2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Ball joint8.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLC

  11.9% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  16% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  14% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Many recalls (16)

  All engines

  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

• Squeaking front brakes

  All engines

  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

• Tyre scrub on full lock

  All engines

  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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 8.5× as often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?