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Starter Assembly Short-Circuit Fire Risk — Recall 17V114000 (2016-2017)
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Catastrophic2016-2017
OPEN HOURS MON–FRI | 9AM–6PM
2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 38 recalls: 4 roof, 5 airbag, transmission faults. California lemon law rights may apply. Free review.
You paid a premium — anywhere from $43,000 for a base GLC300 to $75,000 for a fully loaded AMG GLC63 — because the three-pointed star is supposed to mean something. It means German precision. It means a cabin so quiet you can hear yourself think. It means technology that works seamlessly, and a dealer network that stands behind every bolt. Many GLC owners got exactly that experience. But a significant and well-documented portion did not.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253), built from the 2016 through 2022 model year, arrived as the replacement for the GLK and quickly became one of the best-selling luxury compact SUVs in the United States. It paired a refined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an optional V6 with nine-speed 9G-Tronic transmission, an elegant interior, and an impressive suite of driver-assist technology. On paper, it was a triumph. In the real world, the GLC X253 accumulated 38 NHTSA recalls across its seven-year production run — more than five recalls per model year on average — spanning four separate roof structural adhesive recalls, five airbag recalls, five power steering recalls (across different campaign numbers), three communication/telematics recalls, and multiple fuel system and lighting actions.
Beneath the recall record lies a layer of TSB-acknowledged and owner-reported defects that never rose to the recall threshold: the 9G-Tronic transmission that randomly slips into neutral on the highway; the M274 crankcase ventilation valve that fails repeatedly and costs owners thousands out of pocket until MBUSA quietly extended the warranty; the panoramic sunroof that shatters like a shotgun blast on a clear afternoon with no projectile in sight; and front brake pads that screech from the first week of ownership despite three or four dealer visits with no resolution.
For California owners, these patterns matter. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer who cannot repair a defect in a reasonable number of attempts must replace or repurchase the vehicle. The GLC X253's repeat recall history — and its documented inability to permanently fix certain defects across multiple service visits — creates exactly the factual foundation that Song-Beverly was written to address.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 16V146000 addresses a wiring fault that could allow the engine to start while not in Park, creating a rollaway risk. If the remedy — software update or wiring harness repair — was completed but the vehicle later exhibited the same starting-in-wrong-gear behavior, the repair has failed and the recall-repair attempt counts toward Song-Beverly eligibility.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harnesses, properly rerouting them as necessary. Any damaged harnesses will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
ESC system failures that can cause unexpected vehicle behavior during evasive maneuvers are safety defects. Recall 16V603000 required a software update; if post-recall the ESC warning light reilluminates or the system activates incorrectly, the repair has not held and the Song-Beverly repeat-attempt clock continues running.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 17V114000 addresses a starter assembly that can short-circuit and potentially ignite a vehicle fire — a true fire-risk defect warranting 'Catastrophic' severity. If the recall repair was completed but the vehicle subsequently exhibited electrical arcing, smoke, burning smell, or fire, the Song-Beverly burden shifts to Mercedes-Benz to show the repair was adequate.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 17V177000 required an ECU software update to correct incorrect system behavior across multiple electronic modules. Software recalls with vague scope can mask underlying hardware defects; if the corrected software update caused new malfunctions or the original symptom returned, owners have grounds to assert the recall did not cure the nonconformity.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
A seatbelt pretensioner that may not fire in a collision is a safety defect under Song-Beverly. Recall 17V251000 required replacement of affected pretensioner assemblies. If the replacement was not completed or if the seatbelt subsequently failed to latch or retract properly, the owner's repeat-repair claim is strengthened by the active recall history on this component.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Loss of electric power steering assist at speed creates an immediate vehicle control hazard. Recall 17V574000 covered a small number of 2017 GLC300 units. Post-recall, if steering becomes heavy, pulls to one side, or the EPS warning light illuminates, the remedy has failed and Mercedes-Benz remains obligated to effect a conforming repair under Song-Beverly.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 10, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
The Takata airbag inflator defect — which can rupture and project metal fragments at occupants during deployment — is the most serious safety defect in automotive history and warrants Catastrophic severity. If the replacement inflator has not been installed, the vehicle remains under an active recall. Post-replacement airbag malfunction warnings are a separate nonconformity that supports a Song-Beverly claim independent of the original recall.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
A panoramic sunroof panel that can detach at highway speed is a safety defect posing risk to following vehicles and occupants. Recall 17V715000 required re-bonding of the fixed glass panel. If the panel detaches after the recall repair, or if the glass spontaneously shatters (a separate phenomenon — see iss-41), each dealer visit for the same roof concern counts toward the Song-Beverly repair-attempt total.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding on the sun roof panels, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110009.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Headlights aimed too high can blind oncoming drivers and reduce the owner's own illumination of the roadway — a road-safety defect. Recall 17V819000 required headlight re-aim or assembly replacement. If headlights revert to incorrect aim after the recall repair, or if adaptive headlight function is compromised, Mercedes-Benz must remedy the nonconformity under Song-Beverly.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamp adjustment, adjusting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 12, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V177000 addresses the bonding of roof/pillar panels that could detach at speed, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and exposing occupants. If panels have been re-bonded but the vehicle continues to show cracking sounds from the roof structure or wind noise inconsistent with pre-repair behavior, this suggests the remedy was incomplete.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a buffer to the c-pillar paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018030012.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
An airbag inflator module that may not deploy in a collision is a life-safety defect. Recall 18V208000 required replacement of the driver-side inflator module on 2018 GLC models. If post-repair the airbag warning light illuminates or a crash results in non-deployment, Mercedes-Benz faces both recall non-compliance and Song-Beverly liability.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Turn signal failure is a federal FMVSS safety-lighting violation and a nonconformity under Song-Beverly. Recall 18V610000 required software or hardware correction. If the turn signal malfunctions after recall repair — including intermittent operation — each return visit for the same issue advances the Song-Beverly repair-attempt count.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the color of the turn signal, replacing the LED module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V683000 is the second Mercedes-Benz recall for roof/pillar panel bond failures on the GLC X253, indicating the original repair approach (18V177000) was insufficient in scope. Multiple recalls for the same structural defect in the same vehicle are strong evidence of a persistent nonconformity under Song-Beverly, particularly if roof cracking or looseness persisted between and after both recall repairs.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018100002.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
An occupant classification sensor that incorrectly suppresses the passenger airbag when an adult occupant is present is a life-safety defect. Recall 18V838000 required sensor recalibration or replacement. If the 'Passenger Airbag Off' indicator illuminates incorrectly after the recall repair, or if the airbag warning light activates, Mercedes-Benz has not cured the defect and Song-Beverly obligations remain.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 18V840000 covers a 2019 GLC300 power steering sensor that can cause unexpected steering behavior or loss of assist. Power steering loss at any speed is a Safety-level defect. If the sensor was replaced per recall and steering assist subsequently fails again, the nonconformity has not been repaired and repeat-attempt counting applies.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering unit, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA'S number for this recall is 2019040007.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
A forward collision avoidance system that triggers unexpected braking is as dangerous as one that fails to brake. Recall 19V540000 required software correction to the radar sensor. If phantom braking or DISTRONIC malfunctions recur after the recall software update, the remedy has failed. ADAS system defects that cause unexpected vehicle behavior are recognized as Safety-level nonconformities under Song-Beverly.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080008.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 19V685000 is a second wave of airbag inflator replacement on GLC models, following 18V208000. Multiple airbag recalls on the same vehicle platform, affecting the same component, strengthen the argument that this is a systemic design defect rather than an isolated manufacturing variance. Song-Beverly imposes no limit on the type of defect — a safety defect is a safety defect, and each failed repair attempt counts.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver airbag module and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100001.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 19V787000 addresses a software fault in the vehicle's communication/telematics module causing incorrect date display and potential eCall (emergency call) failure. Although the date display is minor, an eCall system that does not function correctly in an emergency is a safety defect. If the software update was applied but eCall or telematics continue to malfunction, the remedy was insufficient.
MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-3
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
A seatbelt that cannot be properly latched or retracted fails to protect occupants. Recall 19V788000 required seatbelt assembly inspection and replacement where affected. If the seatbelt continues to stick, not latch on the first attempt, or retract into the seat panel after the recall repair, Song-Beverly obligates Mercedes-Benz to complete a conforming repair.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 19V822000 addresses a corroded electrical connection in the power steering system that can cause intermittent or complete loss of steering assist. Steering loss at highway speed is a Safety-level defect. If the connection was cleaned or replaced per recall but steering heaviness or EPS warning recurs (especially in wet or humid conditions), the corrosion repair has not permanently resolved the defect.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019110014.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
An incorrect tire inflation or load capacity placard can lead to improper tire inflation and increased blowout risk. Recall 19V914000 required replacement of the affected vehicle label. This is primarily a Functional defect rather than a direct Safety hazard, but underinflation per incorrect label can cascade into a tire failure.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag warnings and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020014.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 20V068000 is a second communication system software recall for GLC models, indicating the prior telematics software updates (see iss-18) did not resolve the underlying eCall platform vulnerability. Multiple software recalls for the same system suggest a systemic software architecture defect. If eCall continues to malfunction or telematics-dependent features (remote start, mbrace) fail after this recall, the nonconformity persists.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
A rear seat assembly that can detach from its mounting in a collision fails to restrain occupants and is a safety defect. Recall 20V328000 required inspection and fastener tightening or replacement. If the rear seat makes abnormal noises, feels loose, or shifts after the recall repair, the seats have not been secured to specification.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left-rear seatback latch, 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 2020070004.
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
Recall 20V364000 covers a cracked turbocharger housing that allows engine oil to contact hot exhaust components — a direct engine-fire risk. This is a true Catastrophic defect. If the turbocharger was replaced per recall and the vehicle subsequently develops a burning smell, blue smoke from the engine bay, or oil accumulation near the exhaust manifold, the replacement part may be defective or the root cause was broader than the turbo alone.
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.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 20V651000 is the third power steering recall on the GLC X253 platform (following 17V574000, 18V840000, 19V822000). Four power steering recalls on the same platform across five years are compelling evidence of a persistent steering system defect. Owners who received multiple steering repairs across different recall campaigns are strong candidates for Song-Beverly cumulative-defect claims.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110012.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 21V058000 is a broad-scope software recall covering 2016-2021 GLC models, reflecting a systemic software defect in the vehicle's electrical architecture. If the software update caused new malfunctions in any vehicle system (a known risk with large-scope software recalls), or if the original symptoms persist, Mercedes-Benz bears responsibility for a conforming repair.
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V072000 is the third communication system recall for the GLC platform. Persistent eCall/telematics failures through three separate recall campaigns indicate the software platform has an unresolved root-cause defect. Owners whose mbrace, eCall, or remote services continue to malfunction after this third recall have a clear pattern of unremedied nonconformity.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V197000 is the third recall addressing GLC roof/pillar panel bond failure across the X253 platform (following 18V177000 and 18V683000). Three recalls for roof structural adhesive on the same generation are extraordinary and indicate a design-level bonding defect rather than production variance. Owners who had roof panels repaired under any of these three recalls and experienced renewed cracking or detachment have strong multi-recall evidence under Song-Beverly.
Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 21V230000 is a second seat fastener/assembly recall for GLC models, following 20V328000 on the 2020 model year. The continuation of seat assembly recalls into the 2021 model year suggests the fastener design — not just a production run — is inadequate. If seat movement, noise, or looseness persists after the recall repair, the defect has not been cured.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Federal law (FMVSS 111) mandates a functioning rearview image system; a backup camera that fails to display is a federal safety standard violation and a Song-Beverly nonconformity. Recall 21V354000 required software update. If the camera continues to go blank, cycle, or freeze in Reverse after the update, the remedy is inadequate. Note: a 2018 MY owner separately documented the same camera cycling issue, suggesting the actual affected range precedes the recall scope.
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
A side-impact airbag sensor that may prevent deployment in a side collision is a life-safety defect. Recall 21V527000 required sensor replacement. Post-replacement, any airbag warning light activity, including 'SRS Malfunction' or 'Side Airbag Fault' messages, indicates the system remains non-conforming and Mercedes-Benz must remedy it.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V961000 addresses a fuel rail that can crack and spray fuel onto hot engine components, creating an engine fire risk. This is a true fire-risk Catastrophic defect. If fuel smell, fuel spotting under the hood, or engine fire occurred after the recall repair, Mercedes-Benz bears full liability. Owners who experienced fuel odor outside the recall's 2019-2020 scope (see iss-42 for the LP fuel line issue on earlier models) should document the same symptom pattern.
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 22V232000 is the second backup camera recall on the GLC platform, following 21V354000. Two recalls for the same camera display defect demonstrate the first software update did not resolve the root cause. Owners whose backup cameras malfunction after both recall repairs are in a strong repeat-attempt pattern under Song-Beverly, and the federal FMVSS 111 violation component elevates the safety significance.
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Headlight malfunctions that reduce nighttime illumination or cause glare to other drivers are Safety-level defects. Recall 22V261000 required headlight assembly inspection and replacement where condensation or brightness was out of specification. If headlight condensation returns or illumination dims after recall repair, the remedy was inadequate.
Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 22V365000 is a second broad-scope electrical software recall for GLC models, following 21V058000. Back-to-back platform-wide software recalls suggest MBUSA's software update process introduced new defects or failed to fully resolve the original fault. If vehicle electronics malfunction after both software recalls, owners have documented evidence of a systemic unresolved defect.
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. Owner
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 23V445000 addresses a fuel pump that may fail, causing engine stall or no-start. Engine stall at highway speed is a Safety-level defect creating rear-end collision risk. If the replacement fuel pump fails or stalling recurs after the recall repair, Mercedes-Benz has not cured the nonconformity. This recall also demonstrates MBUSA's awareness of fuel delivery deficiencies across the GLC platform (see also iss-32 and iss-42).
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 23V854000 is the fourth Mercedes-Benz recall for GLC roof/pillar bond defects. Four separate recalls for the same structural bonding defect over six years are extraordinary evidence of a design defect that MBUSA has been unable to cure with successive repair campaigns. Owners who have had roof panels serviced under any of the four recalls (18V177000, 18V683000, 21V197000, 23V854000) and continue to experience roof cracking, looseness, or panel detachment have among the strongest cumulative-recall evidence available in a Song-Beverly action.
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 NHTS
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 24V070000 covers 2019-2022 GLC headlights that may dim or fail to illuminate to required output, reducing nighttime visibility. This is the second headlight recall on GLC models (following 22V261000 on 2021 MY), and the fifth lighting-related recall across the platform. If headlight brightness is reduced after the recall repair, or if the vehicle fails a state inspection lighting check post-repair, the remedy failed.
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.
car suddenly shifts into neutral while driving on highway; transmission won't engage drive after reverse; car refuses to move from stop; gear stuck in neutral for 20+ seconds; harsh bang or lurch when transmission finally engages gear; dashboard message 'Transmission malfunction'; check engine light with code P073E or P070X; car crawls at 5 mph with foot on gas; transmission pops back to neutral on its own
Under Song-Beverly (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.2), a manufacturer must repair a nonconformity in a reasonable number of attempts. Spontaneous neutral slip at highway speed is a safety-impairing defect; if the dealer cannot reliably duplicate it (intermittent transmission faults frequently produce no stored codes between visits), that itself is a recognized lemon-law pattern. Owners who return to the dealer two or more times for the same neutral-slip or harsh-shift complaint without a permanent fix may qualify for repurchase or replacement.
TCM software reprogramming (first step per MBUSA service procedure); if symptom persists, valve body assembly replacement with MB-236.15 fluid flush. In severe cases, remanufactured transmission.
check engine light on with code P052E or P052E71; fuel smell under hood or in cabin; engine runs rough or misfires; loss of power on highway; oil mist visible in intake hose; smoke from engine bay on cold start; dealer diagnosis: 'crankcase ventilation valve needs replacement'; repair costs $1,500-$3,000 out of pocket
If the PCV valve has been replaced and the check engine light or engine misfire returns, the repeat-repair pattern under Song-Beverly may be triggered. MBUSA's extended warranty to 15 yr/150k mi is an implicit acknowledgment of a widespread defect; owners whose vehicles fell outside the extended warranty window or who received repeated temporary repairs may have a viable Song-Beverly claim.
Replace PCV regulator valve assembly (approx. 6 hrs labor). MBUSA extended warranty covers the repair to 15 yr / 150,000 mi — owners who paid out of pocket prior to warranty extension should request reimbursement from MBUSA.
loud bang or gunshot-like explosion from roof while driving; sunroof glass shatters inward raining fragments into cabin; glass in hair and on occupants; no prior impact, crack, or warning; occurs most often at highway speed; injury from glass shards; sunroof cannot close after shattering; vehicle pulled over to shoulder
Spontaneous glass fracture inside the cabin while moving at highway speed is a safety defect under Song-Beverly. Dealers frequently attribute the failure to stone impact and deny warranty coverage; owners should insist on a written repair order and document the incident independently. Multiple returns for the same glass failure — or a dealer refusal to repair under warranty — are both recognized triggers for Song-Beverly eligibility.
Full replacement of panoramic sunroof glass assembly. Dealer may claim 'stone chip' causation; owners should document the incident with photos before sweeping up glass and file an NHTSA complaint.
strong gasoline smell inside cabin at startup or when parked; gas odor in garage after parking; fuel dripping visible under engine compartment near driver's seat area; smell lasts 10 minutes after cold start; no check engine light initially; odor worse in cold weather; fuel gauge reads incorrectly or drops faster than expected
A raw fuel smell in the cabin constitutes a safety defect — fuel vapors are a fire and toxicity risk. If the dealer cannot duplicate the odor (intermittent cold-start pattern) or provides only temporary fixes, the Song-Beverly repeat-attempt clock is still running. The adjacent high-pressure fuel rail recall (21V961000) covering 2019-2020 MY models demonstrates MBUSA's awareness of fuel system integrity issues on this platform; owners whose fuel leaks fall outside the recall scope but share the same symptom pattern may present a stronger claim.
Replace low-pressure fuel feed line assembly and quick-connect fitting. Inspect high-pressure pump bracket. Full fuel system pressure test. Independent mechanics have resolved for under $1,000; dealers often quote significantly more.
center display screen goes black while driving; infotainment system freezes and requires restart; scrambled or pixelated display during Apple CarPlay navigation; navigation system stops working mid-route; backup camera screen freezes or goes blank while reversing; audio cuts out without warning; rearview camera randomly power-cycles in Reverse; COMAND system unresponsive to touch or buttons
While infotainment freezes are typically 'Functional' severity, a rearview camera that goes blank while reversing is a safety defect (FMVSS 111 compliance). If the camera failure or display freeze recurs after dealer software updates, each return visit counts toward the Song-Beverly repair attempt total. Backup camera failures in particular — given federal backup camera mandate — represent a stronger lemon-law angle than general infotainment glitches.
Over-the-air (OTA) or dealer software update to COMAND/MBUX firmware. If freeze persists, head unit replacement. The backup camera cycling specifically: software update per recalls 21V354000 / 22V232000.
loud piercing squeal or screech when backing out of garage in the morning; brakes squeal in reverse at low speeds especially in cold weather; squealing persists after brake pad replacement by dealer; dealer says noise is 'normal'; pads and rotors worn by 15,000-20,000 miles; brake shudder under light application; metal-on-metal grinding sound; brake pedal feels spongy; car takes longer to stop than expected
Brake noise that emerges within weeks of purchase and is dismissed by the dealer as 'normal' is a documented lemon-law pattern. If the owner returns three or more times for the same brake squeal/premature wear complaint without a permanent fix, Song-Beverly's presumption of a reasonable number of repair attempts (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.22(b)) may be triggered. Dealers citing 'within specification' do not reset the repair-attempt counter.
Aftermarket or OEM-upgraded brake pads with improved anti-squeal shim; rotor resurfacing or replacement if glazed. MBUSA's 'within spec' position means dealers rarely perform warranty repairs. Anti-squeal compound application as interim measure. AMG ceramic brake squeal has no remedy — it is a design characteristic.
parking brake fails to engage when pressing the P button; vehicle rolls away after parking on incline; parking brake engages but will not release; 'Parking Brake Malfunction' warning on dashboard; electric parking brake stuck on requiring tow; car rolled backwards at stop light on hill; EPB activates on its own while driving; brake service warning light illuminated
An electric parking brake that fails to engage presents an immediate safety risk of vehicle rollaway. Under Song-Beverly, safety defects that could cause injury receive heightened scrutiny. A vehicle that has rolled after parking due to EPB failure, returned to the dealer, and experienced the same failure again is a strong candidate for the statutory lemon presumption.
EPB actuator replacement or EPB control module software update. If EPB is stuck engaged, dealer can manually release via diagnostic tool. Full brake system inspection to rule out hydraulic involvement.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. 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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLC300, GLC350e, GLC43 AMG, and GLC63 AMG vehicles. The power steering control unit wiring harness may have been damaged during the production process, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist or an electrical short-circuit.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 E450, AMG E63S, GLC300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63, AMG GT53, and AMG GT63 vehicles equipped with rear seatbacks that can be electrically unlatched. The left-rear seatback latch may not be strong enough to withstand certain loads. If cargo were to strike the left-rear seatback, the latch may fail.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC 300 4MATIC coupe, AMG GLC 43 Coupe, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC 63, GLC 300, GLC 350e 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, AMG GLC 63 Coupe, and AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vehicles. The passenger side sun visor may have incorrect air bag warning labels, written in a foreign language. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 and GLC300 4MATIC vehicles. The electrical connection between the power steering electric motor and the control unit may fail, resulting in the loss of electric power steering assist.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A 220 and A 220 4MATIC, 2020 CLA 250, CLA 250 4 MATIC, GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 vehicles. An internal sensor within the electric power steering unit may fail, deactivating the power steering assist.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG GT, AMG GT C, GLC43 AMG 4Matic, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic and GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the defective steel may cause the inflator to improperly inflate the driver-side air bag and potentially rupture.
remedy available
Mercedes Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG, 2016-2018 GLC300 4Matic, 2016-2018 GLC300, 2018 GLC63 AMG 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC and GLC43 4MATIC vehicles. These vehicles may have misadjusted headlights, possibly resulting in the low beam headlights insufficiently illuminating the roadway. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, and GLC43 AMG vehicles. The fixed panoramic sun roof frontal and side plastic panels may have insufficient bonding, allowing the panels to separate during vehicle operation.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2017 C43 AMG, one E300 4Matic sedan, one GLC300, and one E43 AMG 4Matic sedan. These vehicles have electrical power steering control units with improperly welded contact pins.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4Matic, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, C63S Cabrio, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, GLC43 AMG, S550, S550 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, and Mercedes-Maybach S600 vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to November 3, 2015, and 2016 GLC 300 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 16, 2015, to November 3, 2015. The steering columns in the affected vehicles may have the wiring harness for the switch module incorrectly routed. As a result, the harness may chafe and the air bag may unexpectedly deploy or the engine may stall.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1790 et seq.), as it stands as of 2026, a manufacturer who sells a new motor vehicle with an express warranty is required to repair any defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety. If the manufacturer — here, Mercedes-Benz USA — is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full repurchase of your GLC, including reimbursement of your down payment, all monthly payments made, and incidental costs such as registration fees. This is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by reading this page. Individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
For GLC X253 owners, the Song-Beverly presumption (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.22(b)) may arise when:
The GLC's documented defect patterns that most frequently support Song-Beverly claims include:
the 9G-Tronic neutral slip (transmission safety defect, intermittent, hard to duplicate), the M274 PCV valve (repeat failure after repair, MBUSA-acknowledged design issue), the panoramic sunroof shattering (safety defect dealers typically deny under warranty), and front brake squeal (persistent cosmetic/reliability defect dealers refuse to cure because MBUSA calls it 'within specification'). Importantly, recall repairs count toward the repeat-repair total if the recall remedy is applied but the vehicle continues to exhibit the same defect. California law does not require the defect to be the same repair — it requires the same condition or symptom to recur. Consulting a California lemon-law attorney to evaluate your specific repair history is the appropriate next step.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
The GLC's most dangerous defects — transmission neutral slip, sunroof explosion, EPB non-engagement, and fuel odor — are intermittent. Dealers frequently document 'unable to duplicate' and return the vehicle. Here is how to protect yourself:
1. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. Before your first service visit, write down the exact date, time, mileage, weather conditions, road speed, and precise description of the event. Use the owner's language: 'Car shifted to N at 65 mph on I-5 with oil temp showing 108°C on the gauge.' Specifics make it harder for the dealer to write 'could not duplicate.'
2. REQUEST A WRITTEN REPAIR ORDER — EVERY TIME. The dealer must give you a repair order even if they find nothing. Ask explicitly: 'Please write on the RO that I reported [specific symptom] even if you could not reproduce it today.' Under Song-Beverly, each documented visit counts regardless of whether the dealer found a fault.
3. PHOTOGRAPH OR VIDEO THE SYMPTOM. If your sunroof shatters, do not sweep up the glass. Photograph the interior before anything is touched. If the backup camera goes blank, pull over safely and video it. If the fuel smell is strong, note the outside temperature (critical for the cold-start fuel line leak pattern).
4. FILE AN NHTSA COMPLAINT. Go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Your complaint becomes part of the official ODI database, creates a datestamped independent record, and may trigger a future investigation or recall. This is especially important for spontaneous sunroof shattering and transmission neutral slip, where your complaint joins a documented pattern.
5. KNOW WHICH DEALER PHRASES ARE RED FLAGS. 'That's normal for this vehicle,' 'we couldn't find it in the system,' 'the software update should fix it,' and 'this isn't covered under warranty' are phrases that, combined with a recurring defect, are exactly the pattern Song-Beverly addresses. Escalate in writing to MBUSA customer care after the second occurrence.
6. KEEP A MILEAGE LOG. Note mileage at every service visit. Song-Beverly tracks whether a defect impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety during the warranty period. A mileage log connecting each visit to the warranty window is essential documentation.
7. ASK FOR A LOANER IN WRITING. If the dealer keeps the vehicle overnight for diagnosis or repair, request a loaner vehicle in writing. MBUSA's refusal to provide alternative transportation during extended repairs is separately actionable in California.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 is not a bad car — when it works, it is a genuinely excellent luxury compact SUV. The problem is that 'when it works' is doing a lot of heavy lifting for a vehicle in this price bracket. Thirty-eight NHTSA recalls across seven model years, including four separate roof structural campaigns and five airbag actions, suggest Mercedes-Benz launched and sold the GLC before fully resolving platform-level design issues — and then spent years trying to fix them through successive recall campaigns. The TSB-acknowledged 9G-Tronic valve body failures and the M274 PCV valve defect (which MBUSA ultimately extended warranty coverage for to 15 years / 150,000 miles) indicate that MBUSA was aware of these defects earlier than their public acknowledgments suggest. For California owners who are on their second or third repair attempt for the same complaint, the legal framework exists to hold the manufacturer accountable. The recall history is your foundation; your repair orders are your proof.
— The Margarian Law team
If your 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has been to the dealer multiple times for a transmission that slips into neutral, a sunroof that shattered, a recurring check engine light, brake noise that won't go away, or any of the recall-related defects described above — you may have options under California's lemon law. Margarian Law has handled thousands of lemon-law cases involving luxury vehicles and offers a free case review. There is no fee unless we win.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2016-2022) has 38 NHTSA recalls on record, including four separate roof/pillar panel bond recalls (18V177000, 18V683000, 21V197000, 23V854000), five airbag recalls, five power steering campaigns, two backup camera recalls, and multiple fuel system and lighting actions. Owners should check nhtsa.gov to confirm all open recalls on their specific VIN are complete.
Owners report the GLC300's 9G-Tronic 725.0 automatic transmission spontaneously shifting to neutral at highway speed, particularly when the transmission oil temperature exceeds ~103°C after extended driving. NHTSA complaint filings describe fault code P073E ('reverse gear cannot be engaged') and valve body failures requiring replacement. If your dealer 'cannot duplicate' the issue, document each occurrence with date, mileage, temperature, and driving conditions — each documented visit counts toward a potential Song-Beverly claim. TCM reprogramming is the first-step remedy; if the neutral slip recurs, valve body replacement is typically required.
Yes — NHTSA complaint filings document dozens of GLC X253 owners (2016-2019 model years) reporting the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering or exploding at highway speed with no external impact. Dealers frequently attribute the damage to a stone chip and deny warranty coverage. If your sunroof shattered without any visible projectile impact, photograph the glass pattern before cleanup, file an NHTSA complaint at nhtsa.gov, and consult a lemon-law attorney. Separately, MBUSA issued four recalls (18V177000, 18V683000, 21V197000, 23V854000) for roof panel bond failures — a related but distinct structural defect.
Code P052E (or P052E71) on a 2016-2022 GLC300 indicates a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure in the M274/M264 2.0L turbo engine. MBUSA extended warranty coverage for this component to 15 years / 150,000 miles after widespread owner complaints. The repair requires approximately 6 hours of labor. If you paid out of pocket before the extended warranty was announced, contact MBUSA customer care to request reimbursement. If the code returns after the valve is replaced — which NHTSA complainants describe happening within 20,000 miles — the repeat failure may support a California lemon-law claim.
Whether a specific GLC qualifies as a lemon under California's Song-Beverly Act depends on the individual vehicle's repair history. The GLC X253 has 38 NHTSA recalls, documented transmission neutral-slip complaints, a widespread PCV valve defect (MBUSA extended the warranty to 15yr/150k), four roof structural recalls, and chronic brake squeal complaints dismissed by dealers as normal. Under Song-Beverly (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.22), if the same defect has been repaired four or more times, or the vehicle was out of service 30+ cumulative days for warranty repairs, a presumption of lemon status may apply. Consult a California lemon-law attorney to evaluate your specific repair orders and warranty history.
Chronic brake squeal — especially when backing out of a garage in the morning or in cold weather — is one of the most widely reported complaints on the 2016-2022 GLC300. NHTSA records from 2016 alone contain 20+ separate service-brake complaint filings describing the same pattern. MBUSA has told multiple dealers the condition is 'within specification,' meaning dealers often refuse warranty repairs. However, a defect that a manufacturer simply declares normal — especially one that causes alarm to the driver and was present within weeks of purchase — does not automatically preclude a lemon-law claim. If you have returned three or more times for the same brake noise complaint without a permanent resolution, that repair history is worth reviewing with a California lemon-law attorney.
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