2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 10 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 2 per year. That is more complaints per year than most A-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Photo by Matti Blume, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

10

Per year

2

Recalls

0

Years on the road

6

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (4 of 10), then Back-over prevention (3) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Next to 2020 and 2022

The 2020 A-Class has 21 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2022 has 3 complaints, 1 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (0)

No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.

Complaints by component (10 total)

Electrical system
4
Back-over prevention
3
Engine
2
Powertrain
2
Forward collision avoidance
1
Seat belts
1
Service brakes
1
Speed control
1
Crash-flagged

1

Fire-flagged

0

Injury reports

1

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

320212202212023120241202522026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "My 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 (M260 2.0L engine) triggered diagnostic fault code P052E, indicating a failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve / intake line assembly. Failure of this valve…"
    Engine · filed 2026-08-27
  • "this is a formal notification regarding my vehicle that I purchased at House Of Imports on February 27, 2021. A Mercedes Benz A-Class 220 year 2021, VIN #W1K3G4EB7MJ290124. Shortly after purchase I experienced several…"
    Powertrain, Unknown or other · filed 2026-01-28
  • "While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system, Engine · filed 2025-05-10
  • "Rear view camera says it is inoperative when I put it in reverse. I understand that a number of Mercedes models have been recalled due to a software issue but the dealer tells me my car is not on the list. The problem I…"
    Back-over prevention · filed 2024-05-28
  • "there’s a recall, and I need it fixed asap, i called mercedes and they said they don’t know when they’ll be able to do it, that it could take “years” ??????"
    Unknown or other · filed 2023-01-07

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 4 DR 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 4 DR FWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Specs and fitment

W177 (US sedan), 2019–2022
Body styles Sedan
Oil 0W-20, 0W-30, or 0W-40 (all temps); 5W-30 or 5W-40 above -25°C (A220 2.0L turbo) , 5.8 qt capacity
Tire size 205/55R17, 225/40R19, 225/45R18 (trim-dependent)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 20V-046 covers certain 2019 A220 and A220 4MATIC vehicles: in certain operating conditions, rearview camera software may delay the rearview camera image. Dealers update the rearview camera software. Recall 20V-416 covers certain 2019 A220 vehicles: the air conditioning condensation drain hose may not be installed properly, which can allow water into the footwells and center tunnel and potentially damage electrical components; dealers inspect and correct the drain hose installation. Recall 21V-990 covers certain 2019-2020 A220 vehicles (among GLB models listed): the integral carrier that supports the front axle may corrode and fail; dealers inspect and replace the carrier as necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 10 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 2 per year. That is more complaints per year than most A-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

What are common problems with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (4 of 10), then Back-over prevention (3) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2020 A-Class has 21 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2022 has 3 complaints, 1 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.

Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class been recalled?

NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class with NHTSA.

What engine oil does a US Mercedes-Benz A-Class use?

0W-20, 0W-30, or 0W-40 (all temps); 5W-30 or 5W-40 above -25°C (A220 2.0L turbo) With filter, about 5.8 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.

What tire sizes fit a US Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Published US specs commonly list front 205/55R17, 225/40R19, 225/45R18 (trim-dependent) and rear 205/55R17, 225/40R19, 225/45R18 (trim-dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.

What NHTSA recalls affect the US Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Recall 20V-046 covers certain 2019 A220 and A220 4MATIC vehicles: in certain operating conditions, rearview camera software may delay the rearview camera image. Dealers update the rearview camera software. Recall 20V-416 covers certain 2019 A220 vehicles: the air conditioning condensation drain hose may not be installed properly, which can allow water into the footwells and center tunnel and potentially damage electrical components; dealers inspect and correct the drain hose installation. Recall 21V-990 covers certain 2019-2020 A220 vehicles (among GLB models listed): the…