2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 ranks 4th worst out of 10 model years, with a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict. It has 69 NHTSA complaints, 16 recalls, 3 crashes, and 4 injuries, with Engine issues the top problem area at 32% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #4 of 10 Glc300 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 69
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 16
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine22 (32%)
- Other15 (22%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (19%)
- Electrical System10 (14%)
- Steering5 (7%)
- Fuel System4 (6%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (4%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report sudden loss of acceleration or the vehicle refusing to move above a crawl even with the gear engaged and different drive modes selected.
- Owners describe the automatic brake assist system disabling itself mid-drive with a warning that it will not function.
- Several complaints mention the Distronic driver assistance system letting the vehicle wander within the lane or clip lane markings on highway curves.
- Owners report the automatic emergency braking activating abruptly and unexpectedly while driving under overpasses or in shadowed areas.
- One driver described the power steering wheel adjustment failing, leaving the wheel locked in an uncomfortable position.
- A sunroof reportedly shattered on its own while driving with no external cause identified by the dealership.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V070000Feb 2, 2024Electrical System15,502 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- NHTSA 23V854000Dec 15, 2023Structure & Body2,976 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Glc300 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 model carries a Caution verdict. It ranks 4th worst among 10 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 67 and 69 complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Glc300?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 32% of all complaints for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 27,500 miles.
- Does the 2020 Glc300 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns tied to this model year, covering areas including electrical systems, airbags, fuel system, and structure & body. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2020 Glc300 compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 67 is worse than the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 model years, but better than 2016, 2022, and 2023, which carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Glc300?
- EPA rates it at 24 mpg combined (21 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300.