The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class has 6 recalls, with the most serious involving engine and electrical risks: oil port plugs can fail and drain the engine dry on S 560 and Maybach S 560 models, a loose timing chain bolt on S560 4Matic models can cause sudden engine stall, and unsecured power bars inside the trunk fuse box can create enough heat to start a fire or cause electrical systems to cut out.
On the drivetrain side, the driveshaft may wear over time and the universal joint can break, cutting power to the wheels. Two recalls affect driver assistance features on certain trims: a mispositioned steering boot can prevent the Hands-off Detection system from recognizing when the driver removes their hands from the wheel, and a software fault can cause the Active Lane Keeping Assist to alert the driver to an unintended lane departure at highway speeds without actually helping to steer the vehicle back into the lane.
At a glance
What can fail
The driveshaft may have been improperly manufactured. Over time it can wear down, causing the universal joint to break and loss of power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for driveshaft inspection and replacement if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil port closure plugs may fail, allowing oil to leak from the engine. If oil level drops too low, the engine can run out of oil and stop working.
What the fix does
A dealer will replace the closure plugs. Avoid sudden acceleration and high engine speeds until the repair is complete.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt securing the engine timing chain wheel may loosen, allowing the timing chain to slip. This can cause severe engine damage, stalling, or failure.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealer for engine replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering boot may be positioned incorrectly, preventing the Hands-off Detection feature from sensing when you remove your hands from the wheel. This can prevent warning messages and disable the emergency stop function.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the steering boot position and adjust it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the Active Lane Keeping Assist system from functioning properly at speeds over 100 km/h. While you'll receive an alert if the vehicle drifts unintentionally, the system may not help steer it back into the lane.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software in the multipurpose camera to restore proper system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Two nuts securing power bars inside the trunk's pre-fuse-box may be missing. Unsecured bars increase electrical resistance, risking fire, or create intermittent contact causing loss of engine operation, seat belts, and instrument cluster functions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pre-fuse-box in the trunk and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
