This vehicle is unsafe. When driving in traffic the engine/transmission will not deliver power in response to throttle application, it is also inconsistent in it's response from one time to the next. The vehicle will hesitate for up to 4-5 seconds before responding to throttle commands when pulling out into traffic. This is most noticeable while rolling between 5-10 MPH and applying power also…
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 GLC-Class | 6 |
| 2017 GLC-Class | 8 |
| 2018 GLC-Class | 10 |
| 2019 GLC-Class | 6 |
| 2020 GLC-Class (this page) | 6 |
| 2022 GLC-Class | 5 |
| 2023 GLC-Class | 3 |
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Winning noise in rear end. We bought used noticed noise getting loader. Took vehicle to dealer. We were informed the rear Differential was bad and would have to be replaced. Vehicle has 61,198 miles on it. Wife drives car around town and on trips out of town. i was told they would have to get replacement form Germany. around $9,088. Dealership has helped with splitting cost $4,544.00. After…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Mercedes-Benz/GLC-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.