Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 (2015-2022): known problems and buying guide

A middling buy, so check the emissions software update, 9G-Tronic shifts and AdBlue warnings before paying.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
220 d, 194 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive	€584	€32,900	677	Diesel	654920	Automatic (9)	2019–2023
300 d, 245 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive	€597	€34,850	294	Diesel	654920	Automatic (9)	2019–2023
400 d, 330 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive	€671	€38,499	233	Diesel	656929	Automatic (9)	2019–2023
200 d, 163 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive	€581	€29,790	163	Diesel	654920	Automatic (9)	2019–2023
43 AMG, 390 PS, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive	€778	€43,999	144	Petrol (98)	276823	Automatic (9)	2019–2023

Years: 2015 to 2022. The 2019 facelift replaced the 2.1-litre diesel with a 2.0-litre OM654 diesel.
Reliability: 3/5. The emissions update, AdBlue faults and 9G-Tronic shifts cost time.
DIY: 2/5. AdBlue and gearbox codes need a scanner; gearbox jobs go to a workshop.
Prefer: a car with a full service record, proof of the emissions update and a clean shift test.
Avoid: an OM651 car built 2015 or 2016 with no proof of the software update.

OM651 2.1 diesel (220d, 250d): see the OM651 guide, which covers its own faults. The emissions software update below applies to it.
OM642 3.0 V6 diesel (350d): the emissions software update applies here too, for cars built until mid-2018.
OM654 2.0 diesel (2019 on): AdBlue warnings and dosing faults, see below.
M274 2.0 petrol (GLC 250 and 300, 2015-2019, also the 350e): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
M264 2.0 petrol (facelift GLC 200 and 300, 2019 on): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
M276 3.0 V6 (AMG GLC 43): two German guides report timing chain problems on older revisions and call them fixed on later ones.
M177 4.0 V8 (AMG GLC 63): no engine fault confirmed in the sources read.
OM656 2.9 diesel (400d): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
Plug-in hybrids (350e, 300e, 300de): no hybrid fault confirmed in the sources read.
9G-Tronic 725.0: shift jerking and late upshifts, see below.
7G-Tronic 722.9: see the 7G-Tronic guide, which covers the early 350e.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Emissions software update	GLC 220d and 250d built 06/2015 to 11/2016 (OM651); GLC 350d until 06/2018 (OM642)	Not stated	No price given
Shift jerking in the 9G Tronic	Cars with the 9G-Tronic gearbox	Not stated	Fluid flush 580-780 EUR; mechatronic 1,480-2,180 EUR (one German workshop, year not stated)
AdBlue warning and dosing faults	OM651 and OM654 diesels	Not stated; tank heater faults after three to four winters	NOx sensor 380-520 EUR; AdBlue tank heater 240-360 EUR (one German workshop, year not stated)
Tyre scrub and crabbing on full lock	All GLCs; RAC reports it on right-hand-drive cars	Not stated	No confirmed price

Gearbox: on a cold test drive, check for jerks in second to fourth gear, late upshifts and a hard engagement into reverse. A scanner reads fault P0700. Bad result: jerks that stay after warm-up, or P0700 in the memory. Ask for the fluid change record.
AdBlue: watch for an AdBlue warning or emergency running. A scanner reads codes P20EE, P229F and P1564 (AdBlue tank heater). Bad result: a stored code, or a warning with a full tank.
Emissions: ask for proof that the software update was done at a Mercedes workshop, and enter the VIN to check open campaigns. Bad result: no record of the update.
Tyre scrub: turn the wheel to full lock at walking pace and listen and feel for a skip or judder from the outside front tyre. Bad result: a skip or judder.

Operational	€230
Workshop	€196
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€198
Total per month	€624
New-car depreciation (not included)	€127

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.