Car · Mercedes-Benz recalls
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, filed between December 18, 2017 and April 3, 2026. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
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| Part | Filed | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Power train: universal joint | April 3, 2026 | Crash risk |
| Structure: roof and pillars | March 19, 2021 | Crash risk |
| Communication | February 12, 2021 | Injury risk |
| Electrical system: software | February 5, 2021 | Crash risk |
| Electrical system: software | July 31, 2020 | Crash risk |
| Engine | March 20, 2020 | Stall risk |
| Engine and engine cooling: turbo/supercharger | January 27, 2020 | Fire risk |
| Service brakes, hydraulic: pads | December 20, 2019 | Crash risk |
| Engine and engine cooling: gasoline | November 15, 2019 | Stall risk |
| Lane departure: automatic steering | December 19, 2018 | Crash risk |
| Steering: electric power assist system | December 19, 2018 | Crash risk |
| Lane departure: camera | September 11, 2018 | Crash risk |
| Electrical system | June 15, 2018 | Fire risk |
| Latches/locks/linkages: latch | December 18, 2017 | Injury risk |
Power train: universal jointCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: S450, S560, S560 Coupe
What is wrong. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
What could happen. A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. 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.
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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.
Structure: roof and pillarsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, S450, S560
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. 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.
The 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.
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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.
CommunicationInjury risk
Trims named in this campaign: S450, S560
What is wrong. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
What could happen. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Electrical system: softwareCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, AMG S65, S450, S560
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The 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.
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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.
Electrical system: softwareCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: S560
What is wrong. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
What could happen. Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
EngineStall risk
Trims named in this campaign: S560
What is wrong. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.
What could happen. An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.
Engine and engine cooling: turbo/superchargerFire risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63
What is wrong. The oil feed line to the turbocharger may leak.
What could happen. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed line to the turbocharger, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020023.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 E63 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, and S63 AMG 4MATIC and 2019 G63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4MATIC, AMG GT63S 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engines. The oil feed line to the turbocharger may leak.
Service brakes, hydraulic: padsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: S450, S560
What is wrong. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.
What could happen. The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake system, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030020.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling: gasolineStall risk
Trims named in this campaign: S560
What is wrong. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.
What could happen. A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.
Lane departure: automatic steeringCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, S450, S560
What is wrong. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
What could happen. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
The fix. Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Steering: electric power assist systemCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, S450, S560
What is wrong. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
What could happen. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
The fix. MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the steering boot installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040025.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Lane departure: cameraCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, AMG S65
What is wrong. The software calibration for the Active Lane Keeping Assist may be incorrect, and as a result, the system may not intervene in the event of an unintended lane departure while traveling faster than 65 miles an hour.
What could happen. If the Active Lane Keeping Assist does not intervene as expected above 65 miles per hour, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the multipurpose camera software, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018090008.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC and S65 AMG vehicles. The software calibration for the Active Lane Keeping Assist may be incorrect, and as a result, the system may not intervene in the event of an unintended lane departure while traveling faster than 65 miles an hour.
Electrical systemFire risk
Trims named in this campaign: S450, S560
What is wrong. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.
What could happen. If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080001.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.
Latches/locks/linkages: latchInjury risk
Trims named in this campaign: AMG S63, S450
What is wrong. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be.
What could happen. If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN at NHTSA to see whether a campaign is open for your exact car.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Mercedes-Benz may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Mercedes-Benz customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the S-Class
- 2025 (3)
- 2024 (4)
- 2023 (8)
- 2022 (9)
- 2021 (17)
- 2020 (6)
- 2019 (13)
- 2017 (10)
- 2016 (7)
- 2015 (9)
- 2014 (6)
- 2012 (2)
- 2011 (2)
- All years
More: all Mercedes-Benz recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recall questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows whether a campaign is open for that exact car. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-29. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.