Mercedes-Benz initiated the recall after an internal investigation that spanned several years and was prompted by the IIHS test. The recall affects 15,502 GLC models built between 2019 and 2022, targeting misaligned headlights. Despite the scope of the recall, Mercedes said only a single warranty claim related to the problem has been reported.

As part of their testing, IIHS checks the performance of the headlights. If a model is available with more than one headlight type, it will check all applicable variants. In 2021, it provided a rating for the GLC, which Mercedes protested. In fact, the evaluation led the automaker to believe that the headlights in question were not properly adjusted.

As such, she opened an investigation and found that although they were improperly adjusted by her own standards, they still technically complied with FMVSS 108 for headlight alignment. He found two production lines where there may have been problems with headlight adjustment. In January of this year, it found that in some cases the headlight angle could slightly exceed FMVSS 108 tolerance requirements.

Mercedes is recalling 15,000 GLC SUVs due to a glaring defect

Also reviewed field claims and found only one from October 2021. Yet now recalling 15,502 GLC units including AMG GLC43 from 2020-2022, the GLC300 from 2019-2022, and the GLC350E from 2020. The problem affects both headlights, and Mercedes says it expects to find it in all recalls. Additionally, there are no warning signs to alert the driver if they are behind the wheel of one of these misaligned pairs of headlights.

Dealers will be made aware of the issue on February 9 and owners will be notified no later than March 1, 2024. Those interested in knowing if they own an affected Mercedes GLC can contact their local dealer or search for their VIN at NHTSA.gov. The recall number is 24V-070.