The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 28 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 24 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 95 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2018 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 2K to 38K miles on the car (34 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.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
Show all 12 recalls
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- airbags 2018
The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
- 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 2018
The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet.
- airbags 2018
The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel.
- 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.
- 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.
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 227 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Brake squeal on front axle at low temperatures
- Brake squeal from front axle at low temperatures
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to…
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 $3200–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Breaks continually squeak in reverse on colder mornings at slow speeds. Even if the car warms up for several minutes, the loud squeaking does not stop.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11096619
More owner reports
When I was pulling into a parking spot at a low speed, the car accelerated and lurched forward, hitting a wall, which deployed the airbags. When the car started to accelerate, I hit the brakes but they did not engage.
NHTSA complaint 11349114
While driving on the highway my sunroof suddenly exploded.
NHTSA complaint 11233534
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (21%), body structure (18%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
24 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,200 and 38,200 miles. The middle report was at 10,200 miles, from 34 complaints.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2018?
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