NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A standout 5-star side-impact rating anchors the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, which places it in the Strong band. This model year benefits from a clean recall record and a perfect defect sub-score. Its overall NHTSA crash rating is 4 stars.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a 5-star side-crash rating from NHTSA, supporting a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class ranks 38 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class enters the safety review with a notable advantage: a flawless recall record. This absence of safety-related defects contributes to a perfect 20 out of 20 in the defect record sub-score, a key component of its 88/100 Safety Index, which places it in the Strong band. Crash protection is also a strong point, with a 61 out of 70 sub-score, bolstered by a 5 out of 5 stars rating from NHTSA for side-impact protection. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score, at 7 out of 10, indicates room for improvement. While forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard features, the omission of lane departure warning limits its overall performance in this category. The clean defect record, combined with robust side-impact results, distinguishes the 2021 GLB-Class within its segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class perform in crash tests?
For the 2021 GLB-Class, side-impact protection stands out with a 5-star rating from NHTSA. The overall crash-test rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also earned 4 stars. Rollover risk is assessed at 18 percent, with NHTSA's dynamic tip test recording no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15685
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 Glb-Class have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories are associated with this model year. That absence of recall activity is a meaningful data point and directly contributes to a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class?
NHTSA has received 1 owner complaint for the 2021 GLB-Class. The reported components are the Electrical System and the Engine. These are unverified consumer allegations only, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged in the single report on file.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old GLB-Class should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2021 model year, but that status can change. Confirming remedy completion by VIN is always the appropriate step for any used-market vehicle.
- The 2021 GLB-Class has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a distinction that directly earns a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score in the NHTSA Safety Index for this model year.
- NHTSA's side-crash test produced a 5-star result for the 2021 model year, the strongest single rating in the crash-test suite, while frontal and rollover protection each came in at 4 stars.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on the 2021 GLB-Class, which constrains the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 and is a year-specific equipment gap worth noting alongside the otherwise strong crash scores.
- Only 1 owner complaint has been submitted to NHTSA for the 2021 model year, citing the Electrical System and Engine as components. These are unverified allegations with no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 Glb-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class earned 4 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 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-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 Glb-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb-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 Glb-Class years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15685), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Glb-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 38 of 118 in the SUV 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.