2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC, 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC, 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe and 9 more models recall: Drive Shaft Universal Joint May Break
Report received by NHTSA: April 3, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
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.
- The risk
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Who's affected
24,092 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC, 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC, 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC, 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet and 6 more models.
- Compared with
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC has 12 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 21 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
323 earlier NHTSA recalls by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- March 27, 2026 2026 Mercedes Benz AMG GLE53 4MATIC, 2026 Mercedes Benz AMG GLE63 S 4MATIC, 2026 Mercedes Benz AMG GLS63 4MATIC and 8 more models recall: Air Bag May Not Deploy as Intended
- March 27, 2026 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 EV recall: Loose Wheel Bolts
- March 20, 2026 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 4MATIC, 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC and 1 more model recall: Incorrect Seat Belt Installed/FMVSS 208, 209
- March 6, 2026 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 recall: Incorrectly Installed Cable May Prevent Door from Opening
- Feb. 6, 2026 2022-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC, 2022-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ recall: Park Outside - High Voltage Battery May Catch Fire
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC 2018
- Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet 2018
- Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Coupe 2018
- Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Wagon 2018
- Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC 2019-2020
- Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet 2019-2020
- Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe 2019-2020
- Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon 2019-2020
- Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC 2018-2020
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC 2018-2020
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe 2018-2020
- Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC 2018-2020
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V216000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | POWER TRAIN |
| Report received by NHTSA | April 3, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 24,092 vehicles |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record