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2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

HybridGas
Subcompact Cars
13 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls4 critical19
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA25
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA26 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact car with 13 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the E450 4matic, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 25 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
E450 4maticHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion233026$3,000
E450 CoupeHybridRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion233126$3,000
AMG E53 4matic PlusHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion222925$3,100
E450 4matic ConvertibleHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion232925$3,100
E450 4matic CoupeHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion233025$3,100
E450 ConvertibleHybridRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion233025$3,100
AMG E53 4matic Plus CoupeHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion212824$3,250
E450 4matic All-Terrain (wagon)Hybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion222824$3,250
AMG E53 4matic Plus ConvertibleHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion212723$3,350
E350GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223125$3,100
E350 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223025$3,100
AMG E63 S 4matic PlusGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162318$4,300
AMG E63 S 4matic Plus (SW)Gas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162318$4,300

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43181, 43337, 43360, 43341, 43338, 43340, 43336, 43156, 43339, 43080.

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Recalls (19)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Electrical System

2024100002/3
22,422 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLS 53 4MATIC, 2019-2023 E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 53 4MATIC Coupe, E 53 4MATIC Sedan, 2021-2024 GT 43 4MATIC, and 2019-2025 GT 53 4MATIC vehicles. The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production. which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.RiskAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100002/3. This recall supersedes recall 22V-533. Vehicles repaired under the prior recall will still need to have the new remedy performed.
NHTSA campaign 24V445000reported Jun 14, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2024MMNNNN
12,191 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 CLS450, E450, E450 All-Terrain, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, and 2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.RiskAn overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024MMNNNN.
NHTSA campaign 24V100000reported Feb 9, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

79,676 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
NHTSA campaign 23V880000reported Dec 21, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign 23V445000reported Jun 26, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

2022100009
19,968 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.RiskThe inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
NHTSA campaign 22V733000reported Sep 30, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2022080010
16,977 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AMG GT43, 2019-2022 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, E53 Cabriolet, AMG GT53, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.RiskAn electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and repair the electrical connector, as necessary. Dealers will also reroute the harness and install an additional bracket. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080010.
NHTSA campaign 22V533000reported Jul 22, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

2022060007
126,443 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskAn inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
NHTSA campaign 22V232000reported Apr 8, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Steering

2022040010
8,396 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.RiskDeactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
NHTSA campaign 22V189000reported Mar 25, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

2021070032/33
542 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.RiskAir bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
NHTSA campaign 21V527000reported Jul 12, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

2021080021
4,917 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskAn unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V483000reported Jun 25, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2021060010
218 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.RiskIncorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will inspect the rear seatback guide bushings and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060010.
NHTSA campaign 21V406000reported May 28, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021050012
343,191 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixThe multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
NHTSA campaign 21V354000reported May 14, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2021040016
8,634 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.RiskAir bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
NHTSA campaign 21V230000reported Apr 1, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Back Over Prevention

6 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, and AMG E63 vehicles. The parking control unit may fail to display the rearview camera image and cause the parking sensors to misidentify or fail to detect objects.RiskAn inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver's view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixAll affected vehicles are still within MBUSA's control. MBUSA will replace the parking control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V228000reported Apr 1, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2021040002
109 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, E63S AMG, 2020 E63S AMG Wagon, and 2020-2021 E53 AMG vehicles. The passenger seat limiter may allow the seat to be positioned too close to the air bag.RiskA seat too close to the air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the frontal passenger air bag.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the passenger seat limiter, free of charge. The recall began April 29, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040002.
NHTSA campaign 21V216000reported Mar 26, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2021040013
493 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 E63S AMG, E63S AMG Wagon, 2019-2021 AMG GT63 4-door, and AMG GT63S 4-door vehicles. The starter motor positive cable may not have been installed correctly, potentially allowing the power supply harness wires to chafe.RiskDamaged wires may cause a short circuit and result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, a short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, correct the screw connections and position of the positive cable, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040013.
NHTSA campaign 21V217000reported Mar 26, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2020110013
1,337 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350 and E450, 2019-2021 AMG E53 and 2020-2021 AMG E63 vehicles. The front passenger seat may be missing the mechanical seat adjustment range limit stop, allowing the seat to move outside of the acceptable range in relation to the air bag.RiskIf the front passenger seat is adjusted beyond the acceptable range in relation to the air bag, there could be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash with air bag deployment.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the mechanical seat adjustment range limitation for the front passenger seat and install it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-368-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110013.
NHTSA campaign 20V673000reported Oct 30, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
25complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 1 · 2021: 6 · 2022: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2025: 4 · 2026: 3

Most-cited components

Electrical System8
Engine7
Back Over Prevention6
Unspecified4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Power Train3

What owners describe

“Engine misfires, lower engine power, and a lit check engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Mercedes-Benz issued an Emission Service Campaign (No. 2021070006, internal code 21P1590208) to replace out-of-spec ignition coils on 657 vehicles from model year 2021, including the E-Class. My VIN was not included in the recall ca…”Aug 8, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuitâ€� in the fuel vapor leak diagnosis pump control circuit. The …”May 8, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“With the car only have about 15,000 miles the transmission has failed . I have seen there have been recalls of other models with similar complaints of transmission failure .”Jan 4, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10%
4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10%
SW 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10%
SW RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning.

Other E-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

1 recalls · 6 complaints

C

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2 recalls · 5 complaints

F

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

5 recalls · 12 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

5 recalls · 24 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

7 recalls · 21 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

16 recalls · 23 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

22 recalls · 58 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

19 recalls · 64 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

20 recalls · 159 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

8 recalls · 86 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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