2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is a performance-oriented compact SUV. It offers a blend of luxury and sporty driving dynamics. While the GLC is also available with a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine in the GLC300, the GLC43 AMG is equipped with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The GLC43 AMG is exclusively paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the GLC43 AMG for its powerful engine, agile handling, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include the firm ride quality, some tech glitches, and the relatively high cost of ownership.

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (M276)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. This can be caused by a faulty turbocharger or issues with the oil supply to the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s) and address any oil supply issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+ per turbocharger, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Timing Chain Cover)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping onto the ground, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain cover gasket and reseal the timing chain cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly when shifting between lower gears. Some owners also experience hesitation when accelerating from a stop. May or may not throw a code.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission adaptation reset using a diagnostic tool. If the problem persists, a software update from Mercedes-Benz may be necessary. In severe cases, valve body replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Adaptation reset can be free. Software update $200+, Valve body replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Problems (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits unevenly, the suspension compressor runs constantly, or a warning light appears on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the leak or failure (air struts, compressor, or valve block). Replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut, Compressor replacement: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Creaking Noises (Front Suspension)
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning the steering wheel. Often caused by worn control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushing replacement: $500 - $1,000+, Control arm replacement: $800 - $1,500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, crashes, or reboots unexpectedly. Some owners also experience issues with Bluetooth connectivity or navigation.
  • Solution: Try resetting the system or updating the software. If the problem persists, a hardware replacement might be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $300, Hardware replacement: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not working, blind spot monitoring system malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Inspect and lubricate the sunroof tracks. If the problem persists, the sunroof motor or mechanism may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG, while praised for its performance and luxury, can present owners with a range of potential issues. The most common and potentially costly problems involve the engine (turbocharger failure, oil leaks), transmission (rough shifting, torque converter issues), and suspension (air suspension problems, creaking noises). Electrical and interior issues, while less severe, can still be frustrating. The estimated cost to fix these problems can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major repairs like turbocharger or transmission replacements. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into the cost of ownership.