NHTSA Recall 26V216000: Universal joint (power train)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 24,092 vehicles. It affects 12 models including the Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC.
| NHTSA campaign | 26V216000 |
|---|---|
| Component | POWER TRAIN › DRIVELINE › UNIVERSAL JOINT |
| Report received | April 3, 2026 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
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.
Safety risk
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 26V216000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC | 2018 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet | 2018 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Coupe | 2018 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Wagon | 2018 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC | 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet | 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe | 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon | 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.