The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is better than average by owner complaints: 35 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 83, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 16 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 76 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2020 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 36K 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 16
- lights 2024
The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic.
- 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.
Show all 16 recalls
- back over prevention 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- airbags 2021
The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
- back over prevention 2021
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.
- 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.
- steering 2020
The power steering control unit wiring harness may have been damaged during the production process, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist or an electrical short-circuit.
- engine 2020
The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
- seats 2020
The left-rear seatback latch may not be strong enough to withstand certain loads.
- communication 2020
An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
- airbags 2019
The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.
- automatic emergency braking 2019
An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of 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 242 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The steering wheel generates grinding noises between the steering wheel and steering column…
- Noises in the steering column area when steering
- 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
- 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
When using engine start/stop function, over the course of 3 days after picking up the car, when at a light, the car did not start back up.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11373040
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 83; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), backup camera (14%) and brakes (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
16 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
24 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,800 and 36,900 miles. The middle report was at 20,800 miles, from 22 complaints.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2020?
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