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NHTSA recall,

Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC (2018), Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet (2018), and 10 more

The drive shaft universal joint may break, causing sudden loss of drive power and increasing crash risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, Wagon, Cabriolet, and Coupe; 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, and S 450 4MATIC; and 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, and Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall affects 24,092 vehicles nationwide.

The agency reported the issue to NHTSA on April 3, 2026. 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, and additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available.

More transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from April 10, 2026.
  2. Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge.
  3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. You may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
  4. Watch your mail. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

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.

Is your Mercedes-Maybach affected?

12 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • E 400 4MATICMercedes-Benz, model years 2018
  • E 400 4MATIC CabrioletMercedes-Benz, model years 2018
  • E 400 4MATIC CoupeMercedes-Benz, model years 2018
  • E 400 4MATIC WagonMercedes-Benz, model years 2018
  • E 450 4MATICMercedes-Benz, model years 2019 to 2020
  • E 450 4MATIC CabrioletMercedes-Benz, model years 2019 to 2020
  • E 450 4MATIC CoupeMercedes-Benz, model years 2019 to 2020
  • E 450 4MATIC WagonMercedes-Benz, model years 2019 to 2020
  • S 450 4MATICMercedes-Benz, model years 2018 to 2020
  • S 560 4MATICMercedes-Benz, model years 2018 to 2020
  • S 560 4MATIC CoupeMercedes-Benz, model years 2018 to 2020
  • S 560 4MATICMercedes-Maybach, model years 2018 to 2020

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Component
Transmission or drivetrain defect
Campaign
26V216000
Vehicles affected
24,092
Repair cost
Free of charge
Manufacturer phone
1-800-367-6372

All recalls from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

See all: Other transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)