MODEL
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Safety
NHTSA safety across every Mercedes-Benz G-Class model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class we cover (2019 to 2024), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a body-on-frame luxury SUV that has evolved from military utility vehicle into one of the most recognizable status symbols on the road. Sold in the US from around $140,000 and up, it targets affluent buyers who want commanding presence, genuine off-road capability, and a cabin loaded with premium technology. It competes in the ultra-luxury SUV segment against vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and Bentley Bentayga.
The 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacks federal crash-test data, presenting a significant gap for safety-conscious consumers. With no NHTSA-published star ratings or a computed Safety Index, buyers have no independent federal validation of its structural performance. This absence is particularly notable for a vehicle routinely priced above $140,000. In contrast, the G-Class maintains a pristine recall record across all six model years, with zero recalls filed, an impressive feat for a complex, low-volume vehicle. Owner complaints are modest, totaling 23 across these six years. However, this figure includes 1 reported crash and 16 reported injury allegations. While NHTSA treats all complaints as unverified allegations, these figures highlight areas warranting scrutiny. Ultimately, the G-Class offers a clean recall history and few complaints for its market segment, but the complete lack of crash-test data means purchasers must accept an unverified safety profile. This represents a tangible compromise at its price point.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally celebrate the G-Class for its iconic squared-off design, a richly appointed interior loaded with premium materials, and a driving character that blends surprising refinement with genuine off-road authority. Most acknowledge the commanding road presence and strong powertrain options while noting that the tall, boxy body style creates a driving experience that feels deliberately old-school compared to more modern luxury SUV alternatives.
- The G-Class has not been crash-tested by NHTSA in any model year from 2019 through 2024, so there are no federal star ratings or Safety Index scores available to evaluate its structural crash protection.
- Across six model years, Mercedes-Benz issued zero recalls on the G-Class, which is a strong record for a low-volume vehicle with complex engineering and high-end electronics.
- Owner complaints total 23 across the covered years, but that group includes 16 reported injury allegations and 1 reported crash. These are unverified by NHTSA, but shoppers should monitor the complaint database as the model ages.
- Because the G-Class sits on a traditional body-on-frame platform rather than a unibody structure, its crash behavior differs fundamentally from most luxury crossovers. Without NHTSA test data, there is no federal benchmark to assess how that platform performs in modern crash scenarios.