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Executive Vehicle Verdict

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is associated with 25 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 18 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.

The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 3 reports (12% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 16 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3L 6-Cyl hybrid, 2l 4-cyl, and 4l 8-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 18 to 26 MPG combined. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class belongs to the 5th generation (W213) E-Class platform spanning model years 2017–2023.

Platform Architecture: 5th Generation (W213) • Production Span: 2017–2023 • Platform Code: MRA • Lifecycle Note: Pre-Facelift (2017–2020) / Facelift (2021–2023)
Official Federal Record Profile
  • • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 25 consumer reports filed
  • • Safety Recall Campaigns: 18 official campaigns
  • • Primary Defect Domain: Engine (3 / 12%)
  • • Field Incident Signals: 0 crash / 1 fire / 0 injury reports
  • • NCAP Crash Safety: 5 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
  • • EPA Certified Range: 18–26 MPG across 16 powertrain trims
Directly compiled from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA NCAP, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.

What is the fuel economy and range of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant

Variant Engine Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Est. Annual Fuel Cost
E450 4matic Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 23 MPG 30 MPG 26 MPG — $2,900 / yr
E450 Coupe Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 23 MPG 31 MPG 26 MPG — $2,900 / yr
E350 2L 4-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 22 MPG 31 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
E350 4matic 2L 4-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 22 MPG 30 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
E450 4matic Coupe Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 23 MPG 30 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
E450 Convertible Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 23 MPG 30 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
E450 4matic Convertible Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 23 MPG 29 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
AMG E53 4matic Plus Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 22 MPG 29 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
E450 4matic All-Terrain (wagon) Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 22 MPG 28 MPG 24 MPG — $3,150 / yr
AMG E53 4matic Plus Coupe Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 21 MPG 28 MPG 24 MPG — $3,150 / yr
GLE450 4matic Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 21 MPG 26 MPG 23 MPG — $3,300 / yr
AMG E53 4matic Plus Convertible Hybrid 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 21 MPG 27 MPG 23 MPG — $3,300 / yr
GLE350 2L 4-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 19 MPG 26 MPG 22 MPG — $3,450 / yr
GLE350 4matic 2L 4-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 19 MPG 26 MPG 22 MPG — $3,450 / yr
AMG E63 S 4matic Plus 4L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG — $4,200 / yr
AMG E63 S 4matic Plus (SW) 4L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG — $4,200 / yr
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.

What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant Overall Rating Frontal Crash Side Crash Rollover Rating Rollover Risk
2DR 4WD —
SW 4WD 9.700000000000001%
4 DR 4WD 9.700000000000001%
Cabriolet C 4WD —
2DR RWD —
SW RWD 9.700000000000001%
4 DR RWD 9.700000000000001%
Cabriolet C RWD —
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.
View complete 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash test & safety breakdown →

What defect complaints are reported for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Summary of 25 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Total Complaints
25
Crash Reports
0
Fire Reports
1
Complaints w/ Injury
0
Total Injuries
0

Top Reported Problem Categories

Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA

Engine 3 complaints
Powertrain 3 complaints
Back Over Prevention / Camera 2 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2 complaints

Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.

View all 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems & component breakdown (16 categories) →

Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA

NHTSA Campaign #24V445000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V100000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V880000 Active Recall
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class recalls & campaign history (18 campaigns) →
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

How many safety recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is associated with 18 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.

View all 18 recall campaigns & remedy details →
Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

NHTSA records list 25 consumer defect complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Engine, appearing in 3 filings (12% of submissions).

Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.

Explore full 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class defect complaint breakdown →
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned an Overall Safety Rating of 5 out of 5 stars across 4 tested configuration(s).

Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.

View detailed crash test laboratory breakdown →
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?

Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range from 18 to 26 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.

Compare MPG ratings across all certified trims →
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Database
Official US Government Data Provenance

The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.