2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG is a performance-oriented mid-size sedan, coupe, and convertible, known for its blend of luxury and sporty driving dynamics. It is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine with mild hybrid assist, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E53 for its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and advanced technology. Some common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system and the high cost of maintenance.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged with Mild Hybrid Assist (M256)

• Failed or Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump
  • Description/Symptoms: The auxiliary coolant pump is used to keep the turbo and intercooler cool. The most common symptoms are overheating and the check engine light coming on.
  • Solution: Replace the auxiliary coolant pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can sometimes fail, leading to stalling, rough running, or a no-start condition.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift TCT 9G 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Some have also reported hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission adaptation reset. If the problem persists, a software update or valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (adaptation reset) to $1500+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported torque converter issues such as shuddering or slipping during gear changes.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, problems such as the car not leveling properly, sagging overnight, or compressor failure may occur. Warning lights on the dash related to the suspension system will illuminate.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the problem (leaks, compressor failure, sensor issues) and replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+, depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system can sometimes freeze, become unresponsive, or randomly reboot.
  • Solution: Restart the system. Perform a software update to the latest version. In some cases, a hardware replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $1500+ (hardware replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in the various sensors throughout the car, such as parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or lane keep assist, can occur.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported problems with the sunroof, such as it getting stuck, making excessive noise, or leaking.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks and mechanism. If the problem persists, the sunroof motor or other components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG is a generally reliable vehicle, but some owners have reported issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, electrical system, and, if equipped, the air suspension. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely, from minor sensor replacements to more significant transmission or air suspension repairs. The infotainment system can also be finicky and require software updates or even hardware replacements.