Mercedes-Benz Recalls Over 24,000 Vehicles Due to Drive Shaft Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is initiating a safety recall for over 24,000 Model Year 2018-2020 vehicles due to a potential defect with the drive shaft’s universal joint. According to the company’s submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), increased wear in this component could lead to a loss of lubricant, potentially causing the universal joint to fracture. This fracture could result in the disconnection between the transfer case and the front-axle transmission, leading to an unexpected loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall encompasses a wide range of models, including the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe, Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC, and various configurations of the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC and E 400 4MATIC sedans, wagons, coupes, and cabriolets. Specifically, the affected vehicles are:

* 2018-2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC (295 vehicles) * 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC (6,373 vehicles) * 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe (920 vehicles) * 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC (2,647 vehicles) * 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Sedan (3,489 vehicles) * 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon (1,884 vehicles) * 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe (1,747 vehicles) * 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet (1,793 vehicles) * 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Sedan (2,147 vehicles) * 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Wagon (844 vehicles) * 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet (1,416 vehicles) * 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Coupe (537 vehicles)

The issue stems from insufficient parameters in a supplier’s production process for the drive shaft’s universal joint. While drivers may experience warning signs such as noises and vibrations while driving, the company acknowledges that these indicators might not always be present or noticed. The recall process was initiated after Mercedes-Benz became aware of a field incident outside the U.S. in October 2025, where a customer reported losing propulsion without warning. This prompted an investigation that included endurance testing of pre-damaged drive shafts, which confirmed that warning symptoms might not always occur. Prior to this recall, Mercedes-Benz had received 30 warranty claims in the U.S. related to this issue between January 2022 and April 2025.

Owners of affected vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles and to park them outdoors as a precautionary measure. Authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the drive shaft on these vehicles and replace it if necessary. The remedy component differs from the recalled component because the production procedure has been updated to ensure this issue no longer occurs. Production changes implemented by the supplier in December 2019 have addressed the problem for vehicles manufactured after that date. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC plans to notify owners of the recall campaign by June 2, 2026. Information on whether a specific vehicle is included in the recall will be available by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) starting April 10, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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