The Lemon IndexThe crankcase ventilation (PCV) system isn't controlling pressure the way it should. Full P052E page
33 owner complaints · the #1 code Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owners name · 72% of Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC complaints that name a code (every car: 1.1%)
2016–2019 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC · most: 2018 (12), 2017 (10), 2016 (7)
Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC owners named P052E in 33 complaints to the U.S. government (NHTSA), most often on the 2018, 2017 and 2016 model years. The part they name most is the PCV valve or oil separator (10 complaints). Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC model years that report P052E
Owner complaints naming P052E, by model year. Raw counts: years that sold more get more complaints, so this is each model year's record, not a failure rate.
What owners say caused it or fixed it
The most-named part is the PCV valve or oil separator, in 10 of the 33 complaints (30%). 1 of those mention it being replaced or repaired.
- PCV valve or oil separator10 complaints1 mentions a repair or replacement
5 complaints mention a recall and 6 mention a warranty.
Counted from the owners' own words: a part counts when a sentence names it with a cause or repair word. What owners wrote, not a diagnosis. A shop should confirm the cause before replacing parts.
Symptoms owners describe with P052E
52% of these complaints say the check engine light came on.
Recalls on these Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC years
- Fuel system, gasoline · 2019 · issued 2021
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak. NHTSA 21V961000
1 recall for the same systems (engine and fuel) on the Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC model years above. A recall for the same system isn't proof it's behind P052E. Recall work is free at any dealer: check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with our VIN check.
Keep going
- P052E: meaning, causes and every car that reports it
- Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC reliability by year
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC problems and recalls
P052E on other cars
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (93) · Mercedes-Benz GLA (13) · Mercedes-Benz CLA (12)
The details
How we count
We read every owner complaint in the NHTSA file whose text names this trouble code, and count the ones filed about this model (matched by the make, model and model year on the complaint). Mileage is what the owner entered on the form.
Parts: a complaint counts for a part when one of the owner's own sentences names that part together with a cause word (failed, bad, diagnosed, caused by, leaking ...) or a repair word (replaced, repaired, new, reprogrammed ...). "Came back" means the same complaint also says the problem returned or the repair didn't fix it. These are counts of what owners wrote, not a diagnosis, and one complaint can name several parts.
Complaints are reports, not proof of a defect, and most owners never file one. Popular models get more complaints, so the counts are not a failure rate. The code meaning is the standard SAE J2012 definition in our own words, or the carmaker's meaning where we verified it for that make.
What P052E means
The crankcase ventilation (PCV) system isn't controlling pressure the way it should.
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
- Failed PCV valve or oil separator
- Cracked PCV hose
- Vacuum leak
Check the complaints yourself
NHTSA complaint numbers (search them at nhtsa.gov): 11651403, 11649075, 11635618, 11630856, 11604980, 11589246, 11580186, 11579834, 11575152, 11574645, 11557373, 11553798 and 21 more.
Quick answers
What does P052E mean on a Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC?
Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. The crankcase ventilation (PCV) system isn't controlling pressure the way it should.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC years have the most P052E complaints?
In complaints to NHTSA, owners of the 2018 (12), 2017 (10), 2016 (7) Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC named P052E most (33 complaints in all, 2016–2019). Raw counts, not a failure rate.
What fixes P052E on a Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC?
Owners most often name the PCV valve or oil separator (10 of 33 complaints). That's what owners wrote, not a diagnosis: have a shop confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
Can I drive my Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC with P052E?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints that name P052E on the Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC, counted by The Lemon Index; NHTSA recalls; repair bills owners named. Meanings: SAE J2012 in our own words. Owner reports, not a diagnosis or repair advice for your car.