Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC
How the Mercedes BENZ E Class and Mercedes BENZ GLC compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC: The E-Class averages 40.7 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the GLC averages 128.8 complaints per year and has 3 recalls. Both show engine and electrical issues, but the GLC also reports fires and power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ E Class or Mercedes BENZ GLC more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury sedan that averages about 41 complaints per year over the last decade, with no recalls on record. Owners most often report electrical glitches, engine problems, and power train issues, including sudden power loss and warning lights. Some complaints describe serious safety concerns like stalling in traffic, but the overall complaint rate is lower than the GLC's. For a used buyer, this suggests a car that may have fewer reported problems but still requires attention to electrical and engine systems.
Mercedes BENZ GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact SUV with a much higher complaint rate—about 129 per year—and three recalls covering electrical, roof, and steering components. Engine and electrical problems dominate owner reports, with symptoms like shaking, misfires, and headlight failures. There are also reports of fires, shattering windows, and sudden power loss, plus two deaths recorded. This points to a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a thorough service history before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ E Class | Mercedes BENZ GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 407 Better | 1,288 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 3 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 64 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 128.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 64 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 2 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM86
- 02ENGINE85
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER69
- 04POWER TRAIN43
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
Owners report warning messages like a 'positive short circuit' in the EVAP system and instances where the car shuts off while waiting at a light. These glitches can leave you stranded or cause dangerous situations in traffic.
Complaints include violent shaking, loss of power, and engine and oil lights coming on, often traced to premature wear in the cylinder head of 2.0L turbo engines. This can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Reports describe sudden loss of power and misfires linked to cylinder head issues, which can cause the car to stall or hesitate. Buyers should test-drive thoroughly and check for any transmission or engine hesitation.
Several owners report the trunk lid closing unexpectedly and causing injuries, suggesting a problem with the automatic closure system. This is a physical safety risk that is easy to overlook during a quick inspection.
“My 2023 Mercedes 450E car was purchased on June 11, 2023 and has 1,750 miles. On 2 to 3 different occasions, I was stopped at a light waiting to make a left turn, fortunately my light was red and not a green permitting turning, which would have meant I would…”
“Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in…”
Mercedes BENZ GLC
- 01ENGINE381
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM271
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER236
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM116
- 05POWER TRAIN104
Owners frequently report check engine lights, shaking, and rough running due to engine misfires, often around 65,000 miles. These symptoms can indicate costly internal engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Complaints include moisture inside headlights causing them to fail completely, and some vehicles not covered by a recall still experience the same defect. This can reduce visibility and lead to unexpected repair bills.
Reports include the vehicle catching fire while driving and rear windows shattering without impact. These are severe safety events that raise concerns about manufacturing defects.
Owners describe sudden drops into 'limp home mode' and loss of power while driving, creating dangerous speed differences with traffic. This can happen at low speeds or on inclines, leaving you vulnerable.
“While driving my vehicle on March 3, 2025 the check engine light came on. Additionally my vehicle began to shake. I was scheduled for a service appointment on March 5, 2025 and told the service department the check engine light need to be addressed. Upon insp…”
“Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLC 300 Engine: M264 Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 65,000 miles Complaint Description: While driving, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 began experiencing repeated engine misfires and rough ru…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
No recalls on record.
Mercedes BENZ GLC — 3 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Ve…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant's head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may n…
The risk: In the event of a crash, insufficient impact protection can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will modify the roof lining and C-pillar trim, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack.
The risk: A loose steering coupling can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering coupling bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ E Class or Mercedes BENZ GLC: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 41) compared to the GLC (about 129), and no recalls versus three for the GLC. In practice, this means the E-Class may have a lower reported rate of problems, but both models have serious owner complaints that require a careful pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The GLC has about three times as many complaints per year as the E-Class (129 vs. 41), with engine and electrical issues being the most common.
- The GLC has three recalls on record (electrical, roof, steering), while the E-Class has none, though the E-Class still has many electrical complaints.
- GLC owners report severe events like fires and shattering windows, while E-Class complaints include trunk lid injuries and sudden power loss.
- Both models share engine misfire and power loss complaints, but the GLC's higher volume and two deaths make it a higher-risk used purchase.
- Check for any history of electrical faults, especially warning lights or messages about EVAP or short circuits, and test all electronics thoroughly.
- Listen for engine shaking or hesitation during a test drive, and ask for records of any cylinder head or engine work, as premature wear is reported.
- Inspect headlights for moisture or condensation, as this can lead to complete failure and may not be covered by recall.
- Test drive at various speeds and on inclines to check for sudden loss of power or 'limp home mode,' and scan for stored engine misfire codes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm whether any open recalls apply, especially for the GLC.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, electrical, and transmission systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any shaking, warning lights, or power loss, and test all electrical features including lights and trunk.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any engine or electrical repairs, and check for signs of water damage in headlights or interior.
- Verify the model year and engine type (e.g., 2.0L turbo) and research known issues for that specific configuration.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ E Class | Mercedes BENZ GLC |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 9 |
| 2025 | 0 | 44 |
| 2024 | 25 | 31 |
| 2023 | 24 | 121 |
| 2022 | 22 | 124 |
| 2021 | 20 | 66 |
| 2020 | 21 | 231 |
| 2019 | 54 | 138 |
| 2018 | 68 | 294 |
| 2017 | 167 | 230 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ E Class or Mercedes BENZ GLC in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total complaints
- 407
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
- 1,288
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total recalls
- 0
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
- 3
- Mercedes BENZ E Class avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
- 128.8
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ E Class
- Mercedes BENZ E Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
- ENGINE