Mercedes-Benz GLC common problems & buying guide (X253/C253 2015–2022, X254/C254 2022–on)

Written by the C4R team from DVSA data and owner reports. Fact-checked 2026-10-08.

The 30-second verdict

A used GLC can be an appealing family SUV, but the first generation needs a careful test drive rather than a quick look round. On X253 and C253 cars, listen and feel for front-tyre skipping at full lock, make sure the automatic is smooth from cold, test every electrical feature and check a diesel's DPF history. Cars with optional AIR BODY CONTROL add air springs, a compressor and level-control hardware to the inspection list. The X254/C254 is still too new for confident long-term conclusions, although its recall record makes a registration and VIN check important.

Condition and evidence count for more than specification. Look for a complete digital service history, four closely matched quality tyres and invoices showing that faults were diagnosed rather than parts changed by guesswork. Diesel, PHEV, AMG and air-suspended examples justify an inspection by a Mercedes specialist before money changes hands.

Generations at a glance

Generation	UK period	Body styles	Main UK powertrains	Buyer note
X253 / C253	2015–2022; Coupé from 2016	SUV and Coupé	Early 220d/250d 2.1 diesels, 350d V6 diesel, 250/300 petrols, 350e then 300e/300de PHEVs, AMG 43/63	The 2019 facelift introduced OM654 2.0 diesels, MBUX and revised petrol and plug-in choices. RAC 2015–2018 guide · RAC 2019–2022 guide
X254 / C254	2022–on; Coupé from 2023	SUV and Coupé	220d/300d diesels, 300 petrol mild hybrid, 300e/300de PHEVs and AMG versions	Used examples have had less time and mileage to reveal age-related patterns. Auto Express Mk2 guide

Known issues

These are reported used-car issues, not recall claims. Each item is supported by at least two independent reputable sources. The sources establish useful inspection points; they do not prove that every car will develop the fault.

1. Front tyres skip or judder on tight turns — X253/C253

What you notice: an outside front tyre hops, scrubs or clonks during a slow, full-lock manoeuvre, sometimes with uneven shoulder wear.
What the evidence supports: this is most often reported on right-hand-drive first-generation cars. Large wheels and tyre choice can make it more noticeable. The published reports discuss steering geometry and tyres, but they do not establish one remedy for every car.
Check when buying: with the car cold, make several very slow full-lock turns in each direction on a dry surface. Examine both front shoulders and confirm that all four tyres are the same size and preferably the same make and pattern, with similar tread depths.
Next step: have wheel alignment, suspension, steering and tyre specification checked before agreeing to replacement parts.
Sources: What Car? reliability review · Auto Express Mk1 buying guide · RAC 2015–2018 used review · Auto Express long-term test

2. DPF trouble on diesel X253/C253 models

What you notice: a DPF or engine warning, poor running, frequent regeneration or reduced power.
What the evidence supports: What Car? records DPF problems in owner reliability feedback, while Parkers highlights cars used mainly for short journeys as a particular risk. That does not identify the cause on an individual car.
Check when buying: inspect the service and repair history for repeated emissions work, scan the car with Mercedes-capable equipment and ask how it has been used. A diesel that rarely completes a fully warm run is a poor match for repeated short trips.
Next step: use fault codes and live data to distinguish loading caused by use from a failed sensor, wiring fault or another engine problem before authorising cleaning or replacement.
Sources: What Car? reliability review · Parkers GLC review

3. Jerky automatic changes and occasional gearbox failures — X253/C253

What you notice: a delay when selecting Drive or Reverse, a low-speed shunt, an unusually harsh change, flare between ratios, vibration or a gearbox warning.
What the evidence supports: What Car? reports jerky changes and occasional failures; RAC records isolated owner experiences. This is not evidence of one universal 9G-TRONIC defect, so the diagnosis may involve software, fluid condition, wiring, mounts, driveline components or the transmission itself.
Check when buying: start from cold, select D and R more than once, crawl in traffic and use both light and firm acceleration. Review invoices for relevant servicing and prior diagnosis.
Next step: request a Mercedes-capable scan and a specialist road test rather than assuming that a fluid change will cure every symptom.
Sources: What Car? reliability review · RAC 2015–2018 used review · RAC 2019–2022 used review

4. Electrical, sensor and infotainment faults

What you notice: repeated warning messages, frozen or restarting displays, failed parking aids or cameras, intermittent sensors, or convenience equipment that stops working.
What the evidence supports: X253 reliability material identifies sensors, infotainment and electrical warnings; What Car?'s survey categories also include 12V-battery and electrical faults. Consumer Reports contains display and voice-control complaints for the newer generation, but the X254/C254 has not yet accumulated the same age or exposure.
Check when buying: test both keys, every screen, phone pairing, cameras, parking sensors, powered seats and tailgate, climate control and driver-assistance features. A whole-vehicle module scan is more useful than an engine-only code reader.
Next step: begin with battery condition and fault-code history. Low voltage can produce several secondary warnings, but it should not be used to dismiss persistent faults without testing.
Sources: What Car? X253 reliability review · What Car? large-SUV reliability survey · Consumer Reports 2024 GLC reliability · What Car? X254 reliability review

5. AIR BODY CONTROL warnings or loss of ride height — equipped X253/C253 cars

What you notice: the car leans or drops at one corner, a suspension warning appears, height adjustment does not work, or the compressor runs unusually often.
What the evidence supports: Parkers recommends checking that an air-suspended car operates smoothly and sits level. A Mercedes technical bulletin for model series 253 with option code 489 documents AIRMATIC warnings, an inoperative compressor, a blown fuse and incorrect ride height caused by moisture freezing in the compressor. That bulletin describes a defined diagnostic case, not every possible air-suspension fault.
Check when buying: confirm from the datacard that air suspension is fitted, operate all height settings, listen for prolonged compressor activity and inspect the stance after the car has been parked for several hours.
Next step: leak and pressure testing plus Mercedes-capable diagnostics should precede compressor replacement.
Sources: Parkers GLC review · Mercedes-Benz technical bulletin LI32.33-P-070817 hosted by NHTSA

6. Brake squeal on early X253/C253 cars

What you notice: a pronounced squeal at low speed, sometimes most obvious while reversing.
What the evidence supports: Auto Express and Parkers both identify brake noise on early examples; Consumer Reports also records owner complaints. The evidence supports noise as a buying check, not a blanket claim that every GLC wears out pads or discs prematurely.
Check when buying: brake gently and firmly at different speeds and include a reverse manoeuvre. Inspect both faces of each disc and judge wear by measurement rather than noise alone.
Next step: ask a competent workshop to inspect friction material, disc condition, run-out and contamination before ordering parts.
Sources: Auto Express Mk1 buying guide · Parkers GLC review · Consumer Reports 2018 GLC reliability

MOT watch-points

No model-level pass rate or defect ranking is quoted here because no audited GLC-specific MOT analysis was supplied for this guide. Use the MOT history of the exact registration and inspect the car itself. Useful checks include:

front and inner tyre shoulders, tyre matching and four-wheel alignment;
suspension joints and bushes, plus ride height on cars with air suspension;
brake condition and imbalance;
engine, emissions, restraint, ABS/ESP and suspension warning lamps;
diesel smoke and emissions history; and
windscreen damage and exterior-light operation.

Check the registration's history at GOV.UK — Check MOT history. DVSA's underlying anonymised dataset is available at data.gov.uk.

Confirmed recalls — DVSA data

The following campaigns were included only after programmatic exact-row matching against /root/c4r-ops/data/dvsa/RecallsFile.csv, using rows whose Model field is exactly GLC or GLC COUPE. The file contains 72 matching rows and 71 unique recall references; R/2023/223 has two separate GLC build windows. Dates below are launch dates and build dates from that CSV, not registration years. Blank build dates are stated as unavailable rather than inferred. Some CSV build windows pre-date the UK GLC launch because campaigns cover wider manufacturer populations; only a VIN check can establish whether an individual car is affected.

Always enter the registration at the GOV.UK recall checker and ask a Mercedes retailer to check the VIN for completed and outstanding work.

Steering and steering-column campaigns

R/2017/282 (18 December 2017), R/2018/055 and R/2018/069 (both 9 April 2018), R/2018/098 (11 May 2018), R/2018/130 (11 June 2018) — steering/clock-spring earthing could be inadequate, with warnings and a risk of unintended driver-airbag deployment. Remedy: add the specified earthing/contact provision. CSV build scope: 1 November 2011–31 July 2017, except R/2018/055 ends 1 July 2017.
R/2019/043 (3 May 2019) — an electric power-steering internal sensor might be out of specification; replace the steering unit. Build scope: 1 July–31 August 2018.
R/2020/333 (2 December 2020) — steering-control-unit wiring harness may be out of specification; inspect and replace if required. Build scope: 12 December 2019–18 March 2020.
R/2023/023 (20 February 2023) — aluminium steering-gear mounting bolts could corrode and break after moisture ingress; fit steel bolts and replace the steering gear if bolts have failed. Build scope: 11 May 2015–11 January 2017.
R/2025/333 (8 September 2025) — steering-coupling bolting may not meet specification; rework the bolting. Build scope: 28 October 2022–22 July 2025.

Airbags, seatbelts and crash-protection campaigns

R/2017/147 (4 September 2017) and R/2018/010 (6 February 2018) — front-seatbelt pretensioner igniters might not perform as intended; replace the affected front seatbelts. Build scope for both: 1 April 2016–31 March 2017.
R/2017/253 (26 October 2017) — the right-front seatbelt pretensioner might not conform to specification and could operate incorrectly in a crash; replace it. Build scope: 1 April 2016–31 March 2017.
R/2018/121 (1 June 2018) — occupant-classification connector pins could deactivate the passenger airbag; replace the pins. CSV build dates unavailable.
R/2018/168 (14 August 2018) — driver-airbag gas-generator housing material could fail during deployment; replace the driver airbag. Build scope: 1 January–30 March 2018.
R/2019/007 (8 March 2019) — centre-console passenger-airbag status could be shown incorrectly; update head-unit software. Build scope: 1 August 2017–31 October 2018.
R/2019/337 (5 November 2019) — driver-airbag locknuts might be missing; inspect and replace the airbag if needed. Build scope: 9 August 2018–17 September 2019.
R/2019/372 (3 August 2020) — front seatbelt buckles could report a correctly fastened belt as unfastened and impair the restraint system; inspect and replace as needed. Build scope: 2 June–31 October 2018.
R/2020/197 (21 August 2020) — left-rear seat-back lock might not meet specification; replace it. Build scope: 24 January–9 March 2020.
R/2021/286 (9 September 2021) — side-crash-sensor electrical connector locking could be defective; inspect sensors and replace if needed. Build scope: 4 August–3 September 2020.
R/2022/276 (18 October 2022) — a window-airbag support might not have been installed correctly; inspect and rework it. Build scope: 1 September 2022 only.
R/2022/296 (18 October 2022) — an incorrectly installed B-pillar acoustic pad could damage the wiring harness. Remove the pads, check the seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary. Build scope: 1 September 2022 only.

Emergency-call, communications and control-software campaigns

R/2020/236 (6 October 2020) — eCall software did not meet specification; update the communication module. Build scope: 1 March 2017–30 September 2018.
R/2021/082 (30 March 2021) — communication module might be deactivated; check configuration and activate if necessary. Build scope: 3 May 2016–2 July 2020.
R/2021/083 (30 March 2021) — communication-module software might not meet specification; update it. Build scope: 3 February 2017–11 March 2020.
R/2021/128, R/2021/129, R/2021/131, R/2021/132, R/2021/133 and R/2021/134 (all 5 May 2021); R/2021/111 (10 May 2021); R/2021/120 (11 May 2021); R/2021/110 (13 May 2021); R/2021/376 (29 November 2021); R/2021/106, R/2021/107 and R/2021/130 (all 1 December 2021) — separate eCall campaign populations in the CSV for emergency-call behaviour that might not meet specification; update communication-module software. Each gives the same build scope: 4 January 2016–29 January 2021.
R/2017/124 (19 April 2017) — incorrect workshop coding could cause control units to behave outside specification; update the affected control units. CSV build scope: 1 January 2004–31 March 2017.
R/2020/239 (9 October 2020) — ESP-control-unit software might not meet specification; update it. Build scope: 25 April 2018–7 October 2019.

Engine, fuel, cooling, emissions and driveline campaigns

R/2017/096 (20 June 2017) — repeated starting attempts after engine seizure could overheat the starting-current limiter and create a fire risk; install an additional starter-circuit fuse. Build scope: 1 February 2014–28 February 2017.
R/2018/266 (19 October 2018) — diesel engine-management calibrations required an emissions update and handbook supplement. Build scope: 1 December 2013–31 May 2018.
R/2019/253 (6 September 2019) — crankshaft surface damage could reduce durability; replace the engine. Build scope: 1 February–31 March 2019.
R/2020/098 (16 July 2020) — an incorrect starter harness and exhaust-system holder could be fitted; replace both. Build scope: 12 April–7 July 2019.
R/2020/243 (6 October 2020) — emissions-related control-unit software required updating and NOx sensors could require replacement. Build scope: 8 November 2011–31 May 2018.
R/2020/277 (27 October 2020) — an internal engine-control-unit electrical contact might be out of specification; replace the ECU. Build scope: 11 December 2019–9 January 2020.
R/2021/027 (9 March 2021) — starter power-supply screw connection might be incorrect; inspect and correct it. Build scope: 31 January 2018–14 January 2020.
R/2021/304 (23 September 2021) — belt-tensioner arm tolerance could be wrong; replace the tensioner and inspect/replace the ribbed belt. Build scope: 9 January 2019–17 March 2021.
R/2021/438 (21 January 2022) — on diesel cars, the vacuum-controlled coolant pump could leak between the vacuum and coolant circuits; update software and replace the electrical switch valve. Build scope: 4 April 2017–12 October 2021.
R/2021/446 (13 January 2022) — four-cylinder diesel crankshaft might not meet specification; replace the engine. Build scope: 10 August–9 December 2020.
R/2022/061 (24 March 2022) — a particle in the fuel rail could cause a rail-to-injector fuel leak; replace the rail and injectors. Build scope: 17 July 2018–12 September 2019.
R/2022/238 (16 August 2022) — transmission wiring-harness routing might be wrong; inspect and replace if necessary. Build scope: 27 May 2019–4 June 2021.
R/2023/223 (29 August 2023; two GLC CSV rows) — fuel-pump impeller could deform; replace the fuel-pump module. Build scopes: 9 August 2021–21 December 2022 and 28 October–20 December 2022.
R/2023/226 (3 November 2023) — transmission wiring harness could be the wrong length; inspect routing and rework if needed. Build scope: 24 June–1 September 2022.
R/2024/013 (30 January 2024) — high-pressure fuel-pump bolting might be wrong; replace the pump. Build scope: 25 April 2023 only.
R/2024/474 (4 December 2024) — M264 engine software might not detect misfire correctly; update ECU software. Build scope: 15 February 2021–2 April 2023.
R/2026/148 (21 September 2026) — on certain 4MATIC X253-platform GLCs, increased universal-joint wear could occur; inspect the drive shaft and replace if necessary. Build scope: 22 December 2017–20 March 2019.

High-voltage, hybrid and electrical-supply campaigns

R/2020/225 (25 August 2020) — the CSV defect and remedy identify a high-voltage battery overheating/fire risk; affected vehicles were not to be externally charged and were to be driven only in the default Auto EV mode while the campaign applied. Build scope: 7 June 2018–13 March 2020. The CSV concern field instead refers to missing documentation for turbocharger oil-feed and return-line installation. Those source fields conflict, so this guide does not try to reconcile them; check the exact VIN campaign with Mercedes.
R/2020/334 (2 December 2020) — high-voltage wiring-harness shielding might not withstand induced electrical loads; replace the harness. Build scope: 15 January 2018–29 February 2020.
R/2021/121 (7 May 2021) — gas-line connections for the inertisation system might be wrong; inspect and rework. Build scope: 12 April 2016–3 November 2020.
R/2022/048 (25 May 2022) — certain Mode 2 household-socket charging cables might not meet specification; inspect and replace if needed. Build scope: 12 August–29 September 2021.
R/2024/130 (25 March 2024) — certain 80A fuses might not meet requirements; replace the relevant main fuse boxes. Build scope: 2 March–5 October 2023.
R/2025/124 (3 April 2025) — on hybrid X254-platform GLCs, the high-voltage starter-generator control-unit processor could overload; update its software. Build scope: 31 May 2023–22 November 2024.

Body, glazing, roof and other campaigns

R/2017/315 (27 November 2017) — panoramic-roof front and side plastic covers could detach because of inadequate bonding; inspect and rebond. CSV build dates unavailable.
R/2018/046 (21 February 2018, model field GLC COUPE) — lower windscreen bonding might be inadequate and could affect passenger-airbag performance in a collision; inspect and replace the windscreen if necessary. CSV build dates unavailable.
R/2021/274 (20 August 2021) — a panoramic-roof polycarbonate panel might have been bonded incorrectly during an earlier service repair; remove and replace if required. Build scope: 30 July 2013–29 October 2019.
R/2023/143 (27 July 2023) — wheel and brake-bleed bolts might not have been tightened correctly; inspect and torque them. Build scope: 16–20 March 2023.
R/2023/162 (21 June 2023) — accelerator-area footwell cover might not be adequately stabilised; rework it. Build scope: 27 June 2022–1 March 2023.
R/2023/291 (10 November 2023) — the front crossmember towing-device socket might not meet specification; inspect and replace the front crossmember if needed. Build scope: 4 July 2022–20 December 2023.
R/2023/328 (15 December 2023) — front, rear and fixed-side window bonding might be inadequate; replace the windows. Build scope: 12–21 September 2023.
R/2024/024 (7 February 2024) — a panel between the windscreen and panoramic roof might have been bonded incorrectly during a prior repair; inspect and replace if necessary. Build scope: 16 October 2015–20 April 2017.
R/2025/216 (1 July 2025) — bonding of the forward camera and/or interior mirror to the windscreen might be inadequate; replace the windscreen. Build scope: 12–14 February 2025.

Recall interpretation: “Vehicle Numbers” in the source CSV relates to the wider campaign row and must not be presented as the number of used GLCs currently affected. Completion status is VIN-specific. Official campaigns are distinct from the owner-reported issues in the previous section.

Buying one? Our checklist

Match the VIN on the car, V5C and service record; obtain the digital history and itemised invoices.
Check the registration on GOV.UK, then ask a Mercedes retailer to check the VIN for completed and open campaigns.
Arrange a genuinely cold start and investigate smoke, warning lamps, fluid loss, fuel smells or abnormal mechanical noise.
Scan every control module before and after the drive with Mercedes-capable equipment.
For a diesel, inspect DPF data and make sure the previous use pattern suits its emissions system.
For a PHEV, test charging, inspect the cables and port, and obtain a high-voltage battery assessment.
Test the automatic from cold in reverse, slow traffic and open-road acceleration.
Make full-lock turns in both directions and inspect all four tyres for matching specification and even wear.
On AIR BODY CONTROL cars, operate the height settings and recheck the stance after the car has stood.
Test every screen, camera, sensor, key, seat, window, mirror, light, climate-control function and driver aid.
Price tyres, brakes and routine servicing for the exact wheel size, engine and derivative before leaving a deposit.
Commission an independent Mercedes-specialist inspection for any car whose history or behaviour is unclear.

Related checks and fault codes

P2002 (DPF efficiency) · P2463 (DPF soot accumulation) · P0562 (low system voltage) · P0700 (transmission control request)

Sources & further reading

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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