Mercedes-Benz has issued an urgent global recall for nearly one million older vehicles due to a potentially dangerous brake system defect. The German automaker warns that corrosion in the brake booster could lead to sudden brake failure, posing a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.
The recall affects specific SUVs and minivans manufactured between 2004 and 2015. Owners are advised to stop driving these vehicles until they have been inspected by an authorized professional. The company is taking immediate steps to resolve the issue free of charge.
Identify Which Models Are At Risk
This massive safety campaign targets three specific series of vehicles that were very popular during their production run. The company has identified the ML-Class and GL-Class SUVs, along with the R-Class luxury minivan, as the primary models involved in this situation.
These cars were built on the same chassis platform, which shares the specific brake booster components now under scrutiny. The recall spans a production period of over a decade, meaning a significant number of these cars are still on the road today as used vehicles.
If you own a Mercedes-Benz from this era, it is critical to verify your specific model and production year immediately. The company has stated that the issue relates to the PR164 and PR251 platforms specifically.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the affected vehicles:
| Series Name | Model Codes | Production Years |
|---|---|---|
| ML-Class (SUV) | W164 | 2006 – 2011 |
| GL-Class (SUV) | X164 | 2006 – 2012 |
| R-Class (MPV) | W251 | 2006 – 2012 |
While the total recall numbers are close to one million units globally, roughly 70,000 of these are located in Germany. The United States also holds a very large portion of these specific SUVs, as they were manufactured and sold in high volumes in the American market.
Understanding The Corrosion Issue
The core of the problem lies within the brake booster housing. Technical investigations have revealed that a decorative rubber sleeve wrapped around the booster can actually trap moisture against the metal housing. Over time, this trapped moisture leads to severe rust and corrosion.
This is not just surface rust. The corrosion can eat through the metal shell of the brake booster. When this happens, the vacuum seal inside the part is broken. The brake booster relies on this vacuum to help the driver push the brake pedal with ease.
Mercedes-Benz explained the technical findings in a clear statement regarding the defect. They noted that the joint area of the housing is the most vulnerable spot for this specific type of wear.
“In some of those vehicles, we found that the corrosion of the brake booster may be affected by enhanced corrosion in the joint area of the vehicle.”
If the corrosion is advanced, it might lead to a leaking brake booster. Drivers might hear a hissing noise when they press the brake pedal, which indicates that air is escaping and the vacuum assist is failing.
Dangers Of Brake Booster Failure
The safety implications of this defect are severe. If the brake booster fails, the mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the wheel brakes still exists, but the power assistance is gone. This means the driver must use significantly more physical strength to stop the car.
Stopping distances will increase dramatically without the power assist. In an emergency situation where a driver needs to stop quickly to avoid an accident, the extra distance required could result in a crash.
In extremely rare cases of very severe corrosion, the mechanical parts within the brake booster could separate completely. If this structural failure occurs during hard braking, the brakes could fail entirely.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) generally advises that any recall involving braking components should be treated with the highest priority. Loss of braking power is one of the most critical safety hazards a driver can face.
Inspection And Repair Process
Mercedes-Benz has instructed dealers to perform a thorough inspection of the brake booster on all affected vehicles. This is not a simple visual check owners can do themselves, as it requires removing parts to see the corrosion levels.
The repair process depends on the severity of the rust found during inspection. Dealers will follow a specific protocol to ensure the car is safe to return to the road.
- If no corrosion is found, the decorative rubber sleeve will be removed to prevent future moisture buildup.
- If minor corrosion is found, the booster may be tested for leaks and treated.
- If advanced corrosion is found, the entire brake booster will be replaced with a new part.
All inspections and repairs will be carried out at no cost to the vehicle owner. The automaker is mobilizing its service network to handle the large volume of cars that need to be checked.
Owners can check if their specific VIN is involved by visiting the official Mercedes-Benz Recall Information website. It is highly recommended to call your local dealer immediately to schedule an appointment.
Navigating The Recall As An Owner
This recall highlights the challenges of maintaining older luxury vehicles. While these cars are built to last, components like rubber seals and metal housings inevitably age and react to environmental factors like salt and water.
Owners should not panic but must act quickly. Until the inspection is complete, extra caution is advised. If you notice the brake pedal feels “spongy” or unusually hard to press, you should not drive the vehicle at all.
According to reports on similar automotive safety issues, prompt action by owners significantly reduces the risk of accidents. Ignoring a recall notice for a critical system like brakes is dangerous.
Mercedes-Benz has begun the notification process. If your car is registered with the correct address, you should receive a letter in the mail. However, given the age of these cars, many may have changed owners multiple times.
Checking your status online is the fastest way to know if you are affected. Do not wait for a letter if you own an ML, GL, or R-Class from the 2004 to 2015 era.
Safety is paramount. Ensure your family and fellow drivers are safe by getting this critical brake component checked as soon as possible.
The scale of this recall—one million cars—shows that the brand is taking the liability seriously. Protecting the reputation of their “The Best or Nothing” slogan requires ensuring even their older models remain safe on public roads.
This is a serious safety alert for all Mercedes-Benz owners. Please share this vital news to help protect your friends and family on the road. Check your VIN today and stay safe! #MercedesRecall #CarSafety #BrakeFailure #AutoNews #ConsumerAlert
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional mechanical or legal advice. Always consult with a certified dealership or mechanic regarding vehicle safety recalls and repairs.
