MBUX system freezing and restarting in my 2020 GLC 300

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:09 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has been giving me headaches with its MBUX infotainment system. It's usually fantastic, but lately, it's been acting up quite a bit.

About once a week, sometimes more, the whole system will freeze. The screen becomes unresponsive, audio cuts out, and then after a minute or two, it just restarts itself. It's really frustrating, especially when I'm using navigation or on a call.

I've tried restarting the car, but it doesn't always help. Is this a known bug with the MBUX system in the GLC 300? Are there any specific software updates I should ask about, or is there a hard reset procedure I can perform myself?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Infotainment system glitches, including freezing and restarting, are not uncommon across various car manufacturers, and Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system can occasionally experience these issues, particularly in earlier iterations like those found in 2020 models. These are often software-related.

Common Causes & Diagnostics:

  1. Software Bugs: The most frequent cause is a bug in the MBUX software. Mercedes-Benz regularly releases over-the-air (OTA) updates or updates that can be installed by a dealership to address these issues and improve system stability.
  2. Corrupted Data: Sometimes, corrupted data from connected devices (like a faulty USB drive or a problematic phone app) can cause the system to crash.
  3. Hardware Malfunction (Less Common): While rare, a faulty MBUX control unit or related hardware component could be the root cause. This typically manifests as persistent issues even after software updates.
  4. Power Fluctuations: Minor electrical inconsistencies can sometimes trigger system resets.

When to See a Shop:

  • Self-Troubleshooting:
    • Soft Reset: Try holding down the power button (usually on the center console or steering wheel) for about 10-15 seconds until the system reboots. This can often clear temporary glitches.
    • Check for Updates: See if your vehicle's MBUX system indicates any available over-the-air updates. If not, note the current software version.
    • Disconnect Devices: Try disconnecting all USB devices and unpairing your phone for a day or two to see if the issue persists.
  • Dealership Visit: If the soft reset doesn't resolve the issue, or if it recurs frequently, you should schedule an appointment with a Mercedes-Benz dealership. They can:
    • Perform a comprehensive diagnostic scan to check for fault codes related to the MBUX system.
    • Manually install the latest software updates for your MBUX unit, which often resolves freezing and restarting problems.
    • If software updates don't help, they can further diagnose for potential hardware issues with the MBUX control unit or associated wiring.