Mercedes-Benz GLC X253
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2015–2022) was the world's best-selling premium compact SUV — TÜV overall winner 2022. The only technical TÜV weak point is suspension wear from the third inspection onward.
Petrol (M274, M264): Generally robust, but M274 camshaft adjuster solenoids leak — oil wicks into harness to ECU. Preventive: oil-stop cable (~€60). On 4MATIC: transfer case needs oil change every 80,000 km or clutch wears (replacement €4,900–5,900).
Diesel (OM651, OM654): OM651 (to 2018): verify emissions update (deregistration risk). OM654 (facelift from 2019): two recalls — timing chain fracture and coolant pump fire risk. Both free, but proof required before purchase.
9G-Tronic jerks from 50,000–80,000 km — ATF flush (~€560) usually helps. COMAND NTG5 (to 2019): black screen issue (repair €400–800). Artico leather cracks after 3–5 years. Bulkhead water ingress on 2015–2017 builds.
Test drive: Control arms for knocking. Cold-start rattle (OM654 chain). 9G-Tronic judder at 20–40 km/h. COMAND display working? Footwell for moisture. 4MATIC: judder on pull-away?
2026 market: GLC 220d from €22,000–30,000. GLC 300 4MATIC from €28,000–38,000. GLC 43 AMG from €35,000–50,000.
Insider pick: GLC 300 4MATIC petrol (facelift from 2019), under 80,000 km, with documented transfer case oil change — most solid drivetrain in the range.
510 PS
AMG GLC 63 S · Benzin
510 hp compact SUV — Nürburgring record holder among SUVs
Legendary!190–265 PS
3.0L V6 Diesel Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 is available as SUV and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 is available with 16 engine variants — from 120 to 612 hp.
Most widespread Mercedes four-cylinder diesel, aluminium block with steel liners. Simplex timing chain sits at the rear of the gearbox and stretches from 120,000 km — chain tensioner recall covered 100,000+ vehicles in Germany (February–November 2014 production). Engine was part of the Mercedes emissions scandal: illegal thermal window defeat device; recall software in some vehicles actually worsened NOx values. Piezo injectors in the 250 CDI were never updated — remains an ongoing risk. Well-maintained examples with solenoid injectors and short oil-change intervals can reach 400,000 km.
- !! Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall
Over 100,000 vehicles recalled: the chain tensioner seal leaks, allowing engine oil to drip onto the exhaust system and potentially ignite.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil smell from engine bay, oily deposits under the vehicle, possible oil fire - !! Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain) from 150,000 km
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain. With short-trip driving and overdue oil change intervals the chain stretches.
Symptoms: Light rattling noise on cold start from the rear of the engine, no fault code stored - !! Piezo Injector Faults from 80,000 km
Same Delphi piezo injector problems as in the DE18: 220 CDI and 250 CDI variants affected. Mercedes replaced them with solenoid injectors as part of a service action.
Symptoms: Vibrations and rough running especially under acceleration, elevated fuel consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Most widespread Mercedes four-cylinder diesel, aluminium block with steel liners. Simplex timing chain sits at the rear of the gearbox and stretches from 120,000 km — chain tensioner recall covered 100,000+ vehicles in Germany (February–November 2014 production). Engine was part of the Mercedes emissions scandal: illegal thermal window defeat device; recall software in some vehicles actually worsened NOx values. Piezo injectors in the 250 CDI were never updated — remains an ongoing risk. Well-maintained examples with solenoid injectors and short oil-change intervals can reach 400,000 km.
- !! Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall
Over 100,000 vehicles recalled: the chain tensioner seal leaks, allowing engine oil to drip onto the exhaust system and potentially ignite.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil smell from engine bay, oily deposits under the vehicle, possible oil fire - !! Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain) from 150,000 km
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain. With short-trip driving and overdue oil change intervals the chain stretches.
Symptoms: Light rattling noise on cold start from the rear of the engine, no fault code stored - !! Piezo Injector Faults from 80,000 km
Same Delphi piezo injector problems as in the DE18: 220 CDI and 250 CDI variants affected. Mercedes replaced them with solenoid injectors as part of a service action.
Symptoms: Vibrations and rough running especially under acceleration, elevated fuel consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Most widespread Mercedes four-cylinder diesel, aluminium block with steel liners. Simplex timing chain sits at the rear of the gearbox and stretches from 120,000 km — chain tensioner recall covered 100,000+ vehicles in Germany (February–November 2014 production). Engine was part of the Mercedes emissions scandal: illegal thermal window defeat device; recall software in some vehicles actually worsened NOx values. Piezo injectors in the 250 CDI were never updated — remains an ongoing risk. Well-maintained examples with solenoid injectors and short oil-change intervals can reach 400,000 km.
- !! Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall
Over 100,000 vehicles recalled: the chain tensioner seal leaks, allowing engine oil to drip onto the exhaust system and potentially ignite.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil smell from engine bay, oily deposits under the vehicle, possible oil fire - !! Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain) from 150,000 km
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain. With short-trip driving and overdue oil change intervals the chain stretches.
Symptoms: Light rattling noise on cold start from the rear of the engine, no fault code stored - !! Piezo Injector Faults from 80,000 km
Same Delphi piezo injector problems as in the DE18: 220 CDI and 250 CDI variants affected. Mercedes replaced them with solenoid injectors as part of a service action.
Symptoms: Vibrations and rough running especially under acceleration, elevated fuel consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Most widespread Mercedes four-cylinder diesel, aluminium block with steel liners. Simplex timing chain sits at the rear of the gearbox and stretches from 120,000 km — chain tensioner recall covered 100,000+ vehicles in Germany (February–November 2014 production). Engine was part of the Mercedes emissions scandal: illegal thermal window defeat device; recall software in some vehicles actually worsened NOx values. Piezo injectors in the 250 CDI were never updated — remains an ongoing risk. Well-maintained examples with solenoid injectors and short oil-change intervals can reach 400,000 km.
- !! Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall
Over 100,000 vehicles recalled: the chain tensioner seal leaks, allowing engine oil to drip onto the exhaust system and potentially ignite.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil smell from engine bay, oily deposits under the vehicle, possible oil fire - !! Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain) from 150,000 km
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain. With short-trip driving and overdue oil change intervals the chain stretches.
Symptoms: Light rattling noise on cold start from the rear of the engine, no fault code stored - !! Piezo Injector Faults from 80,000 km
Same Delphi piezo injector problems as in the DE18: 220 CDI and 250 CDI variants affected. Mercedes replaced them with solenoid injectors as part of a service action.
Symptoms: Vibrations and rough running especially under acceleration, elevated fuel consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
V6 CDI with common rail and piezo injectors. Powerful, refined and torquey. The most expensive weak point is the oil cooler in the engine V: ageing seals cause oil and coolant loss; repair often exceeds €2,000 due to the labour-intensive teardown. Plastic swirl flap linkages break from soot deposits and can fall into the intake tract. Piezo injectors lose their seal through heat: diesel enters the oil and thins it, risking bearing damage. VGT actuator linkage jams from soot accumulation, triggering limp mode. Glow plugs corrode and snap off during removal. The standard oil pump delivers insufficient pressure at high load — an upgrade pump is recommended from 150,000 km.
- !! Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss from 120,000 km
The best-known problem of the OM642: the oil cooler gaskets in the V-section of the engine fail. Oil leaks into the coolant or externally. Particularly prone on vehicles built up to 2009.
Symptoms: Oil loss warning, oil spots under the left side of the vehicle, oil streaks visible on the belt tensioner - !! Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails from 100,000 km
The plastic linkages of the swirl flaps in the OM642 intake manifold break. Aluminium repair kits are available and more durable. In the event of complete failure there is a risk of debris entering the engine.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, fault codes for intake flap/swirl flap, power loss particularly at low rpm - !! Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil from 120,000 km
Piezo injectors seal poorly from heat, diesel enters the engine oil. Oil loses lubrication properties, tar-like residue around injectors is the typical telltale sign.
Symptoms: Rough idle, increased fuel consumption, knocking noises, oil level rising due to diesel contamination, engine oil smells of diesel
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Four-valve V6 in two basic variants: 3.5L naturally aspirated (DES 35, 185–225 kW) with direct injection and stratified charge — refined, linear, no classic naturally aspirated feel. And the 3.0L BiTurbo family (DEH 30 LA, 245–295 kW) with Nanoslide coating, twin turbochargers and water-air charge air cooler. The BiTurbo sings sonorously from 2,500 rpm and screams at the top — exceptional for a V6. Weak points: timing chain wears early when oil change intervals are pushed. Oil cooler in the V-block doesn't seal forever. Camshaft solenoids leak. On the 3.5L stratified-charge variant add NOx sensor failures from short-trip use. Early DES 35 (2011–2013) had piston slap issues. The BiTurbo unit with Nanoslide is considered more robust. Maintained with short oil change intervals (10,000–12,000 km) the engine easily lasts beyond 200,000 km.
- !! Oil cooler leaking in the V-block from 120,000 km
Known weak point: the oil cooler gasket in the V-block of the M276 ages and starts leaking. Repair is extremely labour-intensive because the engine must be partially disassembled — cost €1,700–3,800.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, rainbow sheen on wet road, dropping oil level, oil smell - !! Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated from 100,000 km
Known damage pattern on all newer Mercedes engines: solenoid valves leak, oil migrates into the wiring harness. First the lambda sensors die, then the ECU. Repair documented up to €1,970.
Symptoms: Check engine light with camshaft fault code, lambda sensor failure, oil film on connectors, in extreme cases ECU failure - !! Piston slap (early 3.5L variants) from 150,000 km
On early M276 DES 35 (build years 2011–2013) pistons can loosen due to cylinder bore wear. Knock noise on cold start, worst case engine damage.
Symptoms: Clacking and knocking on cold start from the engine area, getting louder over time, rough idle when cold
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Four-valve V6 in two basic variants: 3.5L naturally aspirated (DES 35, 185–225 kW) with direct injection and stratified charge — refined, linear, no classic naturally aspirated feel. And the 3.0L BiTurbo family (DEH 30 LA, 245–295 kW) with Nanoslide coating, twin turbochargers and water-air charge air cooler. The BiTurbo sings sonorously from 2,500 rpm and screams at the top — exceptional for a V6. Weak points: timing chain wears early when oil change intervals are pushed. Oil cooler in the V-block doesn't seal forever. Camshaft solenoids leak. On the 3.5L stratified-charge variant add NOx sensor failures from short-trip use. Early DES 35 (2011–2013) had piston slap issues. The BiTurbo unit with Nanoslide is considered more robust. Maintained with short oil change intervals (10,000–12,000 km) the engine easily lasts beyond 200,000 km.
- !! Oil cooler leaking in the V-block from 120,000 km
Known weak point: the oil cooler gasket in the V-block of the M276 ages and starts leaking. Repair is extremely labour-intensive because the engine must be partially disassembled — cost €1,700–3,800.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, rainbow sheen on wet road, dropping oil level, oil smell - !! Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated from 100,000 km
Known damage pattern on all newer Mercedes engines: solenoid valves leak, oil migrates into the wiring harness. First the lambda sensors die, then the ECU. Repair documented up to €1,970.
Symptoms: Check engine light with camshaft fault code, lambda sensor failure, oil film on connectors, in extreme cases ECU failure - !! Piston slap (early 3.5L variants) from 150,000 km
On early M276 DES 35 (build years 2011–2013) pistons can loosen due to cylinder bore wear. Knock noise on cold start, worst case engine damage.
Symptoms: Clacking and knocking on cold start from the engine area, getting louder over time, rough idle when cold
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
- !! MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic from 60,000 km
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill - !! Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness from 70,000 km
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage - !! Timing chain guide failure from 100,000 km
At higher mileage the plastic timing chain guide rails can fracture. Debris enters the oil sump and can cause secondary damage. Repair costs €4,000–8,000.
Symptoms: Tek-tek-tek noise on cold start that disappears after a few minutes. Later: extended start times, knocking from engine bay
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
- !! MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic from 60,000 km
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill - !! Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness from 70,000 km
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage - !! Timing chain guide failure from 100,000 km
At higher mileage the plastic timing chain guide rails can fracture. Debris enters the oil sump and can cause secondary damage. Repair costs €4,000–8,000.
Symptoms: Tek-tek-tek noise on cold start that disappears after a few minutes. Later: extended start times, knocking from engine bay
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
- !! MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic from 60,000 km
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill - !! Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness from 70,000 km
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage - !! Timing chain guide failure from 100,000 km
At higher mileage the plastic timing chain guide rails can fracture. Debris enters the oil sump and can cause secondary damage. Repair costs €4,000–8,000.
Symptoms: Tek-tek-tek noise on cold start that disappears after a few minutes. Later: extended start times, knocking from engine bay
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
- !! MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic from 60,000 km
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill - !! Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness from 70,000 km
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage - !! Timing chain guide failure from 100,000 km
At higher mileage the plastic timing chain guide rails can fracture. Debris enters the oil sump and can cause secondary damage. Repair costs €4,000–8,000.
Symptoms: Tek-tek-tek noise on cold start that disappears after a few minutes. Later: extended start times, knocking from engine bay
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and piezo injectors. Significantly less prone to timing chain problems than the M271, but not immune. Electric thermostat tends to fail early — always replace as complete OEM unit. Early DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a piston pin manufacturing tolerance issue — short block replacement required if symptom arises. Camshaft solenoids (Y49/1, Y49/2, pre-2014) prone to leaks. Oil changes every 10,000 km with MB 229.5 recommended.
- !! High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy from 120,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087 - !! Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness from 100,000 km
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure - !! Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units) from 60,000 km
Early M274 DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a manufacturing tolerance issue with excessive piston pin clearance. Blue smoke and oil consumption up to requiring short-block replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, blue-grey exhaust smoke, increased oil consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and piezo injectors. Significantly less prone to timing chain problems than the M271, but not immune. Electric thermostat tends to fail early — always replace as complete OEM unit. Early DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a piston pin manufacturing tolerance issue — short block replacement required if symptom arises. Camshaft solenoids (Y49/1, Y49/2, pre-2014) prone to leaks. Oil changes every 10,000 km with MB 229.5 recommended.
- !! High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy from 120,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087 - !! Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness from 100,000 km
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure - !! Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units) from 60,000 km
Early M274 DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a manufacturing tolerance issue with excessive piston pin clearance. Blue smoke and oil consumption up to requiring short-block replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, blue-grey exhaust smoke, increased oil consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and piezo injectors. Significantly less prone to timing chain problems than the M271, but not immune. Electric thermostat tends to fail early — always replace as complete OEM unit. Early DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a piston pin manufacturing tolerance issue — short block replacement required if symptom arises. Camshaft solenoids (Y49/1, Y49/2, pre-2014) prone to leaks. Oil changes every 10,000 km with MB 229.5 recommended.
- !! High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy from 120,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087 - !! Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness from 100,000 km
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure - !! Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units) from 60,000 km
Early M274 DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a manufacturing tolerance issue with excessive piston pin clearance. Blue smoke and oil consumption up to requiring short-block replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, blue-grey exhaust smoke, increased oil consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and piezo injectors. Significantly less prone to timing chain problems than the M271, but not immune. Electric thermostat tends to fail early — always replace as complete OEM unit. Early DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a piston pin manufacturing tolerance issue — short block replacement required if symptom arises. Camshaft solenoids (Y49/1, Y49/2, pre-2014) prone to leaks. Oil changes every 10,000 km with MB 229.5 recommended.
- !! High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy from 120,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087 - !! Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness from 100,000 km
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure - !! Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units) from 60,000 km
Early M274 DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a manufacturing tolerance issue with excessive piston pin clearance. Blue smoke and oil consumption up to requiring short-block replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, blue-grey exhaust smoke, increased oil consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and piezo injectors. Significantly less prone to timing chain problems than the M271, but not immune. Electric thermostat tends to fail early — always replace as complete OEM unit. Early DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a piston pin manufacturing tolerance issue — short block replacement required if symptom arises. Camshaft solenoids (Y49/1, Y49/2, pre-2014) prone to leaks. Oil changes every 10,000 km with MB 229.5 recommended.
- !! High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy from 120,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087 - !! Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness from 100,000 km
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure - !! Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units) from 60,000 km
Early M274 DE20 LA units (2015–2016) have a manufacturing tolerance issue with excessive piston pin clearance. Blue smoke and oil consumption up to requiring short-block replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, blue-grey exhaust smoke, increased oil consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering rack bolts corroded (recall) Aluminium steering rack bolts corrode due to road salt. If all three bolts fracture, power steering fails completely. KBA recall 012425. Symptoms: Heavy steering when parking, jerky steering movements, possible power steering failure | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2022
Overall winner of the TÜV Report 2021 and 2022 — the compact SUV shows the lowest defect rate of all tested vehicles.
2021-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2023
Very low breakdown frequency — the SUV ranks among the most reliable compact SUVs.
2023-04Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 60 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2015–2022) — 40 engine-related and 20 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel). Typical issues affect Steering, Gearbox, Brakes, Interior.
GLC (OM651DE22, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 163–170 PS.
GLC (OM651DE22, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 204 PS.
GLC (OM642, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 258 PS.
GLC (M274, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units). Power: 211 PS.
GLC (M274, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units). Power: 245 PS.
GLC (M276, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 367 PS.
GLC (M177, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Timing chain guide failure. Power: 476 PS.
GLC (M177, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Timing chain guide failure. Power: 510 PS.
GLC (M274, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Piston Pin Knock (2015–2016 units). Power: 320 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLC? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLC X253? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee