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