Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLC Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ GLC Class and FORD F 150 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 GLC Class vs FORD F 150: The GLC averages 55.6 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have reported engine and electrical issues, but the F-150's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLC Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLC Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is a luxury compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 56 complaints per year, with no recalls on record. The most common issues involve the engine and electrical system, including reports of sudden stalls, unusual engine noises, and electronic parking brake problems. While many owners may have trouble-free experiences, the data suggests that some face persistent and potentially serious faults.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 1,160 complaints per year and 151 recalls over 10 years. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners report issues like transmission problems, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches that can lead to limp mode or other drivability concerns. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates that this is a vehicle that requires diligent maintenance and awareness of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLC Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 556 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 GLC Class
- 01ENGINE171
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM111
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER99
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM57
- 05POWER TRAIN43
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, as well as persistent abnormal engine noises that sound like a diesel even in gasoline models. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include complete electrical failures that cause the engine and all systems to shut off, and recurring electronic parking brake faults with warning lights. Such failures can be dangerous if they occur at speed.
Some owners have experienced valve seat failures requiring cylinder head replacement, and others report difficulty getting recall work done. These are serious and expensive repairs that can affect vehicle reliability.
Reports include loss of steering control at highway speeds and unexpected incidents like a car backing out of a garage on its own. These unpredictable events are alarming and could lead to crashes.
“While driving down a busy neighborhood street 2 lanes with cars on both sides making it a 1 lane road pulled over to the side a little to let cars pass. All of a sudden ALL electrical and engine stopped and turned off. Only thing that was powered was instrume…”
“Defect Summary: Since 2024, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has had a persistent, abnormal engine noise consistent with the sound of a 4-cylinder diesel engine, despite being gasoline-powered. The noise occurs both while idling and in motion. On several occasion…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and often require costly repairs.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting the transmission and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical glitches can also cause various warning lights and drivability problems.
There are reports of rear window defroster shorts causing the back window to shatter. This is a safety hazard and can be expensive to fix.
While less common than power train issues, some owners report engine-related problems. Recalls exist for engine concerns, so it's important to check for open recalls.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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 GLC Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GLC Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 56) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), but both have serious reported issues. The GLC's problems tend to be engine and electrical failures, while the F-150's are more often transmission and electrical. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, but the GLC's issues can be just as severe.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 20 times more complaints per year than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, but also has 151 recalls versus none for the GLC.
- Power train issues dominate F-150 complaints, with reports of limp mode and lead frame failures, while the GLC's top complaint is engine-related, including sudden stalls.
- The GLC has no recalls on record, but owners report serious electrical and engine failures; the F-150 has many recalls, including for engine and seat belts.
- Both vehicles have reports of electrical system problems, but the F-150's electrical issues often tie into transmission limp mode, while the GLC's can cause complete shutdowns.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises at idle and during acceleration, as owners report diesel-like sounds in gasoline models.
- Test the electronic parking brake and watch for warning lights, as recurring EPB faults are a common complaint.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode during a test drive, as these are frequent owner complaints.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of shattering or electrical shorts, which have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Ford F-150.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the GLC, test all electronics, including parking brake, infotainment, and lights, and listen for engine noises.
- For the F-150, test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission issues and ensure all recalls are addressed.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if they are unavailable, as both vehicles require regular upkeep.
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 GLC Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 65 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 62 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 66 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 80 | 44 |
| 2019 | 69 | 52 |
| 2018 | 99 | 79 |
| 2017 | 115 | 59 |
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 GLC Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class total complaints
- 556
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class avg complaints/year
- 55.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN