The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·26V216000·Announced 2026-04-03

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles for Drive Shaft Universal Joint Breakage Risk

Mercedes-Benz is recalling specific 2018-2020 E-Class and S-Class models because the drive shaft universal joint may break, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (drive shaft universal joint) that can cause a sudden loss of drive power, which the source states increases the risk of a crash. This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (implied by crash risk), warranting a score of 4.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, Wagon, Cabriolet, and Coupe vehicles; 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, and S 450 4MATIC vehicles; and 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, and Cabriolet vehicles. The recall involves a total of 24,092 vehicles.

The defect involves the drive shaft universal joint, which may break. If this occurs, it results in a sudden loss of drive power. A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on 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.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ, MERCEDES-MAYBACH S 560 4MATIC COUPE, E 450 4MATIC, E 400 4MATIC, E 400 4MATIC CABRIOLET
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Drivetrain
Hazard
Affected units
24,092

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (11)

  • S 560 4MATIC COUPE
  • E 450 4MATIC
  • E 400 4MATIC
  • E 400 4MATIC CABRIOLET
  • S 560 4MATIC
  • E 400 4MATIC COUPE
  • E 450 4MATIC COUPE
  • E 450 4MATIC CABRIOLET
  • E 450 4MATIC WAGON
  • S 450 4MATIC
  • E 400 4MATIC WAGON

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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