Mercedes-Benz released a truly quick supercar in 2021 with the Mercedes-AMG GT; however, it seems speed was their main focus as this supercar has a remarkable number of recalls and reliability issues.
Not exactly known for their reliability, Mercedes-Benz has a long history of models being recalled. From the problematic 2015 C-Class lineup and the C300 with ten recalls to the health and safety risk that is the 2015 M-Class.
However, supercars generally don't have high endurance and reliability as they are built for speed and performance, which in turn puts a heavy toll on the engine and other key components. The Mercedes-AMG GT takes the crown, though, as its reliability is horrible, even compared to other supercars.
Without further ado, let's get down to exactly the biggest problems with owning and living with a 2021 AMG GT.
The 2021 AMG GT Offers Plenty
The previous AMG GTs already had plenty of horsepower, but the 2021 model is something to behold. Mercedes fitted the 2020 base model with a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that puts out an impressive 523 HP and 494 lb-ft of torque. As for the transmission, Mercedes has equipped the AMG GT with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system.
However, the 2021 Black Series trim is an entirely different beast with an astonishing 720 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque, putting it up there with some of the most powerful supercars ever.
Quick is an understatement when describing the AMG GT as the base model does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. Moreover, with its additional 197 HP compared to the base model, the new Black Series does 0-60 in a lightning-quick 3.0 seconds.
In terms of fuel economy, the AMG GT performs as you would expect a supercar with a V8 that puts out over 500 HP would. According to the official EPA estimations, the AMG GTs base model puts out 16 miles to the gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
As expected, the Black Series trim does worse with 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway, but that's just the cost of such a high HP vehicles as comparable supercars are just as gas-guzzling, if not worse.
Speed and power aren't the only things the AMG GT offers, though. With a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that changes and adapts its colors to the selected drive mode, a 10-inch infotainment screen for entertainment, navigation, etc., voice-activated controls for multimedia, heated and cooled seats as well as leather upholstery and lastly, Apple Car Play and Android Auto functionality come standard.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Offers Plenty Of Headaches
Coming with the not-so-cheap price tag of $125,000, the AMG GT offers power, speed, and a satisfactory level of comfort; however, its reliability issues are a cause for concern.
Plagued by recalls, it had a alarming 47 recalls over the past six years, with 31 of them coming in the past three years. This shows that the GT range has a lot of room for improvement.
Electrical issues dominate the recall reasons, with nine recalls due to wiring issues that could lead to stalls and fires and electronic stability control issues increasing the risk of crashing.
Powertrain, airbag, and communication issues are the second most common reasons for recalls. Concerning the powertrain, the main issue is with the driveshaft, which could lead to a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. As for the airbags, incorrect inflation of the airbag could cause injuries or be ineffective in preventing injuries and death, as well as defective steel used in airbag housing, could potentially shatter and puncture the airbag or even the passenger themselves, leading to injury or death.
Lastly, communication issues in the form of emergency call (eCall) system failure, potentially increasing chances of injury and/or death, were a primary concern leading to plenty of recalls.
The AMG GT Against Its Rivals
It's evident that the AMG GT has plenty of issues, but considering its performance, should you overlook its reliability, or should you go for other options?
The McLaren GT has the AMG GT beaten in terms of HP and 0-60 but not by much, as it boasts 612 HP and gets to 60 MPH in only 3.0 seconds. The McLaren GT is far more reliable in terms of reliability as it only had four recalls in the past three years. However, the $264,000 price tag on the McLaren GT costs almost $140,000 more than the AMG GT.
As for the Aston Martin Vantage, the AMG GT has 20 more HP and costs $22,000 less than the Vantage; however, the Vantage is more reliable as it has barely had any recalls, and newer models, especially in the past three years, have been headache-less. Which is strange as both cars are powered by engines from AMG.
Finally, the popular Porsche 911 is a more potent than the AMG GT as its V6 puts out an incredible 641 HP and does 0-60 in a lightning-quick 2.2 seconds. The Porsche 911 isn't the most reliable car, with 11 recalls in the past three years; however, one can depend on it more than the AMG GT.
That kind of performance costs a pretty penny, too, as it costs $80,000 more than the AMG GT, with the Porsche 911 costs a cool $205,000.
Ultimately, when going for a supercar that can put out more than 500 HP and costs less than $300,000, the AMG GT might seem like an attractive choice with its low price tag. But it might spend a lot of time in the workshop.