The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 18 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 81, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 24 to 26 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 25 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 31K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- back over prevention 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2021
The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
- back over prevention 2021
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 269 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Complaint: Various causes are possible
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
- Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure stop switch off…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class SW RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class SW 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 81; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), engine (28%) and backup camera (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
6 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
24 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works