Vehicle 1

Mercedes BENZ GLC

1,234 complaints · 3 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD F 150

21,427 complaints · 140 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mercedes BENZ GLC vs FORD F 150: The GLC has 123.4 complaints per year vs the F-150's 2,142.7. The F-150 has 140 recalls, the GLC 3. The F-150's top issue is powertrain (7,934), while the GLC's is engine (366). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mercedes BENZ GLC
wins all 4 categories
0
FORD F 150
no category wins
CategoryMercedes BENZ GLCFORD F 150
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,234
✓ lower
21,427
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
3
✓ lower
140
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
63
✓ lower
562
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
123.4
✓ lower
2142.7

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mercedes BENZ GLC

1. ENGINE366
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM260
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER228
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM111
5. POWER TRAIN99

FORD F 150

1. POWER TRAIN7,934
2. ENGINE3,443
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,979
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER2,503
5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,162
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford F-150 has far more complaints per year (2,142.7) than the Mercedes GLC (123.4), indicating a higher likelihood of issues. However, the GLC's lower complaint count doesn't guarantee trouble-free ownership, just a lower reported problem rate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint volume, choose the Mercedes GLC. If you need a truck's utility and can accept higher complaint numbers, the F-150 may still be a practical choice, but budget for potential repairs.

Key Differences
  • Ford F-150 has 17 times more complaints per year than Mercedes GLC (2,142.7 vs 123.4).
  • Ford F-150 has 140 recalls vs Mercedes GLC's 3.
  • Top issue on F-150 is powertrain (7,934 complaints); top on GLC is engine (366).
  • Crash complaints: F-150 has 562, GLC has 63.
⚠ Watch on Mercedes BENZ GLC
  • Watch for engine and electrical system issues, which account for over half of all complaints.
  • Check for unresolved fuel/propulsion system problems.
⚠ Watch on FORD F 150
  • Powertrain issues dominate with nearly 8,000 complaints; inspect transmission and driveline carefully.
  • Electrical system and exterior lighting problems are also common.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For the GLC, request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
  • For the F-150, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and powertrain.
  • Test drive to feel for hesitation, vibrations, or warning lights.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mercedes BENZ GLCFORD F 150
2026
6
3
2025
32
301
2024
28
563
2023
119
1409
2022
112
3178
2021
61
4818
2020
221
2530
2019
134
5724
2018
291
1835
2017
230
1066
Mercedes BENZ GLC vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Mercedes BENZ GLC vs FORD F 150
Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
1,234
FORD F 150 total complaints
21,427
Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
3
FORD F 150 total recalls
140
Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
123.4
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
2142.7
More reliable overall
Mercedes BENZ GLC
Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
ENGINE
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mercedes BENZ GLC Reliability & Problems

1,234 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD F 150 Reliability & Problems

21,427 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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