2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC problems, complaints & recalls
NHTSA has received 80 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, or 12.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.29, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #24 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mercedes-Benz models its rate is 17% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 20% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2020-01-15 and 2026-08-31. Median delay from incident to filing: 13 days.
Analysis
The previous model year (2019) drew 8.9 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2021) drew 11.1 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2020 model collected 14 complaints, 75% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (33.8% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (13.8%) and Electrical (12.5%). Engine complaints are 1.5 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “cylinder head”, “engine”, “check”, “valve” and “misfire cylinder”. 5 reports (6.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 49 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (35% of incidents). In the last 12 months 17 new complaints were filed, versus 18 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for this model year.
Complaint index
- vs. all tracked vehicles0.29
- vs. other Mercedes-Benz models1.17
- vs. other 2020 models0.32
- vs. other Luxury SUVs0.8
- Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (14)0.25
- #24 of 82 · 2020Rankings ›
1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.
What owners complain about
vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average
Engine · Common terms in reports
- cylinder head10
- engine21
- check12
- valve7
- misfire cylinder4
- mechanical5
Interior & equipment · Common terms in reports
- recall8
- update3
- received3
- safety4
- system3
Electrical · Common terms in reports
- prevention5
- camera6
- rearview3
- distribution disconnect3
- electrical system3
- reverse3
Problem areas: Engine · Electrical · Interior & equipment · Body & structure
When complaints were filed
- Crashes reported: 3
- Fires reported: 2
- Injuries: 4
- Deaths: 0
Vehicle age at incident
Median age at incident: 49 months
What owners report
On August 15, 2025, I was driving my Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC on the freeway under normal conditions. Without any warning lights, error messages, or prior signs of mechanical issues, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power.
the power steering wheel adjustment stopped working, leaving the steering wheel stuck in a very unconfutable position for driving. The car just ended its 4 yr warranty
My check-engine light recently illuminated, and diagnostic testing identified fault code P06DA00, relating to the oil pump control valve circuit. I have been quoted over $5,000 to replace the oil control valve and oil pump harness.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Forward Collision Avoidance / Active Brake Assist (Automatic Emergency Braking) system failed by falsely identifying a non-existent threat and initiating…
The seatbelt latch does not fully release when you press the red button. It needs to be wiggled and then it eventually does release. This is an ongoing issue.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Segment peers · 2020 · Luxury SUVs
| Models | Complaints | Complaints per year on the road | Complaint index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 26 | 3.9 | 0.09 |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | 36 | 5.4 | 0.13 |
| 2020 Lexus RX | 54 | 8.1 | 0.19 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 80 | 12.0 | 0.29 |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 107 | 16.0 | 0.38 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 109 | 16.3 | 0.39 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 123 | 18.4 | 0.44 |
| 2020 Acura MDX | 220 | 33.0 | 0.78 |
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year.
Investigations
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
80 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, or about 12.0 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 33.8% of complaints.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for this model year.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 17 new complaints were filed, versus 18 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 80 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, or 12.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.29, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #24 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mercedes-Benz models its rate is 17% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 20% lower.