2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 4 of 7 complaints (57%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 2 in 2020 to 7 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 5,550 | 5,550 | 4,300–5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 5,550–7,050 | |
| Combined MPG | 14 | 14 | 14–18 | 14–16 | 11–14 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13 / 15–17 | 13 / 15–17 | 13–17 / 16–19 | 13–14 / 16–17 | 10–13 / 12–16 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 609–637 | 609–637 | 494–637 | 569–624 | 617–817 | |
| Complaints filed | 6 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 6 | |
| Recalls issued | 13 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Engine: 4 of 7 NHTSA complaints (57%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–18 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
EPA estimates $4,300–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 637 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $4,300 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (8)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK · Campaign 24V659000 · Sep 10, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · Campaign 23V445000 · Jun 26, 2023
Defect: 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.
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 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 23V097000 · Feb 21, 2023
Defect: 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).
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022
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 connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
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.
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 2022060005 and 2023110006.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT · Campaign 21V527000 · Jul 13, 2021
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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR · Campaign 21V483000 · Jun 28, 2021
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 Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 21V353000 · May 17, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 21V230000 · Apr 2, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.