Family SUV · 2010–2021 cars
Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability
The Mercedes-Benz GLC fails 11.3% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 248,204 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mercedes-Benz GLC before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 11.3%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 248,204
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 9,200
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a strong performer on MOT. Its first-time fail rate is 11.3%, against 28.4% for all cars, and it ranks 6 of 59 family SUV models. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 33% fewer MOT fails. Results vary by year, too: 2021 cars did best with 46% fewer fails, while 2018 cars had 28% fewer.
Suspension is the weakest area, with 9% more fails than comparable cars. When you view a GLC, check the suspension ball joints for excessive wear. Look closely at the tyres for tread below 1.6mm, cuts reaching the ply or cords, and exposed ply or cords. A car that passes these checks is a sensible buy.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mercedes-Benz GLC ages
Each point is the share of Mercedes-Benz GLCs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mercedes-Benz GLC | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 10% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 12.1% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 13% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 13.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 15.4% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 21.2% | 28.8% |
By year
The best and worst Mercedes-Benz GLC years
2021 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GLC | 3,867 | 6.7% | 46% fewer fails | 30,098 |
| 2020 GLC | 24,637 | 8.2% | 38% fewer fails | 32,758 |
| 2019 GLC | 55,309 | 9.4% | 33% fewer fails | 35,444 |
| 2018 GLC | 73,851 | 11.4% | 28% fewer fails | 41,554 |
| 2017 GLC | 49,714 | 12.7% | 33% fewer fails | 52,183 |
| 2016 GLC | 35,523 | 14.1% | 36% fewer fails | 61,899 |
| 2015 GLC | 5,279 | 15.2% | 38% fewer fails | 67,156 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GLC
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.5%17% below avg
- Suspension2.8%9% above avg
- Brakes1.5%55% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%64% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%0% below avg
- Lights and electrics1.1%76% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.5%41% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.4%69% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%38% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.76% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.22% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.21% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.86% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.62% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 6
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.61% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 7
Brake pads worn to wear indicator 0.45% of tests
Pads worn to the indicator are at their limit, reducing braking and needing immediate replacement.
- 8
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.38% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mercedes-Benz GLC's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.04%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.66%
- Suspension ball joint slight play3.85%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.3%
- Brake disc pitted or scored2.74%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.31%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mercedes-Benz GLC covers about 9,200 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel79.9%
- Petrol16.6%
- Hybrid3.6%
- LPG0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Black, Grey, White, Blue, Silver
Average engine size: 2.2 litres.
Compare
How the Mercedes-Benz GLC compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | 11.3% | 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Yeti | 20.9% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-5 | 18% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Land Rover Discovery Sport | 16.5% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 21.9% | 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan X-Trail | 29.3% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kadjar | 20.8% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Mercedes-Benz models.
Questions
Mercedes-Benz GLC questions, answered
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is better than average: it fails 11.3% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 6 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GLC MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz GLC are suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.76% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.22% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.21% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4.5% of its tests.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz GLC do a year?
A typical Mercedes-Benz GLC covers about 9,200 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GLC before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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