YearToAvoid

2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300, 32% of its 69 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 27,500. A related recall (20V364000) covers loose turbocharger oil feed and return line screws.

Engine complaints
22
32% of 69
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
27,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration or the car stalling in traffic, in one case dropping to under 1 mile per hour mid-intersection.
  • Multiple reports describe cylinder misfires with the check engine light on, often traced to a cracked or failing cylinder head that needs replacement.
  • Some owners report the engine idling roughly, shaking, or jerking while stopped, paired with warning lights.
  • One report describes ignition failure that the dealer said required a full engine replacement.
  • A separate report describes an oil pump valve issue confirmed by both a dealer and an independent mechanic.
  • One owner noted a defective emissions-related canister that triggered a check-emissions message and failed inspection.

When 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 26, 2021, latest Aug 31, 2026.

2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300 engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Apr 2021Aug 2024Jan 2025Jun 2025Dec 2025Jun 2026
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2025 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300

  1. NHTSA 20V364000Jun 22, 2020Engine90 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.

    Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.

Engine complaints by Glc300 model year

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

  1. 201644 (33%)
  2. 201738 (39%)
  3. 201829 (33%)
  4. 201913 (28%)
  5. 202022 (32%)
  6. 202131 (47%)
  7. 202215 (25%)
  8. 202316 (29%)
  9. 20247 (33%)
  10. 20254 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300?
NHTSA has 22 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Glc300, which is 32% of all 69 complaints filed for that year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc300?
Yes. Recall 20V364000 covers 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines where screws holding the turbocharger oil feed and return lines could loosen; dealers inspect and tighten them at no charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints for the 2020 Glc300 is 27,500 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires associated with these engine complaints.
What kind of engine failures do owners describe most?
Owners commonly describe misfires, rough idling, loss of acceleration, and cylinder head issues, alongside isolated reports of ignition failure and oil pump valve problems.

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.