GLC Class (X254) Produced 2023+

NHTSA opens investigation into 48V issues for the new GLC

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Old 08-01-2023, 07:57 PM
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NHTSA opens investigation into 48V issues for the new GLC

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/08/nh...-system-fault/

I owned a brand new 2022 GLE53, which I dumped within 2 months because it had so many issues. However, the one issue it didn’t have was the 48V battery issue. Based on what I’ve read on the GLE forum, the 2022+ models had new part numbers for the battery and I assumed that squashed the problem. This article sort of refutes that and essentially says the problem still exists and the new part number was essentially a placebo.
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Old 08-01-2023, 09:46 PM
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Seems to be only apparent on the batch of GLC’s though. They did release a recall this month in regards to it. Postings about failed 48v systems on MY23 vehicles of GLE, GLS, E, and S-Class’ seem to not be present on the forums at least compared to earlier model years.
Old 08-02-2023, 10:32 AM
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2017 GLC300, 2013 GLK 250 bluetec, 2020 Lexus ux250h fsport, 2016 Lexus is250 2010 Lexus is250 awd
Emergency brake assist

I haven’t had the starting issue, but I have had the battery low critical warning twice. Did the recall. I keep getting an emergency brake assist inoperative warning. Noted this during the recall update, then had it in for 4 days, They changed a module after reading and seeing this in the codes. Test drove for an hour, and couldn’t reproduce the error message. This weekend had the similar error twice “stop assist” vs brake assist?. This will be the third time I’ll have it in for this fault. I hate to invoke the lemon law as this is the only issue I have with the vehicle… but I want it solved. Should I be patient or call my attorney if the new fix fails again? Any thoughts are appreciated.


Sometimes the option is grayed out after the warning, and sometimes it comes back on. I really don’t want to be guessing at 75 on the highway or 10 in my driveway!
Old 08-02-2023, 11:04 AM
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Did you go to dealer and ask about the message or see if there were any updates? I have an appointment for a powertrain software update that showed up for my VIN # on the SA computer. It showed up when I went in with a light malfunction message that popped up on the 300 screen.

If I remember correctly know bought your 300 on the west coast. I can give you the name of my SA in Delray who I’ve used for a while, unless you have someone else.


Old 08-19-2023, 07:34 PM
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I had the 48V message with a bunch of other yellow warnings and the check engine light on today. The car has 1500 miles. 2023 GLC300.
It went off after two restarts.
I brought it to the dealer, they checked and seemed fine, no codes came up. They downloaded something onto the car via the internet and told me all is well.
Old 08-20-2023, 03:33 PM
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I am glad I decided against a GLC, at least until the bugs are worked out.
Old 08-20-2023, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 300SE1993
I am glad I decided against a GLC, at least until the bugs are worked out.
I understand this computer system is the same as in the new S class. There are a lot of false positives. I just now received an alert that my 12v battery is low.
Old 08-22-2023, 07:59 AM
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GLC not ready for prime time

Originally Posted by 300SE1993
I am glad I decided against a GLC, at least until the bugs are worked out.
Likewise, had 2 on order with a no obligation clause, did not take delivery of either of them. Opted for the 2022 instead. So far we’ve had 4 GLCs of the old body style and all 4 have been problem free. I have to thank the knowledgeable people who share their experiences with the 2023 GLC for steering me away from making a potentially big mistake.
Old 08-22-2023, 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Bryce1023
Likewise, had 2 on order with a no obligation clause, did not take delivery of either of them. Opted for the 2022 instead. So far we’ve had 4 GLCs of the old body style and all 4 have been problem free. I have to thank the knowledgeable people who share their experiences with the 2023 GLC for steering me away from making a potentially big mistake.
Bugs and all, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is an amazing car. The head-up display alone is worth the admission price.
And I think the quirkiness is the car being smart, sensing something out of the ordinary. Once I got home, all the warnings stopped.
I asked it to tell me a joke. It did but it wouldn't tell me another for fear of distracting me.
The joke was, "Why don't oysters give to charity?- Because they are shellfish."
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Old 08-22-2023, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Frenetic
https://www.carscoops.com/2023/08/nh...-system-fault/

I owned a brand new 2022 GLE53, which I dumped within 2 months because it had so many issues. However, the one issue it didn’t have was the 48V battery issue. Based on what I’ve read on the GLE forum, the 2022+ models had new part numbers for the battery and I assumed that squashed the problem. This article sort of refutes that and essentially says the problem still exists and the new part number was essentially a placebo.
MB’s 48V system is so bad. Stay very far away.

BMW is now introducing a 48V mild hybrid system. Stay very far away from that also, until (if) it appears BMW has done a better engineering job than MB.

Shouldn’t be too hard to do anything better than MB.
Old 08-22-2023, 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by chassis
MB’s 48V system is so bad. Stay very far away.

BMW is now introducing a 48V mild hybrid system. Stay very far away from that also, until (if) it appears BMW has done a better engineering job than MB.

Shouldn’t be too hard to do anything better than MB.
Oh no, don't say that! The X5 I just bought has a 48V mild hybrid. No problems yet so we are already doing better than GLC. I had problems with one of my GLC's within half hour of driving off from the dealer after I purchased it!
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Old 08-23-2023, 03:49 AM
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Originally Posted by mhmyers55
Bugs and all, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is an amazing car. The head-up display alone is worth the admission price.
And I think the quirkiness is the car being smart, sensing something out of the ordinary. Once I got home, all the warnings stopped.
I asked it to tell me a joke. It did but it wouldn't tell me another for fear of distracting me.
The joke was, "Why don't oysters give to charity?- Because they are shellfish."
Agree it’s an amazing car “bugs & all”. Very sorry to hear that some others are having problems. So far the only problem I have is warning about the digital lights. Very minor problem compared to other posts.


Old 08-27-2023, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by newglcdriver
Oh no, don't say that! The X5 I just bought has a 48V mild hybrid. No problems yet so we are already doing better than GLC. I had problems with one of my GLC's within half hour of driving off from the dealer after I purchased it!
So I read some BMW uses SAMSUNG batteries? https://www.electrive.com/2023/08/08...0cells%20there.

but.. that is not really something to worry about because after the Note7 I haven't seen or heard of their batteries exploding so they must have learned from their lesson, hopefully.
Old 08-27-2023, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by newglcdriver
Oh no, don't say that! The X5 I just bought has a 48V mild hybrid. No problems yet so we are already doing better than GLC. I had problems with one of my GLC's within half hour of driving off from the dealer after I purchased it!
Yes with sadness I learned that BMW has adopted a 48V mild hybrid system for the X5. I like the X5 and it is low on my list of potential next vehicles, but the 48V system changes things.

Because of the 48V system, I will not buy a MY24 X5 for a minimum of 3 years of field experience. MB is still having problems with their 48V solution after 5 model years. I usually buy 1-2 year old vehicles, so the X5 might miss my car replacement schedule this time around, because MY23 non-48V will be too old, and MY24 and newer will insufficiently proven.

Audi, Porsche and Bentley will produce ICE-only midsize SUVs for a few more years at least. A few other brands I don't normally consider will have ICE-only choices, but nothing from MB or BMW going forward.

Last edited by chassis; 08-27-2023 at 03:35 PM.
Old 08-27-2023, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Yes with sadness I learned that BMW has adopted a 48V mild hybrid system for the X5. I like the X5 and it is low on my list of potential next vehicles, but the 48V system changes things.

Because of the 48V system, I will not buy a MY24 X5 for a minimum of 3 years of field experience. MB is still having problems with their 48V solution after 5 model years. I usually buy 1-2 year old vehicles, so the X5 might miss my car replacement schedule this time around, because MY23 non-48V will be too old, and MY24 and newer will insufficiently proven.

Audi, Porsche and Bentley will produce ICE-only midsize SUVs for a few more years at least. A few other brands I don't normally consider will have ICE-only choices, but nothing from MB or BMW going forward.
Speaking of Porsche they aren't entertaining the idea of mild-hybrid and perhaps will go from ICE to hybrid and straight to full electric.
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Old 08-29-2023, 09:11 AM
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I believe the X5 has been mild hybrid as woth most BMW 40i models since the 2021 model year.
Old 08-31-2023, 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by mhmyers55
Bugs and all, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is an amazing car. The head-up display alone is worth the admission price.
And I think the quirkiness is the car being smart, sensing something out of the ordinary. Once I got home, all the warnings stopped.
I asked it to tell me a joke. It did but it wouldn't tell me another for fear of distracting me.
The joke was, "Why don't oysters give to charity?- Because they are shellfish."
What types of bugs do you have, can you share your experience with us. Also, do you know if they isolated the 48v hybrid problem? Thinking about getting GLE or GLC
Old 08-31-2023, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Speaking of Porsche they aren't entertaining the idea of mild-hybrid and perhaps will go from ICE to hybrid and straight to full electric.
Porsche uses 400V nominal (specifically, 382V) for propulsion energy in its e-Hybrid models, for example Panamera and Cayenne e-Hybrid. 48V batteries are used for non-propulsion systems, for example rear axle steering and active stabilizer bar. The active stabilizer bar, PDCC in Porsche terminology and AMG Active Ride Control for MB, use the same principles of operation.

Future Porsche models to my knowledge will use 400V or 800V (as Taycan does today) for propulsion motors. I have not seen any Porsche publication indicating a lower voltage mild hybrid using an electric motor between combustion engine and transmission like MB and BMW are using.

The BEV Macan has been spotted in camouflage. Nothing so far for Cayenne or Panamera.

Last edited by chassis; 08-31-2023 at 09:47 PM.
Old 08-31-2023, 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by AgilityControl
What types of bugs do you have, can you share your experience with us. Also, do you know if they isolated the 48v hybrid problem? Thinking about getting GLE or GLC
I got the battery critical notifications and once the 48v notification at about 1500 miles. Took it in and fixed in an hour with a software download as I understand. Been fine since.
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Old 08-31-2023, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by mhmyers55
I got the battery critical notifications and once the 48v notification at about 1500 miles. Took it in and fixed in an hour with a software download as I understand. Been fine since.
Okay, makes me feel better, so close to buying. Let us know if any other issues. When my Mercedes-Benz sits for too long, I'll use a trickle charger to keep it topped off, otherwise the start stop feature never works because it's charging the battery.
It seems as though Mercedes-Benz have more electronics running in the background; I know on my W204 a fan runs about an hour to keep my HVAC unit dry to prevent mold build up after a trip to the store.
Old 09-01-2023, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by AgilityControl
Okay, makes me feel better, so close to buying. Let us know if any other issues. When my Mercedes-Benz sits for too long, I'll use a trickle charger to keep it topped off, otherwise the start stop feature never works because it's charging the battery.
It seems as though Mercedes-Benz have more electronics running in the background; I know on my W204 a fan runs about an hour to keep my HVAC unit dry to prevent mold build up after a trip to the store.
Turn on standby mode if the car is left in your garage to conserve battery if you are not driving it often or do short trips (only recommend this feature on if it is secured because it disables anti-theft alarm).

Some market MBs still have a feature called Rest mode (residual heating) turning it on it continues to heat/cool the cabin for 30 minutes after the engine turns off (you need to turn on this feature every time you leave the vehicle).
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Old 09-01-2023, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Porsche uses 400V nominal (specifically, 382V) for propulsion energy in its e-Hybrid models, for example Panamera and Cayenne e-Hybrid. 48V batteries are used for non-propulsion systems, for example rear axle steering and active stabilizer bar. The active stabilizer bar, PDCC in Porsche terminology and AMG Active Ride Control for MB, use the same principles of operation.

Future Porsche models to my knowledge will use 400V or 800V (as Taycan does today) for propulsion motors. I have not seen any Porsche publication indicating a lower voltage mild hybrid using an electric motor between combustion engine and transmission like MB and BMW are using.

The BEV Macan has been spotted in camouflage. Nothing so far for Cayenne or Panamera.
Appreciate the information, wasn't aware about that about Porsche.
Old 09-02-2023, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Turn on standby mode if the car is left in your garage to conserve battery
Mine says the car will start if left in Standby mode for 9 weeks.
Old 09-02-2023, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mhmyers55
Mine says the car will start if left in Standby mode for 9 weeks.
Hmmm? Do you have a picture of the message, that sounds kind of weird, if the car is in an enclosed space I don't think it will be smart for MB to start itself up (maybe if it was an EQ model it wouldn't had been an issue) That said, typical remote start on MBs usually turns off the engine in 10 minutes so maybe it will do the same but 10 minutes isn't enough to charge the battery though.
Old 09-02-2023, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Hmmm? Do you have a picture of the message.


Now it says 10 weeks


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