NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a five-star overall crash protection rating from NHTSA, contributing to an Exceptional 92/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This strong showing is supported by a clean record of zero recalls. Its defect record further bolsters its safety profile, suggesting a robust design for the model year.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc ranks 17 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC enters the MotorCaliber dataset with a notable zero-recall history, contributing to a strong defect record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20. This clean slate anchors its overall Safety Index at 92/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its crash protection also scored highly, earning 66 out of 70. While its core safety is robust, the GLC's avoidance technology presents a mixed picture. A sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, the absence of lane departure warning as standard equipment prevents a higher rating in this category. Owner complaints for the 2021 GLC total 61. Of these, 29 allege engine-related issues. Despite this concentration, no recall has been issued for these concerns. A single reported fire allegation remains an unverified consumer claim. Based on the ratings NHTSA published, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates one of the stronger safety profiles within the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in collision scenarios. Frontal and side impact tests each yielded a perfect five-star score. The vehicle's rollover assessment, however, presents a relative area of concern, earning four out of five stars with a 19 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, by contrast, recorded a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15686
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 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. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc?
NHTSA has logged 61 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 GLC. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (29 reports), Exterior Lighting (10), and Fuel/Propulsion System (9). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include one reported crash and one reported fire.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc?
Because this 2021 GLC is now in the used market, buyers should run a free VIN lookup on NHTSA's website to confirm no new recall campaigns have been opened since this data was compiled. Verify that any future remedy work has been completed before finalizing a purchase.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 GLC specifically, a distinction that directly lifts its defect record sub-score to 18.5 out of 20 and contributes to the Exceptional Safety Index band.
- NHTSA's rollover test assigned this model year a four-star rating with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, making rollover the only crash category below five stars.
- Lane departure warning is absent as standard equipment on this model year, which is the primary reason the avoidance tech sub-score sits at 7 out of 10 rather than higher.
- Forty-seven of the 61 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year cluster in three components: Engine, Exterior Lighting, and Fuel/Propulsion System, a concentration worth reviewing in detail before purchase even though no recall has been issued.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15686), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Glc 2021.
- 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 17 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.