Years to avoid
Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2018, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Mercedes-Benz GLC dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 69/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 143
- Recalls, weakest year
- 36
64/100 reliability
13-point range
6 crash · 2 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC ranks last
The 2020 scores 64/100, rated good, versus a model average of 69/100. NHTSA data contains 143 owner complaints and 36 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (34), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (17), Steering (10). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC record →Evidence by year
The weakest Mercedes-Benz GLC model years compared
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Complaints
- 143
- Recalls
- 36
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Engine (34), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (17)
View 2020 details →2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Complaints
- 95
- Recalls
- 15
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (18), Engine (18), Electrical System (13)
View 2018 details →2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Complaints
- 57
- Recalls
- 11
- Crash reports
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (23), Unknown Or Other (7), Exterior Lighting (5)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Mercedes-Benz GLC years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Mercedes-Benz GLC data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Mercedes-Benz GLC research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Mercedes-Benz GLC research FAQ
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC years should I avoid?
2020, 2018, 2023 score materially below the strongest Mercedes-Benz GLC years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 64/100, with 143 owner complaints and 36 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Mercedes-Benz GLC year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Mercedes-Benz GLC year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (77/100), 2022 (73/100), 2024 (72/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Mercedes-Benz GLC you are considering.