Serious Mercedes Recall Due to Faulty Driveshafts
Mercedes-Benz has announced a serious recall of nearly 25 thousand cars due to a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The problem concerns the driveshaft, which can break without warning.
Key points of the recall:
Defect Details and Models Subject to Recall
The campaign covers 24,092 vehicles from model years 2018 through 2020. The list includes various all-wheel-drive (4MATIC) E-Class and S-Class models, such as the E 400, E 450, S 450, S 560, as well as the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S 560. The recall also concerns coupes, convertibles, and wagons of the respective series.
The problem arises from the universal joint of the front driveshaft. Due to incorrect parameters in the supplier’s manufacturing process, the joint can wear out prematurely. If enough lubricant leaks from it, the joint may eventually crack.
As the manufacturer explains, failure of the joint can sever the connection between the transfer case and the front axle. When this happens, the car may suddenly lose driving power without warning.
Investigation and Discovery of the Dangerous Anomaly
Typically, before a failure, drivers may hear unusual noises or feel vibrations. However, after investigating a complaint from outside the USA at the end of 2025, Mercedes discovered that prior symptoms in these cases do not always manifest.
Engineers spent months trying to understand why one customer’s vehicle stopped moving without any warning signs. Additional testing eventually showed that a damaged driveshaft can fail silently, which prompted Mercedes to initiate the recall on March 27. The company has already received 30 warranty claims in the USA related to this issue, from January 2022 through April 2025, however, no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Recall Procedure and Owner Actions
The recall concerns vehicles manufactured from October 1, 2017, through December 18, 2019. The manufacturer reports that the supplier’s revised manufacturing process, implemented on December 20, 2019, eliminated the problem. Owners can already check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) online to find out if their car is part of the campaign.
Dealers were notified on April 10, and owners should start receiving recall notifications no later than June 2. Mercedes dealerships will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
This case is a reminder of the importance of proper quality control in high-tech manufacturing, especially when it comes to safety-critical components. Despite the absence of reported accidents, the potential consequences of a sudden loss of propulsion on the road can be serious. The manufacturer’s swift response to an isolated but dangerous case, as well as the large-scale inspection campaign, demonstrate response standards in the automotive industry. For owners of the specified models, the wisest step would be to take advantage of the free inspection opportunity, even if no symptoms are observed, as the defect can be latent.