Recall 19V821 affects 6 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 vehicles for a loose camshaft idler gear that can detach and stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6 2018-2019 S560 sedans, cabriolets, and 4MATIC models with 8-cylinder gasoline engines under recall 19V821 because the threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase can be improperly tightened. If the idler gear detaches, the engine can be damaged and the vehicle can stall, raising the risk of a crash. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and repair the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The camshaft idler gear inside the V8 engine of these 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 vehicles is a small geared wheel that helps drive the camshafts off the crankshaft. The camshafts open and close the engine's intake and exhaust valves in time with each piston stroke. The idler gear is bolted to the crankcase, the lower section of the engine block that houses the crankshaft, and that threaded connection has to stay tight for the valvetrain to keep its timing.
On affected engines, the threaded connection between the idler gear and the crankcase was not tightened to specification during assembly. The torque monitoring step did not catch a tilted installation, so the bolt reads as tight when it is not. Over time, the loose connection can work itself free and the idler gear can detach from the crankcase, which disrupts the valvetrain and can stall the engine.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner will not feel or hear anything unusual before the gear lets go.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2018 and 2019 model years of the S560, both built between February 2018 and May 2019.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Gasoline |
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A detached idler gear can damage the engine and cause a stall, which raises the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the failure, so a stall can happen without notice in traffic. Schedule the repair soon and avoid extended highway trips until the engine has been replaced. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free engine replacement that fixes the loose camshaft idler gear connection.
- Reference recall number 19V821 when you call the dealer, and bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you have questions before the appointment.
- Watch for sudden engine stalling until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine loses power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the engine on affected S560 vehicles, addressing the threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all affected vehicles remain covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for related engine work. To schedule the repair, contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer or call MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 15, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 22, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| November 22, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 14, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 21, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V821?
Recall 19V821 covers 6 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase was improperly tightened, which can let the idler gear detach, damage the engine, and cause a stall.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V821. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the engine replacement. Reference recall number 19V821 when you call. The repair is free, and you can also reach Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the engine free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased.
What is the safety risk?
If the idler gear detaches from the crankcase, it can damage the engine and cause the vehicle to stall, which increases the risk of a crash. The repair replaces the engine at no cost. Until the work is complete, schedule the dealer visit promptly and reference recall 19V821.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz S560 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Mercedes-Benz never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, and reference recall number 19V821 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V821000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V821 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V821000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →