The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is better than average by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 72, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 23 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 75 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year. 2021 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 7K to 56K miles on the car (15 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- lights 2024
The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic.
- fuel system, gasoline 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 7 recalls
- 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.
- 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.
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 231 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
- Wheezing noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and rough…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle has a known engine failure. Leaking valve in Cylinder head. Cylinder 3 injector is faulty
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11618196
More owner reports
While drive check engine light came on and car would go past 20 miles per hour. This is the second occurrence. First time this occurred October 2023 and covered under warranty. Head Gasket blew.
NHTSA complaint 11622148
Quick answers
Is the 2021 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 72; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), fuel or ev drive system (19%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
7 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?
23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2021?
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