Car Recalls: Why They Happen and What Buyers Should Know
Why do car recalls occur? Here’s what you need to know if your car has an open recall.
Mercedes-Benz has begun recalling more than 24,000 vehicles due to a defective propeller shaft that could cause the vehicle to lose power while driving.
Mercedes-Benz customers outside the United States reported “loss of propulsion without warning” in October 2025, according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Other customers reported hearing strange noises and feeling vibrations before losing propulsion.
After carrying out some tests, the German car brand found that noise and vibrations do not necessarily occur in all cases.
“Therefore, on March 27, 2026, MBAG determined that the potential safety risks could not be eliminated and decided to implement a recall,” the report said. “MBAG is currently aware of 30 warranty claim reports received in the U.S. from January 2022 to April 2025.”
Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers were notified of the voluntary recall campaign on April 10th, and affected customers will be notified by June 2nd.
Here’s what you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz recall, including which cars are affected.
Which Mercedes-Benz models are affected by this recall?
According to NHTSA, the total number of Mercedes-Benz vehicles potentially affected by this recall is 24,092. The affected models are:
- 2018-2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC
- 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC
- 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC Coupe
- 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC
- 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Sedan
- 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Wagon
- 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe
- 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet
- 2018 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Sedan
- 2018-2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Wagon
- 2018-2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet
- 2018-2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC Coupe
What to do with damaged vehicles
Affected owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Dealers will inspect the drive shafts on affected models and replace them if necessary.
If consumers have additional questions or concerns, they can call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-367-6372. According to NHTSA, vehicles not subject to the recall have drive shafts that meet current production specifications.
Due to a change in Manufacturing Procedures, Mercedes-Benz vehicles manufactured after December 20, 2019 no longer experience this issue.
