2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 5 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has 5 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 3 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 G-Class | 6 | 0 |
| 2020 G-Class | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 G-Class (this page) | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 G-Class | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 G-Class | 6 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
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…
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 brakes locked up in the vehicle and computer system nearly causing deadly accident.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz G-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.