Mercedes-Benz GLC common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Mercedes-Benz GLC, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 232,540 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines
Many recalls (16)
The GLC has had 16 recalls, covering leaking fuel pumps, ESP, overheating starter motors, seatbelt pre-tensioners, airbags, the panoramic sunroof and emissions software.
At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLC (Mk1, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
- Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines
Squeaking front brakes
Some owners have squeaky front brakes. New pads usually fix it.
At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLC (Mk1, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
- Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines
Tyre scrub on full lock
Some owners report heavy tyre scrub when turning on full lock at low speed.
At the viewing: Turn on full lock in a car park and listen, and check the front tyres for uneven wear.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLC (Mk1, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
Common Mercedes-Benz GLC MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Ball joint
up to 9.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Mercedes-Benz GLC MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC did best (83% passed first time, 9 points above all 2015 cars) and the 2022 did worst (91%, 2 points above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Mercedes-Benz GLC
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 9.6× as often on the Mercedes-Benz GLC as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score