The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 5 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 16, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 18 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 167 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 25K to 76K miles on the car (22 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 63 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural…
- Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming
- Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While parking my car in a garage, it accelerated. Upon applying the brakes, it speeded up causing me to crash into a concrete barrier. Air bag did not deploy.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 10810779
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 6.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 16; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (40%), tires (20%) and seats (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 76,200 miles. The middle report was at 44,600 miles, from 22 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?
About $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works