Model year

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E

SUV, plug-in hybrid, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jun 16, 2022 to Aug 20, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year6489k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2020 suv
Severity index50.02020 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E peaked in 2022, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.751202212023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
1
Engine and cooling
1
Seat belts
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

6 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
24V-070Feb 2, 2024Headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming trafficLighting15,502Repair or modification
22V-494Jul 11, 2022Transmission wiring harness may be routed improperly, allowing it to chafe against the front drive shaft, which can cause loss of drive powerPowertrain1,168Part replacement
22V-232Apr 8, 2022Rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software errorBack-over prevention126,443Software update
21V-354May 14, 2021MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startupBack-over prevention343,191Software update
20V-651Oct 23, 2020Power steering control unit wiring harness may have been damaged during the production process, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering…Steering2,533Part replacement
20V-607Oct 2, 2020High-voltage wiring harness shield may not withstand the electrical loads produced under certain driving conditions, possibly causing an…Electrical system7Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Oxford, CTSeat belts

    The seatbelt latch does not fully release when you press the red button. It needs to be wiggled and then it eventually does release. This is an ongoing issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11758163
  2. Filed Jun 16, 2022Failure Mar 8, 2022Henderson, NVElectrical system, EngineFire

    This is in reference to a 2020 Mercedes GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid. Sole owner purchased January 2020 with under 4 Thousand miles on the odometer, 3 years extended warranty. Took car only to MB Henderson dealership for service/maintenance performance on the vehicle and nowhere else. Dealership has records. The GLC350e received no recall of any kind. On November 11, 2021, the car coolant alert displayed and instructed to shut engine down, key off of ignition and stop everything -- car was not safe to drive. In contacting MB Henderson, NV dealership, they concurred with the display and asked that the vehicle be towed to their facility for further inspection -- No MB Dealership had the capacity to tow the vehicle to their service facilities. So I called using my own AAA Towing and the dealership received the 2020 GLC350e at their facility. They had it overnight and the next day. After checking everything found they can't reproduce the Coolant warning alert display and said the car was safe to drive. Fast forward to March 8th, 2020 this display resurfaced while driving on Interstate 15 southbound to Los Angeles. Called dealership, and their recommendation was again repeated -- Shut off engine, tow it to the nearest dealership. The locatioin was between Bakers and Barstow, and the nearest MB dealership was in Riverside, CA. This is a desolated area and unsafe to stay or leave the car where it is. With what I learned from the November 12, 2021 service performed by the dealership, they couldn't find anything wrong with the car. I felt it important to get off the freeway and proceed to Barstow and call the Riverside Dealership when I get there. This I did and before reaching Barstow, the car engine started to smoke and the hood bulged up. In seconds the bulge was increasing in size, a sliver of flame appeared. This scared me, so I got out of the car in a hurry, and dialed 911 and the insurance company. The flame got more intense and it was totaled.

    NHTSA complaint 11469607
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

200 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • LI27.00-P-073124 Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent …
  • LI46.35-P-067339 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not imp…
  • CL - Tank Leak Detection Aug 15, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage …
  • LI72.20-P-075746 Aug 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so…
  • LI82.85-P-079087 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Tra…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Aug 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached di…
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis wor…
  • LI27.00-P-075630 Aug 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for cre…
  • LI27.00-P-080840 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF 236.17 due to a global supply constraint. 236.17 ATF 1L and 5L (PNs: A002989060312 and A002989060313) bottles are out of stock or in limited s…
  • EW - DMTL Jul 31, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of…
  • NCU - 2026010004 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Campaign
    • Always use the latest XENTRY Diagnosis software release with all available add-ons. • Make sure to follow the operation steps exactly as described in XENTRY Diagnosis! • Use a battery charger to ensure sufficient power supply of the vehicle on-board elect…
  • Emissions - 2024100016 Jul 24, 2026 · Emissions
    Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2019-2021 C-Class, G-Class, GLC, GT, S-Class (205, 463, 253, 190 & 222 platforms) vehicles, the engine control unit software does not correspond to current produ…
  • LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by exp…
  • LI33.20-P-078406 Jul 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp…
  • LI33.20-P-078406 Jul 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp…
  • PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19 Jun 19, 2026 · Other
    Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th…
  • LI00.20-P-080703 Jun 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the…
  • LI82.85-P-080507 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N1…
  • PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/22 May 22, 2026 · Other
    Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11…
  • LI82.85-P-080559 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be c…
  • LI82.30-P-059239 May 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled …
  • PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/15 May 15, 2026 · Other
    The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 May 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • EW - Intake Line Assembly Jul 9, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on August 25, 2023, August 31, 2023 respectively and, contains clarification on parts ordering. In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of o…
  • LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm…
  • LI33.20-P-078406 Apr 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm …
  • LI54.10-P-073164 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state …
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • LI82.10-P-078307 Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A…
  • LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm …
  • LI82.10-P-078896 Feb 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A…
  • LI27.19-P-080219 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Check engine light on with the following fault is current in the VGS Control Unit: P084300 Oil pressure sensor 'A' has a short circuit to positive stored in VGS control unit. Cause Electrical failure of oil pressure sensor integrated into VGS Cont…
  • LI47.70-P-076030 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint After the charging process is complete, an instrument cluster message with a charging error appears and FC P0CFE00 is stored in control unit "N83 - AC charger for high-voltage battery (SG-LG)". The fault message and the fault memory entry can also…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • NCU - 2025090001 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Campaign
    Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the TIREFIT sealant bottle may not meet specifications. The possibility exists that the sealant bottle may leak or may have otherwise been removed…
  • LI82.85-P-080251 Feb 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Activating Navigation Please Wait" message seen on central display. Cause Under Analysis Remedy 1.Reset the MBUX language (e.g., if the MBUX language is set to English, please change it to any other language and then set it back to English again) …
  • LI47.70-P-076030 Feb 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint After the charging process is complete, an instrument cluster message with a charging error appears and FC P0CFE00 is stored in control unit "N83 - AC charger for high-voltage battery (SG-LG)". The instrument cluster message and the FC memory entr…
  • LI27.10-P-075869 Feb 3, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistak…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Jan 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • NCU - 2026010006 Jan 31, 2026 · Service Campaign
    Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the engine control unit software may not correspond to current production specifications. The control unit may experience a delay in detecting an …
  • NCU - 2026010004 Jan 23, 2026 · Service Campaign
    Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the engine electronics control unit software (ME-SFI) does not correspond to the current series production configuration. The possibility exists t…
  • LI27.35-P-080160 Dec 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint (Original LI document #: LI27.35-P-079039) Clicking noises from the electro-hydraulic control unit (EHS) when the vehicle is stationary and ECO Start/Stop is active (combustion engine is off). The noise is more noticeable outside the vehicle and i…
  • LI54.65-P-080132 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
  • LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eli…
  • LI27.35-P-079971 Nov 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Possible complaints about shift quality, issues with learning the park lock, and slipping/rinse entries in the EEPROM or Transmission Health system following the replacement of the below components: - The electrohydraulic control unit (EHS valve b…
  • LI27.10-P-075869 Nov 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistak…
  • LI20.10-P-074508 Oct 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Check engine lamp illuminated. Fault code stored P012800-The coolant temperature is below the coolant thermostat specified temperature. Cause Various possible causes Remedy 1- Update HVAC with latest software 2- Perform guided test for fault P0128…
  • LI54.10-P-071499 Sep 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY batt…
  • LI27.19-P-072588 Sep 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54…
  • LI00.00-P-079603 Sep 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The OTA software update prepares the SRS/ORC controller and enables it to be updated remotely in the future. Based on technician feedback, the OTA (code: 25P5496529) does not start even after an extended period of time and several driving cycles. …
  • LI82.85-P-079723 Aug 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Users report that the browser no longer supports search queries entered directly into the address bar. Cause This update is due to Microsoft discontinuing the Bing Search API, which previously supported this feature. Remedy This behavior is consid…
  • LI33.30-P-056665 May 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eli…
  • CL - 05012025 May 30, 2025 · Other
    In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (“DMTL”) on your…
  • LI82.85-P-079088 May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The following most common complaints may be observed: • Brief connectivity interruptions when using Apple CarPlay over Wi-Fi • Audio cuts out • Device not recognized • No operation possible Cause There are multiple possible causes for an iPhone di…
  • LI54.71-P-078802 May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint MBUX head unit display with red text box "System Inoperative". ONLY for vehicles with SA code (549+21U) or (549+U19). Cause Head unit software variant. Remedy For all chassis use Xentry to update head unit (A26/17). Target boot software number sho…
  • LI68.50-P-079347 May 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Load compartment cover generates a creaking noise during driving when pulled out to covering position. Cause Aluminum cassette scrapes on the inside of the end cap. The contact point causes creaking noises. Remedy Disassemble end caps of load comp…
  • LI82.85-P-079271 May 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. Cause The message "SOS - Service not activated" tells the …
  • EW - Tank Leakage May 15, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
    In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (D…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.