2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Problems

My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V216 involving the drive shaft universal joint. In March 2025, before the recall was announced, Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad diagnosed my vehicle with a front driveline/drive shaft problem. I later paid $2,575 to have the drive shaft replaced using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Mercedes-Benz later sent me a recall notice stating that customers who already paid to correct the recall condition may be eligible for reimbursement. On May 27, 2026, I started the reimbursement process through Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad. I submitted everything Mercedes requested, including the repair invoice, proof of payment, and documentation showing genuine Mercedes-Benz parts were used. When additional documentation was requested, I provided it. I was told I had submitted all required documents. However, Mercedes-Benz will not enter my claim into the reimbursement review process because the recall campaign is not yet “open” and the remedy is not yet available. Mercedes-Benz Star Support told the dealer: “Reimbursement can be claimed after campaign is in open status.” I escalated the issue with Mercedes-Benz USA and received the same answer. My concern is that this prevents the 60-day review process from even starting. 49 C.F.R. §573.13(g)(1) states: “The manufacturer shall act upon a claim for reimbursement within 60 days of its receipt.” If a claim is incomplete, §573.13 also requires the manufacturer to identify the missing documentation within 60 days. I was told I submitted everything required. I am not asking NHTSA to determine whether I am entitled to reimbursement or the amount. I am asking NHTSA to review whether Mercedes-Benz can accept all required claim documents but refuse to process the claim until the campaign becomes “open,” effectively postponing the 60-day process indefinitely. I do not need a future recall repair. I already paid to have my drive shaft replaced. My concern is that Mercedes-Benz has all the requested reimbursement

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-450 4MATIC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Vehicle was exhibiting erratic indications in all safety systems. Was checked out by dealer told all was OK. Two weeks later vehicle indicated warnings in various safety system, instrument cluster went dark, speedometer and tach were inop, blinkers did not work. Car taken to dealer again where it was determined that water incursion into passenger side foot well as the result of clogged sunroof drains had resulted in water damage to the signal acquisition module and other modules regulating the CAN Bus which were mounted in a location susceptible to water incursion and damage. Routine service does not include assuring that sunroof drains are open. Given the nature of computer systems in this vehicle such water damage has the potential of serious safety issues. These modules must be relocated to an area not prone to flooding. MBNA was contacted and provided no customer support whatsoever. The repair was almost $2500.

Vehicle was exhibiting erratic indications in all safety systems. Was checked out by dealer told all was OK. Two weeks later vehicle indicated warnings in various safety system, instrument cluster went dark, speedometer and tach were inop, blinkers did not work. Car taken to dealer again where it was determined that water incursion into passenger side foot well as the result of clogged sunroof drains had resulted in water damage to the signal acquisition module and other modules regulating the CAN Bus which were mounted in a location susceptible to water incursion and damage. Routine service does not include assuring that sunroof drains are open. Given the nature of computer systems in this vehicle such water damage has the potential of serious safety issues. These modules must be relocated to an area not prone to flooding. MBNA was contacted and provided no customer support whatsoever. The repair was almost $2500.