Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 reliable?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 has 27 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (4 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53?

Yes, there are 16 recall(s): SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR, SEATS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 is approximately $2,373/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 has 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is electrical problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz gle53. the contact stated the vehicle would not start. the contact stated that he was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact also stated whi. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

10 complaints

37%

• The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE53. The contact stated the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that he was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated whi
• The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE53. The contact stated the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that he was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated whi
• GLE53 would not start. The car threw an error stating 12v battery malfunction.(Impacted the 48V battery) This essentially disables the vehicle completely. This is 2021 GLE53 with less than 5000 miles. There is also an issue with the side-view mirror and wind noise.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE53. The contact stated the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that he was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated whi”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (16)

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY30/10/2020

Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Risk: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,373

Full coverage / month

$198

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+42%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2373

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2021 AMG GLE53, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 27 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE53. The contact stated the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that he was unable to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated whi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: GLE53 would not start. The car threw an error stating 12v battery malfunction.(Impacted the 48V battery) This essentially disables the vehicle completely. This is 2021 GLE53 with less than 5000 miles. There is also an issue with the side-view mirror and wind noise.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 2021 MB GLE 53 AMG Coupe. Less than 7500 miles. Car wont start throws a red error saying see the operators manual. This is the second time in 5 months this has happened and is extremely frustrating given MB is fully aware of the issue. They say it is related to software but I just had my car at the
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: Issue-The car brakes aggressively using cruise control (Mercedes Distronic) with no driver intervention. This dangerous condition can cause an accident. Using my advanced cruise control…the issue is my set speed was changed along with acceleration or braking when a traffic sign is misread. I have tu
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)