Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Report
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has mixed reliability, well below other 2021 sedans, with blank rearview camera screens and drive loss in traffic.
Recalls
15
Complaints
11
Complaint Rate
13.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$908
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed standing in the middle of the A-Class range, with 15 recalls and owner reports of blank backup camera screens and lost drive.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (W177).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation A-Class (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Fourth generation (W177) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (W177).
Should You Buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Mixed is the fair verdict. This year sits well below average among 2021 sedans and in the middle of the seven scored A-Class years. Owners filed 11 complaints, or 13.6 per 10,000 sold. The 2020 rates about the same, while the 2022 rates better with far fewer complaints, though it has had less time to collect them.
The rearview camera screen can go blank while reversing, with no warning light. One owner saw it at about 10,000 miles. Most electrical filings are about waiting for a repair: parts unavailable, dealer waiting lists, and no time frame for an over-the-air fix. Two owners lost drive in traffic. In one case the accelerator stopped responding. In the other the engine shut off with a strong mechanical smell and ticking, and would not restart. A dealer blamed one case on software.
Federal recall records show 15 recalls, including brakes, stability control, air bags, and back over prevention. Run the VIN for open recalls, ask for software update records, and test the camera. Look at a 2022 too.
Compared to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 11 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Rearview camera screen goes blank while reversing, with no warning light, so... (4 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Car loses drive while moving (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class With
2021 Audi A4
Reliability: 71/100
2021 BMW 3 Series
Reliability: 67/100
2021 Lexus IS
Reliability: 83/100
2021 Audi A5
Reliability: 71/100
2021 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 48/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 15 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Recall Overview
15
recalls on record
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 15 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Recall Details
15 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
Showing 10 of 13 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and 15 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz A-ClassRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$908
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| No Start Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Purge Valve Replacement | $187 – $229 |
| AC Compressor Clutch Replacement | $1,321 – $1,452 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recover | $61 – $90 |
| Washer Fluid Level Sensor Replacement | $226 – $326 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $2,560 – $3,400 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $198 – $291 |
| Ignition Coil Replacement | $237 – $294 |
| Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement | $639 – $704 |
| Pinion Seal Replacement | $209 – $259 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the rearview camera image appears every time.
Run the VIN for open recalls and ask a dealer whether the repair part or update is available now.
Get service records and look for software updates or visits for stalling or loss of acceleration.
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and confirm the car pulls away cleanly from every stop.
After a long drive, listen for ticking noises, sniff for mechanical odors, and watch for dashboard alerts.
Ask the seller whether the engine has ever shut off while driving or refused to restart.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Common Problems by Component
11 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe rearview camera screen goes blank while reversing, with no warning light, so the driver loses the backup view. One report puts this at about 10,000 miles. Most filings, though, are about waiting for a recall repair rather than new failures. Owners say the part is not available, dealers put them on waiting lists, and the manufacturer gives no time frame for a fix delivered as an over-the-air update. Several owners say the wait has gone on too long. One filing concerns a different Mercedes model.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe car loses drive while moving. The reports describe two forms. In one, the accelerator stops responding and the car will not move forward or in reverse. In the other, the engine shuts off without warning, gives off a strong mechanical smell and ticking noises, and shows dashboard alerts. The car then cannot be restarted or shifted into neutral. Both happen in traffic, which leaves the car stranded and at risk of being hit. Failures come back on separate days, and a dealer blamed one case on software and updated it.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsA long wait for a recall repair is the main complaint here. The owner is told the work cannot be scheduled and could take years. The other filing describes active rear wing failures on a different Mercedes model and does not apply to this car. Neither report describes a mechanical failure on this car, so the takeaway is about how slowly recall work gets done, not about a new defect.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintRear view camera says it is inoperative when I put it in reverse. I understand that a number of Mercedes models have been recalled due to a software issue but the dealer tells me my car is not on the list. The problem I have is identical to the other models. My car should be on the list
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe driver’s seatbelt failed to properly engage during a high-speed rear-end collision allowing his head and face to strike the steering wheel causing a loss of consciousness and other symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Thus far the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer but it is believed the seat belt was inspected by EMTs responding to the scene. Additional documentation will be provided when received. There were no warnings or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This report is filed on behalf of the owner and driver by their attorney.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintTraveling at 65 MPH in the right-hand lane * Driving Assistance ON * Traffic Sign Assist ON * Speed Limit Adoption ON Staying in the right-hand lane, I pass by an offramp Sudden deceleration to 20 MPH – Phantom braking This has happened twice traveling past the same offramp. Since, I have turned the Speed Limit Adoption OFF Note that this particular off ramp has more than one speed limit sign (yellow) visible from the freeway. My guess is that the Mercedes is reading the off ramp signs and interpreting them to be for the freeway and not for the off ramp. I consider the sudden deceleration to be dangerous
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years
Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2022
2020
2021
(Current Model)
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2026 | 64/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have rearview camera problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have?
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class more reliable than the 2021?
Don’t buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class does best on how many systems draw complaints (78/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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