The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is better than average by owner complaints: 38 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 74, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 24 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 116 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2017 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 70K miles on the car (47 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
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.
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
Show all 12 recalls
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- 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.
- visibility 2017
The fixed panoramic sun roof frontal and side plastic panels may have insufficient bonding, allowing the panels to separate during vehicle operation.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- steering 2017
The improperly welded pins may lose contact, deactivating the power steering assist and increasing the risk of a crash.
- seat belts 2017
The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly 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.
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 251 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Failure of stereo multifunction camera
- Rattling noises in area of 2-stage turbocharger, OM651
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
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
Vehicle shut off on busy highway. Engine shut off. Electrical/ computer system malfuncitoned. Vehicle would not start back up again
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11143674
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 74; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (32%), electrical (24%) and airbags (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,000 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 26,000 miles, from 47 complaints.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2017?
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