2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Fuel System Problems

21 owners have reported fuel & propulsion system problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 to NHTSA — 16% of all 133 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 33,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 9 GLC300 model years for fuel system complaints (a typical year has 7). No fuel system recall has been issued for this model year.

21complaints
33ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    338%
  • 25k–50k
    225%
  • 50k–75k
    338%
  • 75k–100k
    00%
  • 100k–150k
    00%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while receiving routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the fuel injectors had failed and that the fuel rail needed to be replaced. The mechanic provided the contact with information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); for the fuel rails and fuel injectors. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 60,814.

61,000 miles · Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known issue with similar-model vehicles. The contact was informed that the fuel line needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not schedule an immediate appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The contact stated that the fuel line was replaced under the vehicle's extended warranty.

15,000 miles · Jan 2023

My MB GLC 300 has run out of gas three times. The first two times the car showed it still had 40 miles before fill up and the gas warning light never came on. I took the car in for repair to see if the Fuel level sending unit had stopped working or the float was stuck. The date was March 2020 and at that time the car was under warranty. I was told to make sure I filled up the tank when the fuel indicator reached 100 miles. I was told by the dealer there was nothing wrong and the service department had run a diagnostic. I had never been told that I needed to fill up when a car gauge read 100 miles. Thirty or forty maybe but 100 seemed odd. Two weeks ago I had the gas leak repaired which was the result of the class action law suit. Yesterday I again ran out of gas again. The gas gauge showed 3 bars and 100 miles before next fill up. No gas low warning light came on. …

Sep 2021

Often after starting the car, inside the car there is a gas smell that we have to closed the vents as it becomes unhealthy until the smell goes away, it last up to 10 minutes. I have taking the car to my mechanic who specializes on Mercedes and could not find any leaks and/or anything wrong. My other issue is that during the raining season when I put my foot on the breaks it makes this loud sound like an airplane landing that I have to release and press and release and press so the car will slow down. My mechanic have done multiple inspections and finds nothing wrong. My third issue is the suspension, driving on freeways at speeds over 55 mph I feel a lot of shaking between front wheels and I can feel every single bump. Again, my mechanic has found nothing wrong that even checked for recalls and has told me that there are no recalls for this vehicle. …

Feb 2020

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Crank case vent valve malfunctioned 2 years ago and was replaced. Now it is failing again. Reports online from other owners show this part failing about every 2 years / 20k miles. This is not a wear item. Yes it is in my car How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is part of the fuel system so it can potentially damage the car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected by the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is a check engine light that appears right at failure, not before.

Mar 2023

While driving on the NYS Thruway last week, when I accelerated to pass another car, my engine bucked and kicked followed by the "check engine" light coming on.In very heavy traffic, I was able to pull to the shoulder. I called my service garage and they suggested I not drive the car for safety reasons. When the tow truck arrived, I briefly started the car with the same bucking and kicking from the engine. The car was taken to my regular garage where the "check engine" codes showed issues with the fuel injector and fuel injection system. I was told there is an existing RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2022030003 for the same year, make and model as mine but, my VIN is not part of that RECALL. I would like your help as I do not believe Mercedes-Benz is being fair or equitable in this RECALL. ThankYou

Aug 2022

I have noticed extreme gas odors in the cabin of my car, the gas odor is so horrific that even when I exit the car either outside or in my garage the odor remains. My car is housed in my garage and I'm very concerned regarding these fumes which fills up my garage because my home is attached. I researched on a web site that there has been complaints and consequently a recall ( 21V961000) ON 12-12-2021 FOR GLC 300,2016, But my vehicle did not receive a recall notice. I am concerned regarding possible fire or illness related to fumes being inhaled.

Oct 2023

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) To whom It May Concern, Complaint through your dealer, regional MB and state AG. Going through MBUSA is a waste of time. You would be better off going to Sears and buying a shiny new hammer and banging your head every hour on the hour. A little over a year ago, I Purchase a previously owned 2016 GLC300 from a local DGDG dealership in San Jose CA. for the past few month, I started experiencing a heavy fuel odor generated from the fuel rail and fuel injectors. I initiated a leak detection to verify the above-mentioned defect. I became aware the Mercedes Benz has a major issue with the fuel rail and fuel injectors that caused a safety & emission recall campaign 2022030003 that is launched to replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on 139 Model Year 2016-2020 that included my car GLC-class vehicle. …

May 2025

Leakage in fuel system ( high pressure pump). On glc 300. Gas small inside the car. Company denied investigating or providing my refund for repair. I feel this is totally safety failure of the vehicle . So my current mileage is 32908 and it is 2016 model. I bought this vehicle because the company claims for its highest standards of safety. So I want the authority to help me in investigating this issue and provide me assurance and coverage for any kind of safety issues in future. Also, I want to report some minor issues on breaks. I see sometime the there is a delay in action. Hope this will be investigated for preventive actions and get my refund for fixing this kind of safety related matters. Its is total responsibility of manufacturer to deliver the safety vehicle. Not to escape by saying warranty clause

33,000 miles · Mar 2020

I purchased this Mercedes new in 2016, the brakes have squealed ever since when cold 32 degrees or less.. Once in awhile when warm. 2 we smelled gasoline, we took it to a repair shop, they found two fuel hoses sprayed gas in a mist especially when cold.. 3 there are 3 recalls open on this Mercedes, I took it in when the air bag recall arrived at our house, I was told we don't have parts. Our car is out of warranty, it has 56000 miles. I take it to a repair shop run by certified Mercedes technicians. Thank god we didn't have a fire with the gas leak. I did smell the gas when moving thru the ventilation system and when sitting and the smell was all around the car.

50,000 miles · Sep 2019

Fuel System complaints in other GLC300 years

201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262115734122151
Fuel System complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz GLC300.

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system problems on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300?

NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, 16% of the model year's 133 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 fuel system problems?

No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 fuel system problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.