Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 350

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The X253 GLC generation ran from 2015 to 2022, with petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions offered in Europe.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• Across 29 GLC 350 owner reviews, the average score is 4.6/5; handling and reliability score 4.5, while comfort and design score 4.6.[2]one source
• GLC 350 owners most often praise its performance, cabin space, exterior design, handling and ground clearance.[2]one source
• The most frequently cited drawbacks are servicing costs, fuel consumption and price.[2]one source
• Consumer Reports assesses the 2025 GLC range, not specifically the GLC 350: it rates it less reliable than peer-year cars and lists four NHTSA recalls.[3]one source

Typical faults

• On X253 models with the OM642 3.0 V6 diesel, oil-cooler seals can harden and leak, leaving oil in the engine V and on the transmission.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

  100 000+ km · OM642 3.0 V6 diesel

• On X253 M274 2.0 turbo and 2.0 PHEV engines, cam-adjuster solenoids can leak oil into the wiring loom, while the adjusters may rattle at cold start.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

  80 000+ km · M274 2.0 turbo, M274 2.0 PHEV

• On X253 cars, the 7G-Tronic conductor plate or control unit can fail, causing limp mode and harsh shifts; the source describes the 9G-Tronic as generally durable.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

  100 000+ km · 7G-Tronic

• One 2025 GLC 300 owner reported that the hot centre display froze and recovered only after cooling and several vehicle restarts; this report is not about a GLC 350.[3]one source

  2025–2025 · GLC 300 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbo

Which engine and version to take

• For X253 OM654 2.0 and OM656 3.0 diesels, the source reports no systemic chain, injector or turbo faults; at 200,000–300,000 km, operation, noises and stored faults still need checking.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

What to avoid

• Approach the OM642 3.0 V6 diesel cautiously: oil-cooler seal leaks may arise from about 100,000 km, and intake swirl-flap actuator wear from about 120,000 km.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• For M274 2.0 turbo and PHEV versions, the source notes cam-solenoid oil leaks, cold-start rattles, thermostat faults and cooling-connection leaks from about 80,000 km.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

What to check at the inspection

• Check an X253 from cold: listen for chain or cam-adjuster rattles during the first seconds and look for oil around the solenoids and inside their connectors.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• On the OM642 3.0 diesel, look for oil between the cylinder heads and at the rear of the engine on the transmission; also scan for P2015 and related faults.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• On diesel versions, scan for SCR, NOx, EGR and AdBlue faults, inspect DPF data and confirm that the AdBlue system works.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• During the test drive, check automatic-transmission shifts and limp mode, scan transmission faults and request oil-change records.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253
• Use the VIN to verify whether the specific X253 has completed its manufacturer recall campaigns; the source says their status can only be confirmed for an individual car.[1]one sourceGLC-klase X253

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]autoradars.lv — Mercedes-Benz GLC-klase X253 (2015 - 2022) - AutoRadars.lv · press
2. [2]auto.ria.com — 29 отзывов о Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 · press
3. [3]consumerreports.org — 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability · press

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