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2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 9owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 15injuries reported
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz G-Class year on file: 9 complaints, against an average of 4 for the other 8 model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz G-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The components named most often in the 9 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class been recalled?
8 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 2019-2023 G 550 and 2019-2022 G63 AMG vehicles that received a replacement door latch during a service visit or prior recall repair. Components within the right-side rear door latch may prevent the rear doors from latching or opening properly.
Risk: The rear door may appear closed even when the latch is not fully engaged, allowing the door to open while driving and increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Damaged latch components may prevent the rear door from being opened while inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the right-side rear door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 11, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 21V-353 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Electrical System: Wiring Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 G550 and AMG G63 vehicles. The front axle wiring harness may chafe against an oil cooler and become damaged, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and either install a protective sleeve or replace the front axle wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023030005.
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.
Air Bags: Sensor: Side Impact Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Retractor Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 G550 and G63 AMG vehicles. Components within the door latch may prevent the rear doors from latching or opening properly.
Risk: The rear door may appear closed even when the latch is not fully engaged, allowing the door to open while driving and increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Damaged latch components may prevent the rear door from being opened while inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Note: Vehicles repaired prior to this recall must return to dealers to have the remedy performed. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2021060007 and 2021060014.
Seats Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-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 DVSAOn affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Risk: On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Fix: Replace the fuel pump module.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles the front axle wiring harness might come in contact with the auxiliary oil cooler.
Risk: On certain vehicles the front axle wiring harness might come in contact with the auxiliary oil cooler.
Fix: Check the front axle wiring harness on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary as well as install a protective sleeve.
UK DVSACoolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit
Risk: On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.
Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve 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 locking mechanism for the electrical connector of the side crash sensors might not meet specifications
Risk: The locking mechanism for the electrical connector of the side crash sensors might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the side crash sensors in the doors on the affected vehicles and replace them if necessary.
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.
EU Safety GateCracks may develop in the rear axle transmission housing, which could lead to transmission oil leaking onto the road, posing a risk to the…Cracks may develop in the rear axle transmission housing, which could lead to transmission oil leaking onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. Moreover, subsequent fracturing of the housing could lead to an interruption of the power transmission on the rear axle, causing a loss of wheel guidance and propulsion without warning, 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 oil supply to the drive shaft bearing in the rear axle differential may be inadequate, which could lead to that the car suddenly loses…The oil supply to the drive shaft bearing in the rear axle differential may be inadequate, which could lead to that the car suddenly loses speed, creating a risk of an accident. Moreover, the rear wheels may lock, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and/or transmission oil may leak or vehicle parts may fall onto the road, endangering 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 GateCracks may appear in the rear axle transmission housing which can lead to oil leaks on the road, increasing the risk of an accident for…Cracks may appear in the rear axle transmission housing which can lead to oil leaks on the road, increasing the risk of an accident for other traffic. The cracks can also cause the casing to break, which can result in power transmission loss to the rear axle and impaired steering.
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 GateIn some vehicles, the front cardan shaft can collide with the clamping body and damage it, which could lead to a sudden loss of vehicle…In some vehicles, the front cardan shaft can collide with the clamping body and damage it, which could lead to a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, locking of the automatic transmission and wheels, 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 vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits.This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, 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 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 electrical connector of the side-impact sensors might not be correctly latched and could become detached.This would lead to delayed activation of the restraint systems in the event of a side impact, reducing their restraining effect and increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
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 GateDepending on the tolerances of the latch and lock trap, the rear doors may not be fully closed, although they appear to be closed.As a result, certain driving manoeuvres and road conditions could cause the rear doors to open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of accident. Additionally, if the child safety lock is activated on the rear doors and excessive force is used on the inner door handle to attempt to open them from inside the vehicle, the closing lever of the lock mechanism may become deformed and prevent the rear doors from being opened from the inside, 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
What do 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class owners report?
9 of the 9 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.
The vehicle has fuel smell coming thru cabin vents. Opening the hood the vehicle also has strong fuel smell in engine bay. The hose supplying the fuel rails is cracked and damaged and does not have any heat sheild to prevent the hose from deteriorating.
Front Door harness rubs and frays causing the wires to short out. The front windows and door locks work intermittently. SRS failure lights up on dash.
Kept going in for repairs for the same concerns - nothing was found —- now its a recall on the 2022 model for the same issue that my 2021 model has —- Malfunction in the front/ rear differential lock system malfunction.
Shortly after purchasing a new Mercedes Benz 2021 G550 on [XXX], the SUV started having electrical problems. During early 2022 the vehicle shut off while at a red light and would not restart until a few minutes later. No warning light or error message was seen and when taken to the dealership they could not find anything wrong. Several months later the vehicle stopped/stalled almost causing an accident on the highway. This time the dealership did find something wrong and repaired or replaced it. Not sure exactly what it was but they mentioned something electrical Several months after this…
The brakes locked up in the vehicle and computer system nearly causing deadly accident.
Authorization failed Limited access is the reason there recalled I can't pair ⁶
Driving 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-550 for approximately 8min. Preceding East on a 3 lane South Florida Highway no more than 40 mph. Gas tank 75% full with V-Power From Shell. (filled-3 days prior). Proceeded from the middle lane to the right lane in-order to make a sharp right handed turn onto up coming Shopping Center, that was two lights away. I had turned on my 21 MB G550 air conditioner to auto (off prior). While I was attempting to switch on my turn signal the car suddenly turns-off completely in mid-drive. All warning lights illuminated, steering this 6,000 lbs Mercedes-Benz Beast of a SUV…
The lane keeping assistance is WAY to sensitive. Several times at just the slightest move towards the shoulder the car will brake and swerve. Its very alarming and needs to be recalibrated.
While pulling away from a red light, the vehicle jolted a small amount, then it shut down, only providing power to the dashboard, which produced an array of safety warnings. Power steering and throttle were completely dead leaving me powerless in traffic. I pulled to the shoulder of the road, placed the vehicle in park (as it seems that the failure put the car into neutral). I was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving home with no warning lights or issues. (Several other owners are having this same issue-I found them by googling the problem). My vehicle has under 5k miles on it and…
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2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (5, 55.6%), engine (4, 44.4%), fuel/propulsion system (2, 22.2%). There are 8 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 15 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Across 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (55.6% of complaints), engine (44.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (22.2% of complaints), air bags (11.1% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the most recent (campaign 24V659000, 2024-09-09) concerns Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Lock. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own G-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 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 AMG G63 and G-CLASS.