My front drive shaft universal joint just suffered a catastrophic structural fracture while driving, which completely matches the federal safety agency Recall 26V216. Even though my VIN falls just outside the official database cut-off date, the identical supplier defect just destroyed my drive shaft. My car production date is just 5 weeks after the cut-off window. The car used the defective part.
The worst 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
Recalls 1
Power train: driveline: universal joint
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 beginning April 10, 2026.
Recall number 26V216000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- Fuel/propulsion system
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time
- Tailgate opens unintentionally
- Oil leaks found on M176 or M177 engines diagnosed to be from the cylinder head cover area
See all 30 bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic
What 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While I was driving on the freeway, I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I slowed down and exited the nearest exit. After checking my vehicle windows and seeing no damage, I got out of my car and noticed the front sunroof panel glass had shattered. I am not sure how this can happen.
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Questions about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic, close to a typical S 560 4matic model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4matic have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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