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2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 12owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 6%fail the UK MOT
12 complaints, against an average of 25 for the other 3 Mercedes-Benz A-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz A-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The components named most often in the 12 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 12 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Lock Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Electrical System: SoftwareOver-the-air fix Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraOver-the-air fix Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
Child Seat Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 A220, A35 AMG, and CLA250 vehicles. The child seat anchoring system (ISOFIX) may be missing the right-side anchoring bar from the ISOFIX bracket on the right-rear seat.
Risk: If the anchoring bar is missing from the ISOFIX bracket, the child restraint cannot be properly secured to the seat using the ISOFIX securing system, increasing the risk of injury for a child in that seat.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right-rear ISOFIX bracket and replace the bracket, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020004.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software
Risk: On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the…On affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk: On affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Fix: Replace the front axle carrier.
UK DVSABolting on brake caliper housing might not meet specifications
Risk: The bolting on the brake caliper housing might not meet torque specifications.
Fix: Check and if necessary rework the bolting of the brake caliper housings on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAPower supply connection of power steering might have been contaminated with adhesive
Risk: On certain vehicles the power supply connection of the electric power steering might have been contaminated with melted adhesive.
Fix: Check the connection on the affected vehicles and perform repair measures if necessary.
UK DVSALocking pawl spring of the left hand side door locks might not be greased correctly
Risk: On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.
Fix: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications
Risk: The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.
Fix: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe right handle for attaching the child seat to the isofix bracket may be missing on the rear right seat
Risk: The ISOFIX bracket might be missing on the right rear seat.
Fix: Check the ISOFIX bracket on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
EU Safety GateThe steering software may not correctly activate the fallback level in the event of a hardware failure.This could affect the power steering assistance and lead to the loss of steering capacity, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Update of the electric steering software; Date of entry into force: Unknown; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose.As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to inadequate corrosion protection, the integral subframe of the front axle may corrode, which could impair its operational strength…Due to inadequate corrosion protection, the integral subframe of the front axle may corrode, which could impair its operational strength and the connection of other components. This could have an impact on the steering capability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connection of the power supply to the electrical power steering may have been contaminated by heat-activated adhesive.Ageing of this adhesive could lead to a loss of clamping force and thus to a loose connection that may lead to interruption of the power supply. As a result, the electrical power steering could fail spontaneously, even while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe right-hand bracket on the right-hand rear seat designed to attach the child seat to the ISOFIX anchor point may be missing.As a result, there would be no restraining effect provided by the ISOFIX lower anchorage system and the child seat would not be sufficiently secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak.As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class owners report?
12 of the 12 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Safety Complaint: Windshield Wipers Would Not Turn Off – Mercedes-Benz In October 2025, at approximately 12,000 miles, the windshield wipers on my Mercedes-Benz malfunctioned and would not turn off using the vehicle’s controls. The issue occurred both while driving and while the vehicle was stationary, under normal weather conditions. The malfunction prevented me from maintaining normal control of the windshield wiper system. The wipers continued operating despite my attempts to turn them off. Their constant movement distracted me while driving and obstructed my view or affected visibility. I…
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 (M260 2.0L engine) triggered diagnostic fault code P052E, indicating a failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve / intake line assembly. Failure of this valve disrupts crankcase pressure, causing unmetered air intake, lean-running conditions, and engine hesitation/stalling risks. Mercedes-Benz issued a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty campaign for this exact PCV failure on M274 engines, but has excluded M260 engines despite identical failure modes. The manufacturer has not remedied this known design defect, creating potential…
Sunroof shattered unexpectedly. Was driving and gun shot sound was the was top sunroof shattering. Was on smooth road going 45 mph with no other vehicle in front or behind.
this is a formal notification regarding my vehicle that I purchased at House Of Imports on February 27, 2021. A Mercedes Benz A-Class 220 year 2021, VIN #W1K3G4EB7MJ290124. Shortly after purchase I experienced several safety concerns about the vehicle. The first and main concern are while driving vehicle the accelerator stopped working ,vehicle would not move forward or back which put my life in a dangerous situation due to this isssue that occured while on a main street with incoming traffic. Immediately I made an a report with dealer and car was taken to dealership ( House Of Imports) . The…
While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine stopped mid intersection, emitted a strong mechanical odor, ticking noises began, and dashboard alerts appeared. I could not restart or shift the vehicle into neutral. It was stuck, blocking the intersection. Although hazard lights were flashing, the vehicle appeared completely undamaged, so other drivers didn’t realize it was disabled. Police were called to the scene, and we had…
Rear view camera says it is inoperative when I put it in reverse. I understand that a number of Mercedes models have been recalled due to a software issue but the dealer tells me my car is not on the list. The problem I have is identical to the other models. My car should be on the list
there’s a recall, and I need it fixed asap, i called mercedes and they said they don’t know when they’ll be able to do it, that it could take “years” ??????
The driver’s seatbelt failed to properly engage during a high-speed rear-end collision allowing his head and face to strike the steering wheel causing a loss of consciousness and other symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Thus far the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer but it is believed the seat belt was inspected by EMTs responding to the scene. Additional documentation will be provided when received. There were no warnings or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This report is filed on behalf of the owner and driver by their attorney.
Traveling at 65 MPH in the right-hand lane * Driving Assistance ON * Traffic Sign Assist ON * Speed Limit Adoption ON Staying in the right-hand lane, I pass by an offramp Sudden deceleration to 20 MPH – Phantom braking This has happened twice traveling past the same offramp. Since, I have turned the Speed Limit Adoption OFF Note that this particular off ramp has more than one speed limit sign (yellow) visible from the freeway. My guess is that the Mercedes is reading the off ramp signs and interpreting them to be for the freeway and not for the off ramp. I consider the sudden deceleration to…
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz A220. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera screen was blank. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was made aware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) was associated with the VIN. The dealer informed the contact that she was added to the waiting list. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz A220. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced the failure listed in the recall. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall but referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the recall was an over the air update (OTA) but had not provided a time frame for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (4, 33.3%), back over prevention (3, 25%), engine (2, 16.7%). There are 4 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Across 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (33.3% of complaints), back over prevention (25% of complaints), engine (16.7% of complaints), power train (16.7% of complaints), visibility/wiper (16.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class; the most recent (campaign 26V481000, 2026-07-24) concerns Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Lock. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 12 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (25%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "My 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 (M260 2.0L engine) triggered diagnostic fault code P052E, indicating a failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve / intake line assembly." (NHTSA complaint 11760025, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own A-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for A-CLASS and AMG A35.