NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a perfect sweep in every category of NHTSA's crash tests. This robust performance, combined with a record of zero recalls for this model year, positions its federal safety standing as exemplary. The vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 further underscores its placement in the Exceptional band.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal 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 E-Class ranks 13 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 13 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class represents a meaningful step forward in its federal safety profile compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index climbed from 89/100 (Strong band) in the 2020 model year to 96/100 (Exceptional band) in 2021, a 7-point gain that pushed the vehicle into the top tier of MotorCaliber's scoring. That improvement is anchored by a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 points, reflecting the clean NHTSA sweep of 5 stars across all categories including overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and electronic stability control come standard, while lane departure warning is not equipped on this variant, leaving a small gap in the active-safety picture. The defect-record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is supported by the zero-recall figure for this model year, an uncommon outcome in a segment where multi-system recall campaigns are routine. The 19 unverified complaints on file, concentrated in Electrical System and Engine categories, are worth monitoring but do not currently translate into any formal NHTSA action for this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved the highest possible marks in every federal safety assessment. It earned a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA, with 5 out of 5 stars awarded for frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. The vehicle exhibited a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. No star rating category for this model year falls below the maximum five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15676
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components flagged, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall databases are updated continuously.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
NHTSA has logged 19 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 E-Class. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (7 reports) and the Engine (6 reports), followed by Back Over Prevention (3) and Fuel/Propulsion System (2). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has no open safety recalls as of this review's publication. This represents a strong initial indicator for prospective owners. However, all buyers of used vehicles should use the VIN to verify recall status directly through NHTSA's online tool, ensuring any campaigns issued after this review were addressed.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a notable distinction that contributed directly to its near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19 out of 20.
- The Safety Index jumped 7 points year-over-year, from 89/100 (Strong) in the 2020 model year to 96/100 (Exceptional) in 2021, the largest single-year gain visible in this model's recent history.
- Lane departure warning is not equipped on the 2021 E-Class SW RWD variant evaluated here, which accounts for the avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.
- Nineteen unverified NHTSA complaints are on file, with Electrical System (7 alleged reports) and Engine (6 alleged reports) as the leading categories, none of which have escalated to a formal recall action for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other E-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 15676), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz E-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 13 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.