YearToAvoid

2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300, 21% of all 133 complaints that year, far above any other model year. Two crashes and one injury were reported, with a median failure mileage of 6,000. A related recall (16V603000) covers the ESP hydraulic control unit.

Brakes complaints
28
21% of 133
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
6,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a loud, piercing squeal from the brakes when backing up or braking in reverse, often worse in cold weather.
  • Some drivers report the noise starting as low as 3,000 to 7,500 miles and progressively worsening over weeks or months.
  • Several owners say dealers acknowledged the squeal as a known issue but had no fix or replacement parts available.
  • A small number of complaints describe more serious failures, including the vehicle surging forward or failing to stop and crashing into a barn or building.
  • One owner reported front brake pads were replaced for an abnormal sound but the noise returned afterward.

When 2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 9, 2016, latest Jan 30, 2023.

2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 brakes complaints: complaints filed per month6Dec 2016Mar 2017Sep 2017Jan 2018Apr 2019Jun 2021
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Jan 2023; peak Dec 2016 (6).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300

  1. NHTSA 16V603000Aug 16, 2016Brakes62 vehicles

    Electronic stability control (esc)

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.

    Risk: A damaged ESP control unit may inadvertently activate the stability control altering the vehicle's path. Additionally, the electronic parking brake may not function. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESP Hydraulic control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Brakes complaints by Glc300 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201628 (21%)
  2. 20175 (5%)
  3. 20185 (6%)
  4. 20191 (2%)
  5. 20203 (4%)
  6. 20210 (0%)
  7. 20224 (7%)
  8. 20235 (9%)
  9. 20243 (14%)
  10. 20252 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300?
NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2016 Glc300, which is 21% of all 133 complaints filed for that year, the highest share of any model year in this dataset.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Glc300?
Yes. Recall 16V603000, reported August 16, 2016, covers the ESP hydraulic control unit; Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the unit free of charge.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 6,000 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to brake complaints?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury among the 28 brake complaints for the 2016 Glc300.
What kind of brake noise do owners describe?
Many owners describe a loud squealing or piercing squeal when backing up or braking in reverse, especially in cold weather, with dealers reportedly aware of the issue but lacking a fix.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.