The Used Car Index

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 problems

NHTSA lists 5 complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-10.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES-BENZ AMG E53.

At a glance

Complaints
5
With crash
0
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
15
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,292,258
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
205

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE240.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER240.0%
BACK OVER PREVENTION120.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM120.0%
ENGINE120.0%
POWER TRAIN120.0%
SEAT BELTS120.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEWARNINGS1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
electrical electronic360.0%0.81
loss of control120.0%0.87
mechanical failure120.0%0.56
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate480.0%0.77
low120.0%0.42

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 5 tagged complaints of 5 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

15 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 15.

24V445000

Date: 2024-06-14. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLS 53 4MATIC, 2019-2023 E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 53 4MATIC Coupe, E 53 4MATIC Sedan, 2021-2024 GT 43 4MATIC, and 2019-2025 GT 53 4MATIC vehicles. The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production. which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and (excerpt)

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100002/3. This recall supersedes recall 22V-533. Vehicles repaired u (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V100000

Date: 2024-02-09. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 CLS450, E450, E450 All-Terrain, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, and 2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.

Consequence: An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024MMNNNN.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V880000

Date: 2023-12-21. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V733000

Date: 2022-09-30. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lig (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V533000

Date: 2022-07-22. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AMG GT43, 2019-2022 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, E53 Cabriolet, AMG GT53, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the electrical connector, as necessary. Dealers will also reroute the harness and install an additional bracket. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080010.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V365000

Date: 2022-05-20. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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 connecti (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 2 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V189000

Date: 2022-03-25. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DI (excerpt)

Consequence: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V527000

Date: 2021-07-12. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V483000

Date: 2021-06-25. Systems: SEAT BELTS.

Defect: 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 Saf (excerpt)

Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V406000

Date: 2021-05-28. Systems: SEATS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.

Consequence: Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear seatback guide bushings and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060010.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

205 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
POWER TRAIN31
EQUIPMENT15
EXTERIOR LIGHTING15
STEERING15
STRUCTURE15
SUSPENSION12
VISIBILITY/WIPER12

11038187

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been develop

11038188

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

11038186

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibra

11038176

Date: 2026-09-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest p

11037987

Date: 2026-09-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil qu

11037616

Date: 2026-09-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been develo

11037228

Date: 2026-08-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR i??Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or contro

11036511

Date: 2026-08-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE.

Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a res

11036999

Date: 2026-08-15. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the

11036190

Date: 2026-08-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for al

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
AMG E535

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mercedes-Benz models

Other Mercedes-Benz models, 2021

Sources

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