The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is worse than average by owner complaints: 72 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 151, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 24 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is 2011.
Worse than average. 1.5× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2011
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 141 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2016 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 4K to 32K miles on the car (67 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 2K–8K miles
Recalls 12
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
Show all 12 recalls
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- body structure 2018
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.
- body structure 2018
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.
- lights 2017
These vehicles may have misadjusted headlights, possibly resulting in the low beam headlights insufficiently illuminating the roadway.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- electrical 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- electrical 2017
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.
- stability control 2016
The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.
- electrical 2016
The steering columns in the affected vehicles may have the wiring harness for the switch module incorrectly routed.
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 194 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Failure of stereo multifunction camera
- Brake squeal on front axle at low temperatures
- Brake squeal from front axle at low temperatures
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
- ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Since we purchased this car in december 2015, we have had a Series of electrical and engine problems that do not seem to fixable by the dealer. The car was serviced (3 years or 30,000 miles)
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11266350
More owner reports
Screeching brakes when car is put in reverse. Typically occurs in cold weather. Mercedes said they are aware of the issue but no fix is available. Mercedes says occurs when vehicle has approximately 20k miles on them.
NHTSA complaint 10936411
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 151; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (35%), engine (26%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
12 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,000 and 32,900 miles. The middle report was at 12,000 miles, from 67 complaints.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2016?
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