Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Report
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has mixed reliability, well below other 2021 sedans, with early 48-volt battery failures as the main problem.
Recalls
30
Complaints
36
Complaint Rate
N/A
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
Early 48-volt battery failures and a heavy recall load leave this year behind the 2022, though its crash-test rating is a full 5 of 5 stars.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- ENGINE (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 6 in the Fifth generation (W213) (2016–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 5th generation E-Class (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2016: Fifth generation (W213) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Think twice before buying this one. Reliability is mixed, and it sits well below average among 2021 sedans. Within the E-Class, it lands in the middle of the eight scored years. The 2020 model rates about the same, while the 2022 rates better, with fewer complaints and far fewer recalls. Crash-test results are strong at 5 of 5 stars.
The worst complaint is the 48-volt battery. It dies early, sometimes before 1,000 miles, and the car cannot start or move. Owners report tow trucks, and one waited more than three weeks for a part. In the one fire-related report, a 12 Volt Battery message came first, then smoke and fire at idle. Two owners also lost the transmission completely, at about 15,000 and 22,000 miles. Some owners lose the rearview camera and parking sensors in reverse.
Ask for the battery replacement history and proof that every open recall was completed. Federal recall records for this year are long, so check the VIN. If the budget allows, a 2022 is the better comparison.
Compared to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Low complaint frequency
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 48-volt battery dies early and leaves the car unable to start or move,... (6 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Cylinder misfires turn on the check engine light and put the car in limp mode,... (3 complaints)
- −2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class With
2021 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 66/100
2021 Volvo S90
Reliability: 71/100
2021 Lexus ES
Reliability: 88/100
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 53/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 30 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- ENGINE (3)
Recall Overview
30
recalls on record
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 30 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
36
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Recall Details
30 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
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.
STEERING
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.
Consequence
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.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
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.
Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and 30 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 E-Class NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 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 E-Class Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement | $1,277 – $1,538 |
| Drive Axle Assembly Drain & Refill | $68 – $89 |
| Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement | $425 – $536 |
| Wheel Bearing Replacement | $531 – $730 |
| Body Control System Diagnosis & Testing | $61 – $90 |
| Wheel Replacement | $2,560 – $2,596 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $578 – $635 |
| Heater Core Replacement | $1,509 – $2,043 |
| Trans Oil Pan Gasket Replacement | $581 – $808 |
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 E-Class.
Ask for service records showing 48-volt battery replacements, and treat repeat replacements as a warning sign.
Start the car several times and watch the dash for 12-volt or 48-volt battery warnings.
Shift into reverse repeatedly and confirm the rearview camera, 360 view, and parking sensors appear every time.
Confirm recalls 21V354 and 21V228000 have been completed by a Mercedes dealer.
Accelerate hard from a stop and watch for hesitation, power loss, or a check engine light.
Ask whether exhaust valve work under TSB LI01.30-P-072328 was done or a misfire was ever diagnosed.
Drive at highway speed and confirm the transmission keeps pulling with no warnings or loss of drive.
Watch the coolant temperature during a long drive and walk away from any coolant too hot warning.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Problems by Component
36 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedThe 48-volt battery dies early and leaves the car unable to start or move, sometimes before 1,000 miles. Cars get towed for a battery replacement, and one owner waits more than three weeks for the part. Warnings that the 12-volt battery is low show up along with camera dropouts and an accelerator that does not respond. In the one fire-related report, the car smokes and catches fire at idle after a 12 Volt Battery message. Other reports cite misfires, power loss at a light, and an overheating warning that slows the car below 20 mph.
ENGINE
3 complaintsCylinder misfires turn on the check engine light and put the car in limp mode, which cuts power, even on the freeway. A dealer traces one case to a leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 4, tied to a service bulletin on valve seat wear in M260 engines. Mercedes denies warranty coverage, and one repair estimate is over $7,600. The 48-volt mild hybrid battery also fails within weeks of delivery. The car will not start and needs a flatbed tow, with repeat replacements at 196 and 735 miles.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe transmission fails completely at low mileage, at about 15,000 and 22,000 miles in these reports. One failure happens at highway speed. The driver gets off the highway, but the car cannot move afterward and the owner is stranded. Neither report describes warning signs before the failure, a dealer diagnosis, or how the repair turned out. With only 2 complaints, the pattern is thin, but both describe a total loss of the transmission rather than a minor drivability quirk.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsThe rearview camera and 360 view do not appear in reverse, often with a system inoperative message, and the parking sensors can drop out at the same time. Restarting the car does not always bring the image back. The fault comes and goes and gets more frequent over 2 years, which makes it hard to show a dealer. Losing the camera and sensors reduces awareness of what is behind the car and raises crash risk when backing up. Owners connect the problem to recall campaign 21V228000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe backup camera can fail while in use, which is the subject of MBUX multimedia recall 21V354. The main complaint is a long wait for the recall repair, with no remedy date offered. A separate report describes speed control turning on by itself and slowing the car, nearly causing a collision at about 1,000 miles. The dealer sends that owner to the manufacturer, and the car is never diagnosed or repaired.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle the emergency brake independently seized. The contact stated that the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle would not drive forward or backward. The contact contacted the dealer and a service technician was dispatched to the location. The service technician connected the vehicle to the diagnostic equipment. The contact was advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake caliber voltage malfunction and the brake caliber voltage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,001.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 53,200.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintAfter the car sits for three or more days, brakes locks up. It takes lots of power to get the brakes to release. It’s a safety concern as the car is parked in the garage with not enough room to maneuver. We never had any car which locks the brakes in this manner. Took it to MB dealer and they say it’s the way brakes are designed. A complete nonsense.
When Do 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years
Best Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreMercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Avoid
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have battery problems?
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class more reliable than the 2021?
Don’t buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class does best on repair costs (60/100) and worst on recall impact (50/100). 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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