Every 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Power Train · NHTSA 26V216000
Mar 4, 2026Power Train:Driveline:Universal Joint
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 26V216000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 21V058000
May 2, 2021Electrical System:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Full recall details for 21V058000 →Structure · NHTSA 21V197000
Mar 19, 2021Structure:Body:Roof and Pillars
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
- Risk
- The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Full recall details for 21V197000 →
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450. Mercedes-Benz has issued at least 147 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Forward Collision Avoidance2
- Service Brakes2
- Power Train1
- Seat Belts1
- Steering1
- Unknown Or Other1
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (51)
- Power Train (41)
- Exterior Lighting (17)
- Suspension (16)
- Structure (13)
- Equipment (12)
Read Mercedes-Benz S 450 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact had to hold down the gear shifter for about 30 seconds before the system was reset.”
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450Jan 22, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11637720
“I was driving on highway on 7/26 Friday in exit lane when my panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered on me while driving. It sounded like a shogun. Some of the glass came in on me and other part flew out vehicle causing paint damage.”
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450Jul 27, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11604856
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate and slow as needed. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work as needed.”
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450Mar 2, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11509829
“I'm reporting this safety concern and seeking advisement from those more knowledgeable than myself on this issue. Recently, as I attempted to actuate the brake of my vehicle.”
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450Feb 26, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11509192
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S450. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY.”
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450Jun 4, 2019
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11217774
Check your S 450 by VIN
Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →