Mercedes-Benz GLC / GLK known issues by generation

Chassis:

X204 (GLK 350, GLK 250 BlueTEC)

Years:

2010–2015

Engine:

All

The GLK shares its electronic steering lock with the W204 C-Class. When the lock's motor or electronics fail, the car cannot confirm the steering column is released and will not start, even though the key turns. The problem often begins intermittently before becoming permanent. Dealers replace the lock unit and program it to the vehicle. Independent shops sometimes fit emulators that bypass the lock, an approach dealers do not perform and which leaves the column permanently unlocked. No US recall covers this part.

Sources: [8]

Chassis:

X204 (GLK 350)

Years:

2010

Engine:

All

About 128,000 vehicles, the 2008–2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK 350, were recalled because a manufacturing error could let the airbag control unit corrode and malfunction. A malfunctioning control unit may not deploy the airbags correctly in a crash. Dealers inspect the unit and replace it as needed. The GLK and C-Class of these years were also part of several Takata passenger-airbag campaigns (16V-363, 17V-017, 18V-043, 19V-010), so a full recall check is important.

Sources: [1]

Chassis:

X204 (GLK 250 BlueTEC)

Years:

2013–2015

Engine:

OM651 2.1L four-cylinder diesel

The GLK 250 BlueTEC is named in the 2020 EPA/CARB settlement with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz USA over undisclosed emissions software in about 250,000 US diesels from 2009–2016. Affected vehicles get an approved emissions modification, a software update plus new NOx sensing hardware, and an extended warranty on the affected parts. Separately, 2014–2015 GLK 250 BlueTEC models were part of a 2014 engine recall (14V-762). Buyers should confirm both the settlement modification and recall completion with a dealer.

Sources: [7]

Chassis:

X253 (GLC 300, GLC 350e, AMG GLC 43/63)

Years:

2016–2018

Engine:

All

About 122,000 2016–2018 GLC models were recalled because the latch plates on the rear outboard seat belts could slip back into the interior paneling, leaving rear passengers unable to buckle up. Dealers install a buffer on the C-pillar trim to stop the latch retracting. A follow-up campaign (18V-683) covered additional vehicles. It is easy to check during a walk-around by pulling each rear belt out and buckling it. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer regardless of the vehicle's age or ownership history, and the NHTSA recall lookup shows whether the campaign is still open on a specific VIN.

Sources: [3]

Chassis:

X253 (GLC 300, AMG GLC 43)

Years:

2017–2018

Engine:

All

About 9,400 2017–2018 GLC 300 and AMG GLC 43 models were recalled because the front and side plastic panels of the fixed panoramic sunroof might not be bonded well enough and could separate while driving, creating a road hazard. Dealers inspect the bonding and correct it as needed. Separately, campaign 21V-197 addressed front roof panels that were not properly bonded during earlier repairs on panoramic-roof GLC, C-Class and other models.

Sources: [2][4]

Chassis:

X254 (GLC 300, GLC 350e, AMG GLC 43/63 S E)

Years:

2023–2025

Engine:

All

About 93,000 2023–2025 GLC models with a panoramic sunroof were recalled for failing the federal interior head-impact standard (FMVSS 201). In certain crashes where a rear occupant's head strikes the C-pillar, the pillar trim may not absorb enough energy. Dealers modify the roof lining and C-pillar trim. Some 2023–2024 GLCs are also in a 2026 driver door-lock micro-switch campaign (26V-481), so check the VIN for both. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer regardless of the vehicle's age or ownership history, and the NHTSA recall lookup shows whether the campaign is still open on a specific VIN.

Sources: [5][6]