Mercedes-Benz USA said today that Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on model-year 2006-2012 ML, GL and R-Class vehicles, the brake booster might be affected by advanced corrosion and fail.
Mercedes-Benz AG has found that moisture may wick under a rubber sleeve installed around the brake booster housing. Following extended time in the field with significant water exposure, “this safety defect could result in corrosion in the joint area of the brake booster housing, thus contributing to a vacuum leak at the brake booster. The brake force support might be reduced, leading to an increase in the brake pedal forces required to decelerate the vehicle and/or to a potentially increased stopping distance,” Mercedes said. In some cases it could be impossible to stop the vehicle with the brake pedal.
“In rare cases of very severe corrosion, it might be possible that a strong or hard braking application may cause mechanical damage in the brake booster, whereby the connection between the brake pedal and brake system may fail. It would not be possible to decelerate the vehicle with the brake pedal. The risk of a crash or injury would be increased. The function of the foot-activated parking brake is not affected by this issue.” Mercedes said.
MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall of ~292,287 ML-, GL- and R-Class vehicles produced for the 2006-2012 model year period. The recall program is in “full coordination” with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Mercedes-Benz AG says there are no crashes, injuries or deaths related to this issue. NHTSA has not yet made available the recall documents.
MBUSA is advising affected customers to stop driving their vehicles. MBUSA will also offer complimentary towing to owners of affected vehicles to the dealership. The dealership will remove the rubber brake booster sleeve, inspect the brake booster housing and replace parts as required. In the event a repair would be necessary and cannot be carried out immediately, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will help coordinate an individual solution for the customer, including alternate mobility.
Customers may contact 1 (888) 548-8514 for additional information about their Mercedes-Benz.
Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number or call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 to see if their Mercedes-Benz or other vehicle is under recall.
NHTSA encourages everyone to download its SaferCar App to stay informed on current recall