MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
19Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize luxury sedan that has long served as the backbone of the Mercedes lineup, sitting between the compact C-Class and the flagship S-Class. It targets affluent buyers who want genuine executive-level comfort and technology without the full S-Class footprint or price. From 2019 through 2024, it competes directly against the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 in one of the most demanding segments in the market.

VERDICT

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the E-Class as a benchmark in the midsize luxury sedan segment, praising its polished ride quality, refined cabin materials, and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Most professional assessments position it as a well-rounded choice that balances everyday comfort with genuine driving sophistication, though some note the infotainment learning curve that comes with Mercedes-Benz's evolving interface generations.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15676

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
1reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 7Engine 6Back Over Prevention 3Fuel/Propulsion System 2Power Train 2Unknown Or Other 2

Other E-Class years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15676), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021. Class rank 13 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure