REDLINE ALLEYMercedes Benz GLC X253 buying guide
2015 to 2022. A GLC suits a family that wants a mid size premium SUV and will check the recall history and the DPF on a diesel.
Big jobs
- Diesel particulate filter. Some diesel owners had costly DPF repairs.
- Automatic gearbox. A few owners report jerky shifts and occasional gearbox failures.
Workshop jobs
- Steering noise, tyre scrub and crabbing. Owners report noise and heavy tyre scrub on full lock at low speed, and some cars appear to crab with one axle out of line with the other.
- Electrical faults. Faulty sensors, infotainment glitches and persistent warning lights are reported.
Small jobs
- Starter current limiter and seatbelt recalls. Recalls covered the starter current limiter, which could overheat if the engine seized and the driver kept trying to start it, and front seatbelt pretensioners with the wrong propellant mix. Others covered fuel pumps, ESP, airbags and the panoramic sunroof.
- Front brake squeal. Some owners report squeaking front brakes, which new pads should fix.
Questions for the seller
- Is it petrol or diesel, and does it have air suspension?
- Have all recalls been done, including the seatbelt and starter recalls?
- On a diesel, has the DPF given any trouble?
- Has any wheel alignment work been done for crabbing or tyre scrub?
- When was the gearbox oil and filter last changed?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.