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.

Mercedes BENZ E Class391 complaints · 0 recalls
Mercedes BENZ GLC96 complaints · 1 recalls Fewer issues per year

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC: The E-Class has 391 complaints over 10 years (39.1/yr) with engine stalling and power loss, while the GLC has 96 complaints (9.6/yr) with engine misfires and headlight condensation. The GLC is statistically more reliable. 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, with 391 complaints over 10 years (39.1 per year), shows a high volume of issues concentrated in the engine and electrical system. Owners report sudden power loss, starting failures, and electrical glitches that can leave you stranded. The lack of recalls suggests these are not widespread safety defects, but the frequency of complaints indicates a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits.

Mercedes BENZ GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has far fewer complaints (96 over 10 years, 9.6 per year) but still shows notable engine and electrical problems. Owners describe engine misfires, rough running, and headlight condensation that can lead to total failure. One recall for the instrument cluster adds a layer of concern, but overall the GLC appears more reliable than the E-Class in terms of complaint volume.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryMercedes BENZ E ClassMercedes BENZ GLC
Total complaintsAll model years combined39196 Better
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns0 Better1
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints142 Better
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years39.19.6 Better
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints273 Better

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

  1. 01ENGINE83
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
  3. 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER64
  4. 04POWER TRAIN37
  5. 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
What these mean
ENGINE

Owners report sudden loss of power and engine shutdown while driving, as well as starting failures that leave the vehicle inoperable. One complaint describes a 2023 E450 that stalled at a stoplight, risking a collision.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical issues include EVAP system faults and warning lights, but more critically, some owners report the vehicle shutting down or failing to start due to electrical gremlins. A 2023 E450 experienced multiple no-start events.

POWER TRAIN

Complaints include complete loss of drive power at highway speeds, forcing the driver to navigate across lanes with no engine power. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“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…”

“I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my vehicle. For an extended period of time, this vehicle has experienced recurring starting failures. On multiple occasions, the vehicle would not start, requiring service visits to the…”

Mercedes BENZ GLC

  1. 01ENGINE39
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
  3. 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING13
  4. 04POWER TRAIN11
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
What these mean
ENGINE

Engine misfires and rough running are common, with one 2021 GLC 300 experiencing repeated misfires at 65,000 miles. The check engine light often accompanies shaking, indicating potential ignition or fuel system issues.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical problems include headlight condensation that causes complete headlight failure, making night driving dangerous. Owners also report loss of power and warning lights, similar to the E-Class but less frequent.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight condensation is a recurring issue, with moisture inside the housing leading to bulb failure. One owner reported the headlight stopped working entirely, rendering the vehicle unsafe at night.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“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 — 1 recall

Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel
#26V281000Jan 2026

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 are expected to be mailed June 26, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-80…

Buyer analysis

Mercedes BENZ E Class or Mercedes BENZ GLC: which should you buy?

The GLC has significantly fewer complaints per year (9.6 vs 39.1), making it the more reliable choice on paper. However, both vehicles share engine and electrical concerns, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. The E-Class's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering major issues.

Recommendation. If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and fewer reported failures, choose the GLC. If you need a larger sedan and are willing to accept a higher risk of engine or electrical problems, the E-Class may still appeal, but budget for potential repairs.

Key differences

  • The E-Class has over four times the annual complaint rate of the GLC (39.1 vs 9.6 per year).
  • E-Class owners report sudden engine shutdown and power loss at highway speeds, while GLC owners more often cite engine misfires and headlight condensation.
  • The GLC has one recall for the instrument cluster; the E-Class has zero recalls despite more complaints.
  • Both vehicles have engine and electrical issues, but the E-Class's problems are more severe in terms of safety (stalling, loss of power).
Watch on Mercedes BENZ E Class
  • Check for any history of engine stalling or no-start conditions, especially on 2023 models. Test drive to ensure smooth acceleration and no unexpected shutdowns.
  • Inspect the electrical system for warning lights or EVAP codes; ask for service records related to starting issues.
Watch on Mercedes BENZ GLC
  • Look for condensation inside headlight housings; if present, the headlight may fail soon. Test all exterior lights during a test drive.
  • Ask about engine misfire repairs and whether the check engine light has been addressed. A rough idle or shaking during the test drive is a red flag.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls (GLC has one for instrument cluster).
  • Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to detect any loss of power or unusual vibrations.
  • Inspect headlights for moisture or fogging, especially on the GLC.
  • Ask for service records related to engine and electrical complaints; look for repeated visits.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine and electrical systems.

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.

YearMercedes BENZ E ClassMercedes BENZ GLC
202627
202500
20242228
2023230
2022200
20211961
2020200
2019540
2018660
20171650
Years to scrutinize: the 2017 Mercedes BENZ E Class drew the most complaints (165); the 2021 Mercedes BENZ GLC drew the most (61). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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

Mercedes BENZ E Class — full reportMercedes BENZ E Class reliability & problems 391 complaints · all years · NHTSA
Mercedes BENZ GLC — full reportMercedes BENZ GLC reliability & problems 96 complaints · all years · NHTSA
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC — comparison facts
Comparison
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Mercedes BENZ GLC
Mercedes BENZ E Class total complaints
391
Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
96
Mercedes BENZ E Class total recalls
0
Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
1
Mercedes BENZ E Class avg complaints/year
39.1
Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
9.6
More reliable overall
Mercedes BENZ GLC
Mercedes BENZ E Class top complaint area
ENGINE
Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)