NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 77 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the NHTSA side-impact crash test anchors the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV 4WD's strong showing. This model year also presents a clean recall record, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100. However, the absence of published NHTSA frontal and overall crash ratings leaves a notable gap in the vehicle's comprehensive safety assessment.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV 4WD receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 and a 5-out-of-5 NHTSA side-crash rating, based entirely on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class ranks 44 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.6% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 77 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 44 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV 4WD distinguishes itself with a spotless recall record; zero campaigns are on file for this model year. This contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, a score identical to the 2019 model. Crash protection remains a strong suit, earning 63.8 out of 70, the largest factor in its overall Index. The NHTSA side impact test yielded a 5-star rating. Rollover resistance is also notable, with a 4-star rating and a 19 percent risk rate, supported by a clean dynamic tip test. Standard safety technology includes forward collision warning and electronic stability control, contributing to an avoidance-tech score of 7 out of 10. The absence of standard lane departure warning prevents this sub-score from reaching its maximum. A total of 77 owner complaints have been registered, primarily concerning engine and electrical issues. These remain unverified allegations and do not affect the Safety Index score, but they indicate a potential pattern for those researching specific vehicles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2020 GLC-Class did not receive an overall safety rating from NHTSA, nor were frontal crash evaluations completed for this model year. However, NHTSA awarded the vehicle 5 out of 5 stars for side-crash protection. Its rollover resistance rating was 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 19 percent, and it achieved a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15095
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class have any recalls?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean defect record directly supports the 15.5-out-of-20 points the vehicle earns in the Index defect-record category.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class?
NHTSA has logged 77 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 GLC-Class. The top alleged problem areas are the Engine (26 reports), Unknown Or Other (16), Electrical System (10), Back Over Prevention (8), and Power Train (6). All are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
77 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run a VIN check on NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Although no recall campaigns are currently on file, that status can change. Confirm that any future-issued remedy has been completed before taking delivery.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 GLC-Class, a distinction that directly contributes to its 15.5-out-of-20 defect-record sub-score within the 86/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a perfect 5-out-of-5 stars for side-crash protection, but the overall and frontal crash ratings are not rated, leaving meaningful gaps in the federal test record.
- The 77 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year are concentrated in the Engine category with 26 alleged reports, followed by Electrical System with 10, making those two areas the most reported concern among owners.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, which limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of a possible 10 points in the Safety Index calculation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class places
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class safety questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 77 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Glc-Class years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15095), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 44 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.