When driving at 40 to 60 MPH and hit shallow pot hole or bump in the road the front wheels violently shake and the steering wheel (electric steering) violently vibrates for 5 to 8 seconds. Dealer checked the vehicle and claims there is nothing wrong with it but did turn off the "attention assist" setting from sensitive setting claiming it was the cause. The issue still exists but not as violent.…
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class steering problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 GLC-Class | 3 |
| 2019 GLC-Class | 4 |
| 2020 GLC-Class | 5 |
| 2022 GLC-Class (this page) | 14 |
1crash
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
Steering accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two distinct steering problems in 2022 GLC models. The more alarming involves sudden, total loss of steering control at highway speeds. One owner reported this happened twice—first during light rain, then on dry roads weeks later—with the car hydroplaning across all four expressway lanes while the steering wheel remained completely unresponsive. The dealer found nothing wrong, but this same owner later learned that 2023 and 2024 GLC models are under recall for identical steering failures, suggesting a design defect spanning multiple model years.
The second issue is far more common: steering wheel vibration when the vehicle hits potholes, bumps, or road surface irregularities at speeds between 40 and 90 mph. The vibration lasts several seconds and is felt throughout the vehicle body; some owners report the car tilts to one side and rear tires slip momentarily. One owner joined a Facebook group of GLC300 owners and stated that nearly everyone reported this problem. Dealers have replaced steering wheel brackets and applied software updates, but owners say the vibration persists. Most dealers claim they cannot duplicate the issue during service visits, leaving repairs incomplete.
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Loss of Steering Control at Highway Speed
Steering wheel becomes completely unresponsive and locked, preventing any directional control of the vehicle. Two documented incidents occurred in the same vehicle at highway speeds—one during light rain and wet conditions, one on dry roads. Vehicle hydroplaned and crossed multiple lanes uncontrollably; driver had to physically force the wheel to regain control. Dealership diagnostics found no fault; however, 2023 and 2024 model-year GLC vehicles have an active recall for similar steering malfunction.
When: At highway speeds; first incident during light rain, second incident on dry roads weeks later; mileage 39,500 at incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering responsiveness; Steering wheel locked or unresponsive; Vehicle hydroplaned and crossed lanes uncontrollably; No warning before failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2023 and 2024 model GLC vehicles are under active recall for similar steering malfunction; 2022 model has not been included in recall despite same symptoms
Steering Wheel Vibration Over Road Irregularities
Persistent vibration of steering wheel when vehicle encounters road surface irregularities (potholes, bumps, dips, cross joints, manhole covers, uneven surfaces) at moderate to high speeds. Vibrations typically last several seconds and occur between 40–90 mph. Sensation reported as uncomfortable, unsafe, and disturbing. Multiple owners report widespread problem within 2022 GLC300 model group.
When: First occurrence reported as early as 3,100 miles; mileage range 5,742 to 19,000 miles at time of complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates over potholes and bumps; Vibration felt throughout vehicle body; Vehicle shakes and tilts to one side at times; Loss of steering effectiveness when hitting road irregularities; Rear tires make slipping noise on potholes; Vibration duration typically 5–8 seconds per event; Vehicle feels unstable momentarily
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel bracket replaced (one owner); software updates applied by dealers (multiple owners); all repair attempts unsuccessful in resolving vibration; dealers repeatedly unable to duplicate issue during diagnostic attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown manufacturer recall mentioned for one vehicle involving steering wheel bracket replacement and steering wheel software update; Mercedes-Benz of Portsmouth performed software update; issue persists in all cases; manufacturer response minimal per owner reports
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was driving home on a 4 Lane Expressway on a Saturday afternoon, it was mildly raining with the roads a little wet. I suddenly lost control of the car and could not control the steering wheel, the car ended up hydroplaning and I lost control it ping-ponged across four expressway lanes back-and-forth about 20 to 25 times with zero control of the steering wheel, barely missing the medians and…
Loss of Steering Control at Highway Speeds – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, VIN [XXX] Dates of Incident: September 13th and October 4th Mileage at Time of Incident: 39,500 While driving on a four-lane expressway at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly and completely lost steering control, resulting in a total inability to steer. First Incident The first event…
Had steering trouble with your 2022 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 steering problem on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 5,742 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/2022/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.