Recall 26V216 affects 24,092 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class vehicles for a drive shaft universal joint defect. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,092 2018-2020 E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC, and S 560 4MATIC vehicles because the drive shaft universal joint can break and cause a sudden loss of drive power. That loss of power increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The propeller shaft, also called the drive shaft, carries power through the driveline so the vehicle can move under engine power. Its universal joint lets that shaft turn while still handling normal angle changes in the driveline. On the affected 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz models, that joint is the part at issue.
Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to supplier production settings that left the universal joint subject to increased wear over time. As the joint wears, it loses the strength and fit it needs to keep transmitting power. If the joint breaks, drive power can drop suddenly, leaving the vehicle without propulsion.
Before failure, a driver can notice noises or vibrations while driving. Mercedes-Benz also found that, in individual cases, those warning signs are not noticed before the joint fails.
Who's affected?
Covers wagon, coupe, cabriolet, and sedan body styles across E 400 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC, and S 560 4MATIC variants, all tied to the driveline universal joint.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Wagon | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe | driveline |
| Units affected | 24,092 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 30 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash because the vehicle stops responding as expected. Noises or vibrations while driving can come before the issue, but the driver does not always notice them. Schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free drive-shaft inspection and replacement that addresses the universal-joint break and sudden loss of drive power.
- Bring the owner letter if it has arrived. If not, reference recall number 26V216 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the vehicle loses drive power.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming repair instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the drive shaft and replaces it if the recall condition is found. The inspection, replacement drive shaft, and labor are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented costs for owners who already paid for a repair that addressed this same drive shaft defect. Keep invoices and payment records, and contact MBUSA customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 3, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 10, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 10, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 10, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 2, 2026 | Final remedy owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V216?
Recall 26V216 covers 24,092 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC, and S 560 4MATIC vehicles with a drive shaft universal joint that can break. A sudden loss of drive power increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC, or S 560 4MATIC is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V216. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the drive shaft inspection. The dealer will replace the drive shaft if needed, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the drive shaft and replace it as needed free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden loss of drive power. Mercedes-Benz says the drive shaft universal joint can break, and that loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Use your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies before you schedule service.
When will Mercedes-Benz notify owners?
Mercedes-Benz expects to mail owner notification letters on June 2, 2026. VINs became searchable for this recall on April 10, 2026. You do not need to wait for a letter before checking your VIN and calling a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V216000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V216 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V216000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →