2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#3 most-complained of 4 A 220 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 has a complaint index of 33, the second-lowest among 4 model years with data, and NHTSA gives it a "Good" verdict relative to other A 220 years. It has 9 complaints, 4 recalls, 1 crash, and 1 injury reported.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25 city / 35 hwy
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System4 (44%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (44%)
- Engine2 (22%)
- Other2 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (22%)
- Brakes1 (11%)
- Seat Belts1 (11%)
What owners report
- Rearview camera screens go blank while reversing, tied to a back-over prevention recall.
- Owners report the multimedia/back-over prevention recall repair was delayed due to parts unavailability.
- Adaptive driving assistance systems trigger sudden deceleration from highway speed to a much slower speed near off-ramps, described as phantom braking.
- A driver's seatbelt reportedly failed to properly engage during a rear-end collision, resulting in a head strike and loss of consciousness.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Structure & Body310,667 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
- NHTSA 21V354000May 14, 2021Electrical System343,191 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other A 220 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 A 220 ranks as "Good" with a complaint index of 33, the second-best of the 4 model years tracked.
- What problems does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 have?
- The top problem areas are the Electrical System and Collision Avoidance & Cameras, each accounting for 44% of complaints, mainly tied to a back-over prevention/camera recall.
- Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A 220 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 A 220, covering structure/body door locks, electrical communication modules, multimedia/back-over prevention software, and an ISOFIX child seat anchor bracket.
- What year A 220 should I avoid?
- Among the years with data, the 2019 A 220 has the highest complaint index at 100 and is rated "Avoid," while 2021 is rated "Good" with an index of 33.
- How many complaints does the 2021 A 220 have?
- NHTSA lists 9 complaints for the 2021 A 220, with 1 crash and 1 injury reported and no fires.