CarBrief

NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the 2021 G-Class[1][2]. Owners describe sudden shutdowns in a sample of complaints we read, and the recalls touch door latches, anti-lock brake wiring, the fuel pump and child seat belts[3][4][5][6][7].

9owner complaints[1]
8recalls[2]
14–18MPG combined (EPA)[8]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components, so the groups below do not add up to 9[1].

Component group Complaints
Electrical system[3] 5
Engine[9] 4
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 2
Speed control[11] 1
Lane departure[12] 1
Suspension[13] 1
Forward collision avoidance[14] 1
Brakes[15] 1

In the sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe the vehicle shutting off suddenly, either while driving or when stopped. Some say warning lights came on and steering felt heavy, and one says the dealer could not find a cause at first[3][9]. One electrical complaint describes a door wiring harness that wears through and affects windows and locks[3]. Another complaint, filed under fuel and propulsion, describes a fuel smell in the cabin and a damaged fuel hose[10].

The file shows 1 crash, 1 fire and 15 injuries[1]. All of them come from a single complaint that names both suspension and forward collision avoidance[13][14]. No deaths are reported[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Each of these recalls lists the repair as free of charge[4][5][6][16][17][7][18][19]. Some recalls cover several models and some cover specific versions, so check your VIN with NHTSA or a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the version. Both are listed as 4.0L 8-cylinder turbo, Automatic 9-spd, 4-Wheel Drive, Premium[20][8].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
AMG G63[20] 13 / 16 / 14 $5,850
G550[8] 17 / 19 / 18 $4,550

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows the 2021 G-Class with a 4.0L 8-cylinder engine rated at 14 to 416 hp depending on version[21]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22][23].

G550 AMG G63
Length[22][23] 182 in 182 in
Width[22][23] 76 in 78 in
Height[22][23] 78 in 78 in
Wheelbase[22][23] 114 in 114 in
Curb weight[22][23] 5,478 lb 5,820 lb

How 2021 compares with other years

2002: 2 complaints, 1 recalls20022003: 7 complaints, 2 recalls2004: 0 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 2 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 0 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2008: 0 complaints, 1 recalls20082009: 2 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 0 complaints, 1 recalls20102011: 2 complaints, 1 recalls2012: 0 complaints, 0 recalls20122013: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2014: 1 complaints, 3 recalls20142015: 0 complaints, 2 recalls2016: 1 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 2 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 0 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 6 complaints, 13 recalls2020: 2 complaints, 8 recalls20202021: 9 complaints, 8 recalls920212022: 4 complaints, 6 recalls20222023: 6 complaints, 5 recalls2025: 3 complaints, 2 recalls2025
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each G-Class model year. The 2021 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200221
200372
200401
200521
200601
200711
200801
200922
201001
201121
201200
201342
201413
201502
201614
201724
201801
2019613
202028
202198
202246
202365
202532

Among the model years NHTSA lists for the G-Class, 2021 has the most complaints with 9[2]. The next highest is 2003 with 7, and 2019 and 2023 each have 6[2]. For recalls, 2021 has 8[2]. That is fewer than 2019 with 13, the same as 2020, and more than 2022 with 6[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat them as a rough signal.

Should you buy a used 2021 G-Class?

The 2021 G-Class has a small complaint file but a long recall list[1][2]. Owners in the complaint sample describe sudden shutdowns, which are unverified reports, so use them as a prompt to ask questions[3][9]. Ask for proof that every recall repair was done, especially the door latch recalls, because earlier latch repairs may need the newer fix[4][18]. Fuel use is very different between versions, at 14 combined MPG for the AMG G63 and 18 for the G550[20][8]. Our data does not cover price, reliability scores or crash test ratings, so look at the service record before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Of 9 NHTSA complaints, 5 name the electrical system and 4 name the engine[1][3][9]. In the sample we read, owners describe sudden shutdowns.
How many recalls does the 2021 G-Class have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year, including door latches, the fuel pump and front axle wiring[2][4][5][6].
What is the gas mileage of the 2021 G-Class?
The EPA rates the AMG G63 at 14 combined MPG and the G550 at 18 combined MPG[20][8].
Is 2021 a good year for the G-Class?
It has the most complaints of any listed year, 9, and 8 recalls, fewer than 2019's 13[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz G-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 24V659, filed September 9, 2024: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 23V445, filed June 26, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 23V097, filed February 17, 2023: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 21V483, filed June 25, 2021: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Retractor. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for G550, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. 4 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 2 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 1 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 1 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 21V527, filed July 12, 2021: Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 21V353, filed May 14, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 21V230, filed April 1, 2021: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  20. EPA rating for AMG G63, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 14 to 416 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, G-CLASS 550 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 76 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,478 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, G-CLASS 63 AMG 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 78 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,820 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.