Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan

Apr 03, 2026 — Recall Campaign #26V216000

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.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 24,092 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

26V216000

Manufacturer:	Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Recall date:	April 03, 2026
NHTSA Campaign #:	26V216000
Units affected:	24,092

Description:: 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.
Consequeces:: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective action:: 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.

Affects the following:

2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E 400 4MATIC Complaints
Component/System: The intake camshaft positioner/adjuster on cylinder bank 2 of the M276 V6 engine has failed, along with associated timing components. The vehicle (2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, VIN [XXX]) remains unrepaired and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine produces a loud metallic rattle on cold starts, indicating loss of proper camshaft timing control. If unaddressed, camshaft timing deviation can progress to timing chain failure, which on interference engines can cause valve-to-piston contact and sudden, severe engine damage or loss of power while driving, posing a risk to vehicle control. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. Mercedes-Benz of Catonsville (RO# [XXX]) diagnosed the issue and confirmed stored fault code P002177, indicating the intake camshaft position on cylinder bank 2 deviates from its specified value. The dealer's own notes state camshaft adjusters "are prone to failure and commonly damage camshafts when they fail." Manufacturer Notified: I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA directly (Case #[XXX]) to request they address this repair, citing that this camshaft/timing failure is a known, recurring issue on M276-equipped vehicles, supported by Mercedes' own technical service bulletins (TSB LI05.10-P-056435 and TSB LI05.20-P-059966) describing this exact failure pattern. Despite multiple attempts, including a promised callback that was never received and nearly an hour on hold with no resolution, Mercedes-Benz USA has not adequately responded or taken action. Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in early August 2026, prompting a dealer visit. The cold-start rattle was identified by the dealer during diagnosis the following day. No prior symptoms were noticed beforehand. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6);
2020 MERCEDES-BENZ E 450 4MATIC Complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down and failed to properly accelerate. The contact's son attempted to shift into reverse; however, the transmission was making an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with drivetrain and engine damage, catalytic converter failure, and a bolt had snapped or was loose. The contact stated that the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.;