2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#5 most-complained of 6 E 450 years
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 has a Complaint Index of 20, the second-lowest among the 6 model years with data, and ranks 5th worst (meaning near the best). NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 14 recalls, with Electrical System issues being the top concern.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 30 hwy
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (43%)
- Engine2 (29%)
- Other2 (29%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (14%)
What owners report
- Owners report the instrument panel displaying a false crash message while the vehicle was stationary, followed by a total loss of motive power.
- Some drivers describe a coolant overheating warning appearing on the highway, with the vehicle slowing on its own to under 20 mph before a dealer found a defective water pump.
- Multiple owners report the 48-volt battery failing within months of purchase, leaving the car inoperable and requiring towing, with one case recurring twice within about a month.
- One owner describes the brakes locking up after the car sits parked for three or more days, requiring extra force to release.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V100000Feb 9, 2024Electrical System12,191 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 22V733000Sep 30, 2022Electrical System19,968 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.
Risk: The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
- 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 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 E 450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 reliable based on NHTSA data?
- Relative to other E 450 model years, 2021 performs well, with a Complaint Index of 20 and a 'Best' verdict, ranking 5th worst out of 6 years with data.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 E 450?
- Electrical System complaints make up 43% of reported issues, including 48-volt battery failures and false crash warnings on the instrument panel.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2021 E 450, covering areas such as the 48-volt ground cable, 12V battery security, airbags, seat belts, and steering software.
- Are there any 'do not drive' recalls on the 2021 E 450?
- No. Of the 14 recalls listed, none are classified as do-not-drive or park-outside recalls.
- How does the 2021 E 450 compare to other years like 2019 or 2023?
- 2021 has a Complaint Index of 20, far lower than 2019 and 2023, which both carry an 'Avoid' verdict with Complaint Indexes of 80 and 100.