Mercedes-Benz Issues Safety Recall for 24,000+ Vehicles Over Drive Shaft Defect

Mercedes-Benz Issues Voluntary Safety Recall for Over 24,000 Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA has issued a voluntary safety recall for more than 24,000 luxury sedans, coupes, and wagons due to a mechanical flaw that could lead to a sudden loss of propulsion. The recall (NHTSA ID 26V216000) addresses a defect in the drive shaft universal joint, which may be prone to breakage. If the joint snaps while the vehicle is in motion, the car will experience an immediate loss of drive power, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

Affected Models and Model Years

The recall impacts a wide range of high-end models equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, spanning the 2018 through 2020 model years. Affected vehicles include:

• E-Class: E 400 4MATIC (Sedan, Wagon, Cabriolet, Coupe) — 2018
  E 450 4MATIC (Sedan, Wagon, Cabriolet, Coupe) — 2019–2020
• S-Class: S 450 4MATIC — 2018–2020
  S 560 4MATIC Coupe — 2018–2020
• Maybach: Maybach S 560 4MATIC — 2018–2020

Next Steps for Vehicle Owners

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that authorized dealers will perform inspections and replace the drive shafts free of charge where necessary.

Notification and Verification

• Notification: Official owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out on June 2, 2026.
• Verification: Owners can check if their specific vehicle is affected by entering their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov. Database updates for this recall began on April 10, 2026.

Support and Safety

Concerned drivers can contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service directly at 1-800-367-6372.

A sudden loss of drive power on highways or in heavy traffic can be hazardous. Owners are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected as soon as they receive their official notice.