Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC recall 26V216

Affected vehicles (12)

Component / system

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.

Risk / consequence

A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Chronology of events

1. October 2025

   In October 2025, MBAG received a report of a field instance outside the U.S. in which a customer alleged losing propulsion without warning. MBAG had been aware of instances of customers reporting noise and vibration. The universal joint could wear over time with substantial extended use. Upon receiving a report without the expected warning, MBAG initiated extensive analyses. Between November 2025 and January 2026, several tests were conducted but were unable to explain the possible absence of a warning. Additional endurance testing was conducted from February through March 2026, using pre-damaged drive shafts driven to failure. The results of the testing found that noise and vibration may not necessarily occur in every instance. Thus, on March 27, 2026, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk could not be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall. MBAG is currently aware of 30 warranty claims reports received from January 2022 to April 2025 in the US.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026 No Dealers

Owner notification

Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026 Phased Recall