2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is a luxury compact SUV known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and stylish design. The standard engine is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. A GLC300 4MATIC version is also available, providing all-wheel drive. Some owners appreciate the GLC300’s fuel efficiency and agile handling, while others have noted concerns about infotainment system complexity and potential reliability issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels, performing regular oil changes, and investigating potential leaks. In some cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary to address the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration felt inside the cabin.
  • Solution: Replacing the engine mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at certain speeds, especially during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may sag or fail to maintain the correct ride height. Error messages related to the air suspension system may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or related sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per component.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Creaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or squeaking noises coming from the suspension while driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Replacing worn control arm bushings or sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, slow response times, display malfunctions, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software updates. In some cases, replacing the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, requiring frequent jump starts or battery replacements.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing parasitic drains. Replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (diagnostics and battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning sensors, causing warning lights to illuminate on the dashboard (e.g., tire pressure monitoring system, oxygen sensors).
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light LED Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sections of the LED tail lights stop working.
  • Solution: Replacing the entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctions, including failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Replacing the sunroof motor, repairing the sunroof track, or replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or splitting of the dashboard material, particularly in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard (expensive) or using a dashboard cover to conceal the damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has some common issues to be aware of. Engine oil consumption and rough shifting from the 9-speed transmission are prevalent problems. Electrically, the COMAND infotainment system can have issues, and batteries can drain prematurely. Air suspension issues (if equipped), tail light failures, and sunroof issues are additional areas to inspect. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be costly to repair. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic, paying close attention to these common problem areas.