2018–2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 1 other Mercedes-Benz model: power train recall
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
What was reported
Source: manufacturer filing, 49 CFR Part 573Reported to NHTSA Apr 3, 2026 by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
What that means, in plain English
Source: WhichTrim's reading of the filing above — not NHTSA's wordingA universal joint breaking causes sudden loss of drive power in traffic, which can lead to a crash, but there is no indication of loss of steering/braking control, fire, or a NHTSA stop-drive order that would elevate this to critical.
Written for us by a language model from the manufacturer's filed text, which is quoted in full above. Where the two differ, the filing is the record and this is only our summary of it.
Which vehicles are covered
Source: NHTSA campaign 26V216000| Model year | Class | Safety Signal | Recalls on file |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Coupe | F | 19 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Coupe | F | 22 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Coupe | F | 16 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Large Sedan | F | 14 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Large Sedan | F | 13 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Large Sedan | D | 6 |
Those are the model years inside WhichTrim's range, 2016 onward. The campaign may cover others outside it, and the only thing that settles whether one specific vehicle is included is its VIN.
The federal paperwork
Source: nhtsa.govFiled documents
Check one specific vehicle
A recall applies to a build range, so year, make and model cannot settle it. Type the VIN and the WhichTrim recall report checks this campaign’s build window and engine against it.
Campaign 26V216000
Own one, or run a fleet? Recall Watch checks each VIN against every new NHTSA campaign and emails you when one lands, this one's expansions included. Or take a free one-line alert by model year.
A recall covers a build range. Only your VIN settles it.
Check it with the WhichTrim recall report now, or have us check it every night and email you when something new is filed.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573Does this recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to remedy a safety defect or a compliance failure at no charge, for vehicles up to 15 years old measured from the date of first sale. A dealer that asks you to pay for a recall repair is in the wrong.
How do I know whether my vehicle is included?
By VIN, not by model year. The manufacturer files a build range with NHTSA and only vehicles inside it are covered, so two identical-looking cars from the same year can differ. NHTSA's own lookup checks a VIN against the manufacturer's list.
What if the repair is not available yet?
It happens, and often. Manufacturers must notify owners when a defect is found even if the parts or the software are not ready, then notify them a second time once the remedy exists. This campaign was filed without a repair available — Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC says so in the text above.
What did the manufacturer say was wrong?
The problem, risk and fix quoted on this page are the manufacturer's own words as filed with NHTSA under 49 CFR Part 573. WhichTrim does not paraphrase them.
Who started this recall?
NHTSA's record credits the manufacturer. A recall can begin with the manufacturer's own testing, with a defect investigation, or with a compliance test against a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.