repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-354 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 14, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Forward collision avoidance
1Engine
1Back over prevention
1Power train
1Seat belts
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
repaired · 2024 Q1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Sensor: side impact
Risk. Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Rear/other: retractor
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Mid/rear assembly: head restraint
Risk. Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Seats
Risk. A seat too close to the air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the frontal passenger air bag.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seats
Risk. If the front passenger seat is adjusted beyond the acceptable range in relation to the air bag, there could be an increased risk of injury in the event of a…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other AMG E53 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the AMG E53 median. How we score
'07'08'09'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What AMG E53 owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking / Selt Belt Pretensioner. Car can be inspected at dealer during a scheduled service if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on a…
WHILE GOING 45 MPH ON A CLEAR FOUR LANE SMOOTH BLACKTOP CITY STREET THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE EMERGENCY STOP. A RED TRIANGLE APPEARED ON THE DASH BUT BECAUSE OF THE STARTLING NATURE I COULD NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHERE. THERE WAS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS EMERGENCY STOP, THIS STREET WAS FAMILIAR…
Own a 2021 AMG E53?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.