The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is no doubt one of the most beautiful looking SUVs on the used car market today. They are still new enough to have the modern style of the newest generations of Mercedes-Benz and are old enough to have depreciated a great deal. You can find a 2016 model used for as little as $21,675 – a shockingly low price even I didn’t expect – but there are some concerning recalls that might lead you to steer clear.

Some serious recalls for the GLC

Upon first glance, I would definitely be asking my local Mercedes-Benz dealer for the key to test drive the GLC, especially with its convincing sticker price. In fact, if I didn’t know any better I would probably buy one and have almost no clue as to what serious recalls would be waiting for me after purchase.

The first recall had to do with the GLC’s communication system, which is one of those things that really isn’t important – that is until you actually need it. The problem with the communication system revolved around the car’s emergency response system, which would occasionally send the incorrect location information when the car was signaled to be in distress or the driver or passenger pressed the emergency services button.

There have also been several recalls affecting the rear passenger’s ability to use the seatbelt, including the seatbelt strap retracting into the pillar entirely. This can be potentially dangerous as it prevents rear passengers from using their seatbelts.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC isn’t a bad SUV, right?

According to Consumer Reports, there have been a number of other complaints lodged by owners themselves in regards to problems with their own 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Rattling panels and squealing brake assemblies seem to be the most common and embarrassing issues owners face.

In way of luxury SUVs, buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLC doesn’t seem like a bad idea, and it comes at a bargain of a price if you look for one that hasn’t been affected by the recalls or has had the recalls serviced.

Even if the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC might be a wash, but that doesn’t mean all of the used models on the market are. You can use the Mercedes-Benz recall website to check the specific VIN as not every vehicle was affected by all of the recalls. You can also use the website or contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer to see if the recalls have been satisfied, in which case you wouldn’t have anything to worry about, in theory.

The newer model years of the GLC have proven to be more reliable and have significantly fewer recalls, so it might be worth it to simply look at another model year instead, or even at buying one brand new if you are so inclined.