Overview
- Mercedes launched the safety recall on March 27 after tests confirmed some front driveshaft joints can fail with no warning.
- A fractured universal joint can disconnect the transfer case from the front-axle transmission and cut power to the wheels.
- The action covers 24,092 4MATIC all-wheel-drive E- and S-Class vehicles from the 2018–2020 model years, including E 400, E 450, S 450, S 560 and Maybach S 560.
- Dealers were alerted April 10 and will inspect the front driveshaft and replace it free where needed, with owner letters due by June 2.
- Mercedes reports 30 U.S. warranty claims and no crashes or injuries, and it says a supplier process change on Dec. 20, 2019 corrected the issue for vehicles built after Dec. 18, 2019.