MERCEDES-BENZ S 560 4MATIC (2020) recall — Power Train
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2020 S 560 4MATIC vehicles due to a risk of sudden loss of drive power that could cause a crash. Owners must contact dealers for free drive shaft replacement.
Use caution until it’s fixed
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2020 S 560 4MATIC vehicles because a drive shaft universal joint can break, causing sudden loss of drive power and increasing crash risk. Affected owners should have their vehicles inspected by dealers for free replacement of the drive shaft. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/79897-mercedes-benz-s-560-4matic-2020-recall-power-train-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/79897-mercedes-benz-s-560-4matic-2020-recall-power-train-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #26V216000
Cite this page
“Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC (2020) Recall: Power Train Risk of Sudden Loss of Drive Power.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79897-mercedes-benz-s-560-4matic-2020-recall-power-train-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #26V216000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V216000).
Why it’s dangerous
A drive shaft universal joint can break, causing a sudden loss of drive power. This may result in a crash if the vehicle is moving at speed, as the power loss could cause the vehicle to lose control.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC vehicles are affected. Drivers and passengers are at risk if the drive shaft breaks, leading to sudden loss of drive power.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your vehicle is a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC. The recall covers specific model years and vehicle types listed in the official notice.
- Brand
Mercedes-Benz- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Dealer for Inspection
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the drive shaft if necessary at no cost.
Check VIN on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall can be searched starting April 10, 2026 on NHTSA.gov.
April 10, 2026
What NHTSA says to do
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.
Questions people ask
What vehicles are affected by this recall?
The recall affects 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC vehicles. Specific model years and vehicle types are listed in the official notice.
How can I check if my vehicle is affected?
Check if your vehicle is a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC. VINs involved in this recall can be searched on NHTSA.gov starting April 10, 2026.
What should I do if my vehicle is affected?
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the drive shaft if necessary at no cost. Contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 for more information.
Contact Mercedes-Benz
We’ve drafted a message you can send Mercedes-Benz to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 26V216000 — Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz Hello, I own a Mercedes-Benz that is covered by recall 26V216000 from Mercedes-Benz. The official recall notice states: 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. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #26V216000 (March 4, 2026)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.