NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 82 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. With five-star overall NHTSA crash scores, zero recalls on file, and a solid crash-protection sub-score, this model year presents a compelling safety profile for used-market shoppers.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class received a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 and a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class ranks 39 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 82 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 39 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class achieved five-star ratings from NHTSA in both frontal and side crash tests. This top-tier performance contributes to a crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. This model year further distinguishes itself with a clean recall record, having zero recalls reported. Its overall Safety Index stands at 88/100. While the absence of recalls bolsters the defect record sub-score to 15 out of 20, 82 owner complaints were filed. Engine issues accounted for 34 of these reports, with Electrical System issues making up 29. The avoidance technology sub-score is 7 out of 10. This is due to forward collision warning being standard, while lane departure warning is not. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison. The combination of perfect crash-test scores and a pristine recall history makes the 2021 GLE Class a notable benchmark for safety.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While frontal and side crash protection both earned five stars, the rollover assessment returned four out of five stars. The measured rollover risk for the GLE-Class stood at 17 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15688
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 Gle Class have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. There are no open safety campaigns, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this specific model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check to confirm this status remains current.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class?
NHTSA has logged 82 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged issues are concentrated in the Engine and Electrical System categories, which together account for the majority of reports. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
82 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class?
The 2021 GLE Class launched with no recalls, a notable safety baseline. Potential buyers should verify this status by checking the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool, ensuring no new campaigns have been issued and that any necessary repairs have been completed.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 model year specifically, a cleaner record than many competitors in this segment.
- NHTSA awarded this model year five stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with rollover rated at four stars and a 17 percent rollover risk figure.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, which contributes to the avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 rather than a higher figure.
- Eighty-two unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with Engine and Electrical System as the top two alleged problem areas, accounting for 63 of those reports combined.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 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 Gle Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 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 Gle Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 82 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Gle 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 15688), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Gle 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 39 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.