Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 23,431 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2015 and 2026.
In a sample of 390 cars, 33.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (9.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 25% of registered cars still have an open recall.
0.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.7% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.2% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 7.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 6.2% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 3.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.3% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 1% |
| Seatbelt damaged | 1% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 0.8% |
Share of 390 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 15.6% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 23,431 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 25% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 0.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.2% |
| First registered | 2015 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2026-01-15 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2025-08-25 | steering | serious | 202 |
| 2025-08-08 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2025-07-11 | electrical system | serious | 98 |
| 2025-04-11 | electrical system | serious | 188 |
| 2025-03-27 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2025-03-20 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2024-12-16 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2024-12-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 473 |
| 2024-04-04 | electrical system | serious | 933 |
| 2024-02-01 | bodywork | serious | 6 |
| 2023-11-20 | windows and wipers | – | 3 |
| 2023-10-17 | other | serious | 500 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 390 cars first registered 2012–2021, 33.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (9.7%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.2%), stub axle (kingpin) has too much play (7.9%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 25% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.