2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
6 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
10,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 6 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 16.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Engine: 2; Electrical System: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Power Train: 1; Tires: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2023: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11504702 · 2023-01-31 (January 31, 2023)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Sport Contact, Tire Size: 255/40/ZR21, DOT Number: AFHDD76M. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 30 MPH and at low speeds on wet pavement, the vehicle started to shake, and a loud abnormal noise was heard in all four tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tires needed to be replaced; however, tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of …
Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11504702 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11521032 · 2023-05-08 (May 8, 2023)
Panoramic sunroof exploded while driving.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11521032 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11689974 · 2025-09-26 (September 26, 2025)
2021 Mercedes GLC 43 headlight is inoperable. Same as reported in campaign 22V261000: "Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash." Although our car was produced before the dates reported in campaign 22V261000, I believe this is the same defect and the recall should apply to all MY 2021 cars as this is a serious safety issue. The dealer will not repair under warranty.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11689974 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11742742 · 2026-06-08 (June 8, 2026)
At just 30,000 miles , less than half the mileage at which these failures are typically reported , my GLC 43 was found to have active oil leaks in multiple locations: 1. Front engine covers , oil is seeping from both the front cover gasket area and migrating downward along the engine block. The dealer recommends a full reseal of the front covers at a quoted cost of $1,944. 2. Radial shaft sealing ring of the front axle gear , is actively seeping gear oil, with a quoted repair cost of $1,718. My concern is not limited to cost. Oil migrating f…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11742742 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11747935 · 2026-07-02 (July 2, 2026)
The engine-driven vacuum pump and turbocharger boost-control vacuum system malfunctioned. The vehicle developed insufficient vacuum to the boost-control system, resulting in a P0299 turbocharger underboost fault and reduced engine power. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experienced a noticeable loss of peak power and reduced acceleration. Although it did not enter limp mode, unexpected reduced acceleration could create a safety risk while merging onto a highway, passing another vehicle, entering or crossing tra…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11747935 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11754832 · 2026-08-04 (August 4, 2026)
Moisture began collecting inside the left headlight assembly, even though the housing should be sealed. Over time, the condensation increased and the front left turn signal failed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for the turn signal, low beams, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The failed turn signal reduces the vehicle's visibility to other drivers and creates a potential safety hazard. A similar moisture intrusion issue was the subject of NHTSA Recall 22V-261 for certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vehicles, b…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11754832 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V230000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | Seats
Reported: 2021-04-01 (April 1, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V261000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2022-04-15 (April 15, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.
Consequence: Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V445000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-06-26 (June 26, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V070000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2024-02-02 (February 2, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗