Mercedes-Benz Recall 26V-216: Power train

The problem

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.

The risk

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

The fix

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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign	26V-216 (26V216000)
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Component	Power train › Driveline › Universal joint
Report date	April 3, 2026
Vehicles affected	24,092
Initiated by	Manufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 3 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 26V-216 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 24,092 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.