Mercedes-Benz recalls 2018–2020 E-Class, S-Class and Maybach S 560 4MATIC cars over drive shaft joint that may break
The universal joint in the drive shaft may break, which can cause a sudden loss of drive power and raises the risk of a crash.
What to do
Dealers will inspect the drive shaft and replace it if needed, free of charge. Owners may call Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6372, and can search their VIN on NHTSA.gov beginning April 10, 2026.
Look up your car to see every recall for its make, model and year.
Recall details
- Product
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic Coupe, E 450 4matic, E 400 4matic and 8 more 2018–2020
- Company
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
- Hazard
- A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Units
- 24,092 vehicles
- Reported to NHTSA
- April 3, 2026
- Identifiers
- NHTSA campaign number: 26V216000
- Model years: 2018–2020
The headline, summary and steps above are written in plain English from the official notice below. Identifiers are copied exactly as the agency published them. Always check the official notice before you act.
Official notice
The notice's own wording from NHTSA.
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
- Consequence
- A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Corrective action
- Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 10, 2026.
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