2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4matic recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
What could happen: 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)…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 E 450 4MATIC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V216000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4matic owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (3), Electrical system (1), Forward Collision Avoidance (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
09/28/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-450 4MATIC. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the brakes and throttle body were repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fai…
08/31/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V216 involving the drive shaft universal joint. In March 2025, before the recall was announced, Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad diagnosed my vehicle with a front driveline/drive shaft problem. I later paid $2,575 to have the drive shaft replaced using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Mercedes-Benz later sent me a recall notice…
08/02/2026 · Electrical system
Vehicle was exhibiting erratic indications in all safety systems. Was checked out by dealer told all was OK. Two weeks later vehicle indicated warnings in various safety system, instrument cluster went dark, speedometer and tach were inop, blinkers did not work. Car taken to dealer again where it was determined that water incursion into passenger side foot…
06/25/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-450 4MATIC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact h…