2020 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 2020 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
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Unknown Or Other (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
10/07/2026 · Vehicle Speed Control
My front drive shaft universal joint just suffered a catastrophic structural fracture while driving, which completely matches NHTSA Recall 26V216. Even though my VIN falls just outside the official database cut-off date, the identical supplier defect just destroyed my drive shaft. My car production date is just 5 weeks after the cut-off window. The car used…
05/07/2026 · Unknown Or Other
While I was driving on the freeway, I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I slowed down and exited the nearest exit. After checking my vehicle windows and seeing no damage, I got out of my car and noticed the front sunroof panel glass had shattered. I am not sure how this can happen.