2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 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 2018 S 560 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
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (2), Unknown Or Other (1), Suspension (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)
08/26/2026 · Unknown Or Other
Reckless driving on 94. The driver going more than 80mph up behind me into traffic blowing the horn the proceeds to go are flashing something could have been a cell phone maybe.
06/30/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced failures associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was informed that once the parts for the recal…
04/29/2026 · Suspension
Hello as of now there was no accidents just read Reading the Recalls it is very serious I take in the vehicle to the Mercedes Benz dealership 4-29- 26 They did nothing but said they would get in contact with me once they receive the remedy
04/14/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4Matic. The contact stated that while performing a brake service, the contact became aware that there was fluid leaking underneath the vehicle, coming from the driveshaft. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while driving due to the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26…