Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLC vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ GLC 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 vs FORD F 150: The GLC averages 128.8 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have reported engine, electrical, and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLC or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV that averages about 129 complaints per year over the past decade, with 3 recalls. Owners frequently report engine misfires, electrical glitches like water in the headlights, and sudden limp mode. While the overall complaint count is lower than the Ford F-150, the issues can be costly and disruptive, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is wise.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages roughly 1,162 complaints per year and has 151 recalls over ten years. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many owners describing transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. These problems can affect drivability and safety, so checking for open recalls and transmission behavior is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLC | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,288 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 64 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 128.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 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 GLC
- 01ENGINE381
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM271
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER236
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM116
- 05POWER TRAIN104
Owners report check engine lights, shaking, and repeated misfires, sometimes around 65,000 miles. These can lead to rough running and expensive repairs if ignored.
Complaints include moisture inside headlight assemblies causing them to stop working, even when the vehicle is not covered by a related recall. This can affect visibility and lead to costly replacements.
Drivers describe sudden drops into limp home mode and loss of power while driving, sometimes at low speeds. This creates a dangerous speed difference with other traffic and needs immediate attention.
Reports include vehicle fires and rear windows shattering spontaneously without impact. These are rare but serious and should be investigated if you notice any unusual smells or glass stress.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues often recur and may require expensive repairs.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures leading to highway limp mode and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Owners frequently mention lighting problems, though specific details are not in the sample. Malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and may fail state inspections.
While less common than power train issues, engine complaints exist and can involve performance loss or warning lights. Regular maintenance and checking for recalls can help mitigate risks.
“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 — 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.
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 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has far fewer complaints per year (about 129 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150) and fewer recalls (3 vs. 151). In practice, this means the GLC may have fewer overall trouble reports, but the F-150's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. Both have serious reported issues, so condition and maintenance history matter more than brand alone.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about nine times more complaints per year than the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but it also sells in much higher numbers.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while GLC owners more often mention engine misfires and headlight moisture.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 3 for the GLC, covering areas like air bags, seat belts, and engines.
- Both vehicles have reports of fires and shattering windows, but these appear rare relative to total complaints.
- Check for moisture or condensation inside the headlight assemblies, as this can cause them to fail and is a common complaint.
- Listen for engine misfires or rough idling during a test drive, and ask for service records showing any check engine light repairs.
- Test the transmission for shuddering, delayed engagement, or sudden limp mode, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of electrical shorts or previous glass replacement.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Ford F-150's many campaigns.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the transmission for the F-150 and engine/electrical for the GLC.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, warning lights, or unusual noises that could indicate limp mode or misfires.
- Request maintenance records to see if common issues like lead frame replacement or headlight repairs have already been addressed.
- Check for open recalls and any pending service campaigns before finalizing the purchase.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 35 |
| 2025 | 44 | 345 |
| 2024 | 31 | 638 |
| 2023 | 121 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 124 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 66 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 231 | 44 |
| 2019 | 138 | 52 |
| 2018 | 294 | 79 |
| 2017 | 230 | 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 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLC vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
- 1,288
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
- 128.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLC
- Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN