repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 14 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 February 9, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Electrical system
2Engine
1Wheels
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 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 · 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.
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 Q2
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 10 more recalls
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
Sensing system: camera
Risk. An inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver's view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of…
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 E 450 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 E 450 median. How we score
'06'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What E 450 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
48Volt battery failed after three months and just 3,400 miles. I understand this is a recurring problem with Mercedes. Car had to be towed as the vehicle was totally inoperable due to battery malfunction. It took more than three weeks for Mercedes to provide a replacement battery. From what I have…
I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 12/12/2021 AND TWO WEEKS AFTER THAT, THE CAR HAD WARNING MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD "COOLANT TOO HOT, STOP THE VEHICLE" ON THE HIGHWAY -NJ TUNPIKE. IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN TO BELOW 20MPH, NEARLY KILLED ME WHILE I TRIED TO PULL IT OVER. THEN THE DEALER SERVICE SAID IT HAD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ E450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CRASHED. AFTER THE MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF FRESNO (7055 N PALM…
Own a 2021 E 450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.