Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLC vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ GLC and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the GLC averaged 128.8 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The GLC had 64 crash-related complaints and 2 deaths; the Camry had 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLC or Toyota Camry 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 Camry's, the GLC has a higher rate of serious outcomes: 64 crash-related complaints, 64 injuries, and 2 deaths.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan that averages about 206 complaints per year over the past decade, with 31 recalls. Common owner reports include transmission shuddering, brake noise, and multiple electronic system malfunctions. Despite more complaints and recalls, the Camry has only 1 death reported, though it still has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLC | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,288 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 64 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 128.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 158 |
| 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 engine misfires, often around 65,000 miles. These can lead to rough running and costly repairs if ignored.
Moisture enters headlamp assemblies, causing condensation and complete headlight failure. Some owners say their vehicle wasn't covered by a related recall, leaving them to pay for fixes.
Drivers describe sudden, dangerous drops into limp mode while driving, with loss of power and check engine lights. This creates a severe speed difference with surrounding traffic.
Reports include vehicle fires while driving and rear windows shattering spontaneously without impact. These are rare but alarming and can be expensive or hazardous.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with check engine lights.
Some drivers experience a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, which can be a safety concern in traffic. Hesitation and shuddering are also reported.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but still bothersome.
Multiple safety systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. Some reports involve subframe and driveline components.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GLC or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has fewer complaints per year (about 129 vs. 206 for the Camry) and far fewer recalls (3 vs. 31). However, the GLC's complaints include more deaths (2 vs. 1) and a higher proportion of severe issues like fires and limp mode. In practice, the Camry may have more frequent minor annoyances, while the GLC's problems tend to be more costly and potentially dangerous.
Key differences
- The GLC has 2 deaths and 64 injuries in complaints, while the Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries, indicating different severity patterns.
- Camry owners report transmission key-stuck and brake noise issues, while GLC owners report engine misfires and headlight moisture.
- The GLC has only 3 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, but GLC recalls include steering fastener and roof structure issues.
- GLC complaints include spontaneous fires and shattering windows, which are rare but alarming; Camry complaints more often involve electronic system malfunctions.
- Check for moisture or condensation inside the headlight assemblies, as this can lead to complete headlight failure and may not be covered by recall.
- Listen for engine misfires or rough running, especially around 65,000 miles, and scan for stored check engine codes related to the engine.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove, indicating a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the GLC, specifically inspect headlights for moisture and test all electronic functions.
- For the Camry, test the key removal in Park and listen for brake noises during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if the vehicle has a history of repeated repairs for the same issue.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 0 |
| 2025 | 44 | 163 |
| 2024 | 31 | 50 |
| 2023 | 121 | 64 |
| 2022 | 124 | 61 |
| 2021 | 66 | 157 |
| 2020 | 231 | 274 |
| 2019 | 138 | 395 |
| 2018 | 294 | 744 |
| 2017 | 230 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLC vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
- 1,288
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
- 128.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLC
- Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN