Mercedes-Benz has issued a significant safety recall affecting approximately 24,092 vehicles due to a mechanical flaw that could cause a car to lose power unexpectedly while driving. The issue centers on the front driveshaft of certain all-wheel-drive models, posing a potential safety hazard if the component fails without warning.
The Scope of the Recall
The recall impacts high-end models from the 2018 to 2020 model years. Specifically, the campaign targets vehicles equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, including several prestigious lines:
- E-Class: E 400 and E 450 (including coupe, cabriolet, and wagon variants)
- S-Class: S 450 and S 560
- Mercedes-Maybach: S 560 luxury models
The affected vehicles were manufactured between October 1, 2017, and December 18, 2019.
The Technical Flaw: Why It Matters
The root cause of the issue lies in the universal joint of the front driveshaft. According to Mercedes, a manufacturing error at a supplier level resulted in incorrect parameters during production. This flaw leads to premature wear; as the joint degrades, lubricant can leak out, eventually causing the component to fracture.
Why this is a critical safety concern:
If the universal joint breaks, the mechanical connection between the transfer case and the front-axle transmission is severed. This results in a sudden loss of propulsion, meaning the driver could lose the ability to power the vehicle forward instantly.
While many mechanical failures are preceded by audible warning signs—such as unusual vibrations or rhythmic noises—Mercedes engineers discovered that this specific defect can fail silently. Following an investigation into a customer complaint from late 2025, testing confirmed that some drivers may experience a total loss of power with no prior indication that a failure is imminent.
Timeline and Resolution
Mercedes has already recorded 30 warranty claims in the United States related to this issue between January 2022 and April 2025. While the company has not reported any crashes or injuries resulting from these failures, the unpredictability of the defect necessitated a formal recall.
The manufacturer has confirmed that the production error was corrected on December 20, 2019, through a revised manufacturing process.
What Owners Should Do
- Check your VIN: Owners can immediately verify if their vehicle is affected by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Mercedes-Benz website.
- Watch for notices: Official recall notices are expected to reach owners by June 2.
- Free Repairs: Authorized Mercedes dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it at no cost to the owner if necessary.
Summary: A manufacturing defect in the universal joints of 4MATIC driveshafts could cause sudden power loss in thousands of Mercedes E-Class and S-Class models. Owners are encouraged to check their VIN online to schedule a free inspection and replacement.
