Used Mercedes-Benz GLC: Common Problems and Which Years to Buy
What to check on a used GLC, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away.
Covers
- X253 2016–2022
- X254 2023 on
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC
The most commonly reported problems on a used Mercedes-Benz GLC are oil leaks from the oil cooler and filter housing, shudder or harsh shifts from the automatic gearbox, and front-end judder with fast tyre wear on the first-generation X253. Also check the air suspension, if fitted.
For the GLC you're looking at, a Shufti Tailored check works from the car itself: its listing, kms, PPSR and recalls by VIN, your photos checked, and a repair cost and offer.
Oil Leaks From the Oil Cooler and Filter Housing
Owners of the X253 GLC report oil leaking from the seals on the oil cooler and oil filter housing as they age.
With the bonnet open, look around the engine, especially near the oil filter housing, for wet oil or dust stuck to oil. A burning oil smell after the drive means oil is reaching hot parts.
Seals are a moderate repair. Ask whether they've been replaced, and price the job in if you see a leak.
Automatic Gearbox Shudder and Harsh Shifts
Owners report the GLC's nine-speed automatic shuddering or changing gear harshly, especially at low speed.
On the test drive, pull away gently from a stop several times and drive through the gears. Changes should be smooth, with no thump, shudder or delay.
Ask whether the gearbox has been serviced or had software updates. If it shudders, have a mechanic check it or price it into your offer.
Front-End Judder and Tyre Wear
X253 GLC owners report the front tyres juddering or skipping, with thumping noises when turning tightly, and rapid wear on the outer edges of the front tyres, put down to the steering geometry (AustralianCar.Reviews).
Look at the front tyres for wear on the outer edges. In a car park, turn full lock at low speed and feel for juddering or thumping from the front.
Expect to replace front tyres often. Price in new tyres if they're worn, and ask about the wheel alignment history.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid?
No single Mercedes-Benz GLC year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing.
- X253 (2016–2022). 4 to 10 years old, typically about 50,000–130,000 km. ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2015). Stability control and AEB are standard. Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing.
- X254 (2023 on). Up to 3 years old, typically up to about 40,000 km. ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2022), expiring December 2028, for the GLC 200 and GLC 300 petrols. Stability control and AEB are standard. The current model. Check how much of the new-car warranty is left and that servicing has kept it valid.
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
For the GLC you're looking at, a Shufti Tailored check works from the car itself: its listing, kms, PPSR and recalls by VIN, your photos checked, and a repair cost and offer.
Mercedes-Benz GLC General Inspection Guide
A guide to checking for Mercedes-Benz GLC problems, built on the used car buying checklist for any car. It can't cover every problem reported across its years in one viewing.
- X253 2016–2022
- X254 2023 on
Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer.
- Safety critical
- Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Negotiate
- Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price.
01
Exterior
4 checks
01
Exterior
4 checks
02
Under the Bonnet
4 checks
02
Under the Bonnet
4 checks
03
Underbody and Wheels
4 checks, 1 safety critical
03
Underbody and Wheels
4 checks, 1 safety critical
04
Interior and Electrics
5 checks, 2 safety critical
04
Interior and Electrics
5 checks, 2 safety critical
05
Test Drive
5 checks, 1 safety critical
05
Test Drive
5 checks, 1 safety critical
06
Documentation
2 checks
06
Documentation
2 checks
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Work through the Mercedes-Benz GLC General inspection guide on your phone at the car. Capture images, audio and note what you find.
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Stay Safe
Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz; Mercedes-Benz and GLC are trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.
What the General inspection guide can't tell you about the GLC you're looking at
13+
recalls on GLCs built since 2016
12
common faults reported on GLCs built since 2016
1,026
owner complaints on GLCs built since 2016
What's each fault worth?
Shufti's negotiation coach turns it into leverage.
Money owing, stolen or a write-off?
A tidy car can hide all three.
A Tailored check in the Shufti app covers all of that, plus:
- Guided checks for the exact car you're inspecting
- Crosschecks 3M+ recalls and owner complaints
- Spots issues from your photos and audio
- Test drive routes with turn-by-turn navigation
- Negotiation coach with repair cost estimates
- PPSR and government recall checks included
Get a Shufti Tailored check on your mobile.
Don't drive home in a lemon.
Not sure yet? Start free with the Mercedes-Benz GLC General inspection guide, and upgrade to a Tailored check for the car you're serious about.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
* Shufti analysis, November 2026, of official recall notices, complaints lodged by vehicle owners with vehicle safety regulators, and independent reviews and owner forums. Faults are counted when two or more independent sources report them. See the recall notices for the Mercedes-Benz GLC on the government's Vehicle Recalls site, and how we check our facts.
Buying a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC: Questions Answered
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable?
It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC years should I avoid?
No single Mercedes-Benz GLC year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing.
This checklist covers the X253 (2016–2022) and X254 (2023 on) Mercedes-Benz GLC. Problems reported across them include oil leaks, automatic gearbox shudder and front-end judder and tyre wear.
How many kilometres is too many for a used Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre SUV with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services, done short trips or been used for rideshare. Check the history for regular servicing, and on a hybrid ask for a battery health check.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Mercedes-Benz GLC?
It's most worth it on a car where a hidden fault could be costly. All-wheel-drive and hybrid systems can hide faults a visual check won't show, so ask for the service records for them and watch for warning lights on the test drive. Either way, start by checking the car yourself with this checklist, so you know what to look for and whether it's worth paying a mechanic to see. See Pre-purchase car inspection: what it checks and costs
How do I check a used Mercedes-Benz GLC for money owing or a write-off?
Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN on ppsr.gov.au. It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't
How do I check recalls on a used Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Search the government's Vehicle Recalls site for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Each notice says which models and build dates it covers and what the fault is. A recall on record doesn't tell you whether the work was done on a particular car, so ask the seller for proof, or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer to check the VIN.
Mechanic, Checklist or Shufti?
Here's how Shufti stacks up against your other options.
A mechanic's inspection is the most thorough, but most buyers go without one. Shufti makes sure you're well informed either way.
| Feature | Shufti $24.99 per check | Mechanic Inspection $250–350+ per booking | General Inspection Guide Free in the app or on paper |
|---|---|---|---|
Guided, model-specific checks | Yes | Yes | No |
Crosschecks over 3 million recalls and owner complaints | Yes | No | No |
Smart detection of issues from your photos and audio | Yes | No | No |
Test drive route planning and navigation | Yes | No | No |
Instant report generation | Yes | No | No |
Negotiation copilot and repair cost estimates | Yes | No | No |
PPSR and government recall checks included | Yes | No | No |
Plain-English explanations, not jargon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No booking or waiting required | Yes | No | Yes |
Not ready yet? Start with the free General inspection guide for your car's model.
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Comparing Other Cars?
Looking at a different car? Use the used car buying checklist for any car or browse problems and checklists by model.