Model year 2021 · Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars, Midsize Station Wagons
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at 18–26 mpg combined across 13 versions. NHTSA lists 19 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as AMG E53, AMG E63, AMG E63S, E 350, E 350 E, E 450.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 19 safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, newest first.
Electrical system: Wiring
NHTSA 24V445000 Reported Jun 14, 2024
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2024100002/3)
- Units affected
- 22,422 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Wiring
NHTSA 24V100000 Reported Feb 9, 2024
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2024MMNNNN)
- Units affected
- 12,191 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump
NHTSA 23V880000 Reported Dec 21, 2023
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
- Units affected
- 79,676 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump
NHTSA 23V445000 Reported Jun 26, 2023
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023070012)
- Units affected
- 143,551 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
NHTSA 22V733000 Reported Sep 30, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022100009)
- Units affected
- 19,968 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Wiring
NHTSA 22V533000 Reported Jul 22, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022080010)
- Units affected
- 16,977 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V365000 Reported May 20, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. See Recall Schedule)
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
- Units affected
- 242,722 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- A 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.
- Remedy
- The 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Display function
NHTSA 22V232000 Reported Apr 8, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022060007)
- Units affected
- 126,443 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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."
- Risk
- An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA 22V189000 Reported Mar 25, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022040010)
- Units affected
- 8,396 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Deactivated 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Air bags: Sensor: Side impact
NHTSA 21V527000 Reported Jul 12, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021070032/33)
- Units affected
- 542 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Rear/other: Retractor
NHTSA 21V483000 Reported Jun 25, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021080021)
- Units affected
- 4,917 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats: Mid/rear assembly: Head restraint
NHTSA 21V406000 Reported May 28, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021060010)
- Units affected
- 218 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V354000 Reported May 14, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021050012)
- Components
- Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera; Electrical system: Software
- Units affected
- 343,191 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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."
- Risk
- A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- The 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V228000 Reported Apr 1, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
- Components
- Back over prevention: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera
- Units affected
- 6 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- An 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.
- Remedy
- All 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats and 2 more components
NHTSA 21V230000 Reported Apr 1, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021040016)
- Components
- Seats; Seat belts: Pretensioner; Air bags: Sensor: Occupant classification
- Units affected
- 8,634 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats: Front assembly: Power adjust and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V216000 Reported Mar 26, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021040002)
- Components
- Seats: Front assembly: Power adjust; Seats
- Units affected
- 109 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- A 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.
- Remedy
- MBUSA 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Wiring and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V217000 Reported Mar 26, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021040013)
- Components
- Electrical system: Wiring; Electrical system: Starter assembly
- Units affected
- 493 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Damaged 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.
- Remedy
- MBUSA 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V058000 Reported Feb 5, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021020025)
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
- Units affected
- 1,292,258 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats
NHTSA 20V673000 Reported Oct 30, 2020
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2020110013)
- Units affected
- 1,337 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-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.
- Risk
- If 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.
- Remedy
- MBUSA 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner complaints
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, most recently on Aug 8, 2026. 0 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
