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
10 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 30
8 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 24
7 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 21
Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
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 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 12 | Caution |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Avoid |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Good |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2020 | 10 | 0 | — | — | 30 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 18 | Caution |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 | — | — | 24 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 18 | Caution |
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: 2022Recent GLC models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2022 stands out with just 3 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade GLC units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GLC should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC if possible. It has 10 recalls, 0 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 30 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GLC to buy?+
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GLC has the fewest problems?+
The 2022, 2025, 2026 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 →