2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Report
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Low Complaint Volume Masks Serious Engine, Transmission, and Electrical Failures, Including a Vehicle Fire
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
Known Issues for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failure Catastrophic transmission failure reported at low mileages, leading to complete loss of motive power and stranding drivers. |
High | Occasional | 15000-22000 miles |
| Engine Misfire/Loss Of Power Engine misfires, check engine light illumination, and vehicle entering 'limp mode' with significant power loss, sometimes due to leaking exhaust valves (TSB LI01.30-P-072328). |
High | Common | 20000-54000 miles |
| 48-Volt Battery Failure Failure of the 48-volt mild hybrid battery, rendering the vehicle inoperable and requiring towing, often at very low mileages. |
High | Occasional | 196-3400 miles |
| Rearview/Forward Camera Inoperative Rearview and forward-view cameras, along with parking sensors, intermittently or completely fail, displaying 'system inoperative' messages, increasing crash risk during maneuvering. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Fire (12v Battery Related) One reported incident of the vehicle smoking and bursting into flames after a '12 Volt Battery' warning, leading to total loss. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Brakes Locking Up Brakes lock up after the car sits for several days, requiring significant power to release, posing a safety concern. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure Faulty fuel pump leading to check engine light and vehicle deceleration while driving. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
Frequent reports of engine misfires, loss of power, and catastrophic failures, including issues with exhaust valves and fuel pumps.
Multiple instances of catastrophic transmission failure at low mileage, leading to vehicle immobility.
Recurring issues with rearview cameras, parking sensors, 12V battery warnings, and failures of the 48-volt mild hybrid battery system.
Inoperative rearview cameras and parking sensors, increasing the risk of crashes during backing maneuvers.
Reported issue of brakes locking up after the vehicle sits for several days.
One complaint specifically mentioning a faulty fuel pump.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has several serious safety concerns despite a low total complaint count of 18. These include catastrophic engine and transmission failures, significant electrical system malfunctions (including a vehicle fire related to the 12V battery), and inoperative safety features like rearview cameras. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and recalls for these critical issues is concerning.
What are common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class involve the ENGINE (23% of complaints), POWER TRAIN (11%), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28%). Specific common problems include engine misfires and loss of power, catastrophic transmission failures at low mileage, and failures of the 48-volt mild hybrid battery system. Inoperative rearview cameras and parking sensors are also frequently reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
According to NHTSA data, there are currently no official recalls listed for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite multiple complaints detailing severe mechanical and electrical failures, including a vehicle fire.
What should I know about the 48-volt battery in the 2021 E-Class?
Several complaints indicate that the 48-volt mild hybrid battery in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is prone to failure, sometimes at very low mileages (e.g., 196 miles). These failures render the vehicle inoperable and require towing, with some owners experiencing multiple failures.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class had any fires?
Yes, there is one reported incident of a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class catching fire. The fire occurred after a '12 Volt Battery' warning, with the vehicle smoking and then bursting into flames, leading to a near total loss.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the serious and recurring mechanical and electrical failures, including a reported vehicle fire and catastrophic transmission issues at low mileage, exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially for engine, transmission, and battery-related repairs, and consider an extended warranty.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The data includes 18 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.