NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents a strong safety profile, evidenced by a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, which places it firmly in the Strong band. This assessment is bolstered by robust crash-test results and a complete absence of recalls on record for the model year. The primary area for consideration, however, is a low score in avoidance technology, a factor that prospective buyers should weigh against the C-Class's otherwise commendable safety data.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 68 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 68 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
What makes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stand out in the MotorCaliber data is a sharp year-over-year Safety Index jump, rising from 75 out of 100 in the 2020 model year to 83 out of 100 here, a gain of 8 points that moved the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That improvement is anchored by two factors: a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, supported by NHTSA's 5-star overall and 5-star side ratings, and a perfect 20 out of 20 on the defect-record sub-score, which reflects zero recall campaigns for this model year. The clear weak point is the avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10. NHTSA data shows no forward collision warning and no lane departure warning fitted as standard, with only electronic stability control listed as standard equipment. That gap does not erase the strong crash-test performance, but it does explain why the Index stops well short of a perfect score. The 14 unverified complaints on file are modest in volume and carry no reported crashes or injuries, though the concentration of alleged Engine issues, 7 of the 14 reports, is a pattern worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD earned a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side protection is a standout, scoring a full 5 stars. Frontal impact protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model is 11 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15672
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean defect record contributes directly to the model year's perfect 20 out of 20 defect-record sub-score.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Fourteen unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem area is the Engine, with 7 reports, followed by Power Train, Air Bags, and Fuel/Propulsion System, each with 2 reports. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the filings.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class currently shows no open recalls in the NHTSA database. Despite this clean record, it is prudent for any prospective owner to check the VIN for outstanding campaigns, as new recall actions can be issued at any time.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 83 out of 100 represents an 8-point improvement over the 2020 model year's score of 75 out of 100, a meaningful single-year gain driven by crash-test performance and a zero-recall record.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the only model year factor that earned a perfect 20 out of 20 sub-score in the Index breakdown.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a gap that meaningfully limits the overall Index ceiling.
- Of the 14 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, 7 allege Engine-related issues, making it the single most-reported component category and one worth asking a pre-purchase inspector to examine.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other C-Class years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15672), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 68 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.