The Lemon Index

All cars · Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC is so far about average by owner complaints: 64 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 106, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 22 to 28 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is 2011.

Early read

106Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: about average.

Best year 2011 · Worst year 2016

Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC
Photo shows a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC. Vauxford, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints64first 3 years
Fuel economy22–28 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash testnot ratedNHTSA

How serious. Out of 64 owner complaints, owners reported:

2crashes
3injuries
0fires
3tows
Early read. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

electrical47%
engine23%
lights16%
automatic emergency braking14%
lane assist11%

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.

Transmission problems in every Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 10K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 12K miles on the car (7 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

Recalls 10

  • latches/locks/linkages 2026

    Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.

  • steering 2025

    Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.

  • lights 2025

    The headlights are missing adjustment prevention caps, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted.

Show all 10 recalls
  • body structure 2025

    In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant's head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact.

  • electrical 2025

    An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.

  • seats 2024

    The driver's and front passenger seat rail may have been incorrectly attached to the vehicle body.

  • body structure 2024

    Certain dashboard area bolts may have been insufficiently tightened, potentially causing improper air bag deployment or parts separation during a crash.

  • electrical 2024

    The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.

  • fuel system, gasoline 2023

    Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.

  • fuel system, gasoline 2023

    Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle 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.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about

Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 347 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • Check engine lamp activated, coolant warning message, and engine fan running at full speed
  • Wheezing noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and rough…
  • The steering wheel generates grinding noises between the steering wheel and steering column…

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Government investigations

  • ClosedMalfunction indicator light / no-start2023–2024

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Fuel cost and engines

About $2850–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.

In owners' words

Check engine light on, according to Mercedes Benz problem related to 48 V mild hybrid,I took twice car to the dealership ,they can’t reset check engine lights GLC 300 2023 With 3500 miles

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owner · NHTSA complaint 11568277
More owner reports

Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash

NHTSA complaint 11614976

Vehicle would not start, indicator displayed check owners manual, battery low. Vehicle towed to dealer

NHTSA complaint 11585120

Quick answers

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 106; 100 is average). The best Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year by this measure is 2011.

What are the most common 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (47%), engine (23%) and lights (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?

10 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC get?

22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.

How much does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC cost in fuel a year?

About $2850 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC have?

2.0L 4-cyl.

What Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC year is better than the 2023?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data