Mercedes-Benz Issues Recall for Brake Issue

Mercedes-Benz Logo on front of vehicle concept

Mercedes-Benz recently issued a one-million vehicle recall for a defective brake booster housing unit that could make certain models unable to stop. Although no injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the problem, owners of the affected vehicles are being advised not to operate them until the issue has been fixed. Despite the manufacturer’s reputation for making reliable luxury vehicles, this has been the second Mercedes-Benz recall in a year, following a recall for a problem with the Electronic Stability Control unit.

What Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Are Affected by the Recent Recall?

The Mercedes-Benz recall affects certain ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles worldwide. According to the recall notice, the problem in the affected vehicle models stems from moisture accumulation which can cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit. This can lead to reduced brake performance or brake failure.

The list of affected vehicles in the United States is extensive and includes nearly 300,000 vehicles among the following models:

  • 2007 AMG R63
  • 2007-2009 GL320
  • 2010-2012 GL350
  • 2007-2012 GL450
  • 2008-2012 GL550
  • 2007-2009 ML320
  • 2006-2011 ML350
  • 2010-2011 ML450
  • 2006-2007 ML500
  • 2008-2011 ML550
  • 2007-2009 R320
  • 2006-2007 R500
  • 2007-2011 AMG ML63
  • 2006-2012 R350
  • 2008 R550

The problem has reportedly been under investigation since July 2021 after a driver reported experiencing a reduction in brake force support. According to Mercedes-Benz, before the issue occurs, drivers may notice that there is a change in the feel of the brake pedal, or they may hear hissing noises when pressure is applied to it.

What Happens if Your Mercedes-Benz Was Recalled?

If your Mercedes-Benz was among those that were recalled, you should receive a letter in the mail advising you of the problem and the fix. The manufacturer will implement the remedy at no cost to owners. To fix the problem, owners should bring their vehicle to the local authorized dealership. The service department will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and replace it if necessary.

In the event you did not receive a notice or are uncertain whether your vehicle is part of the recall, you can visit the Mercedes-Benz website and enter your 17-digit VIN to see the most current information. You can also contact the manufacturer’s customer service hotline by calling 800-367-6372. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website has a search feature that reveals whether your vehicle is subject to a current recall or there have been any other recalls issued within the past 15 years that have not been repaired.

Does the Recall Mean Your Mercedes-Benz is a Lemon?

Just because your Mercedes-Benz was recalled doesn’t mean it’s automatically a lemon. When a vehicle is recalled, it is because the manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that it fails to meet the minimum safety standards. However, in many cases, the problem that leads to a recall can be easily fixed with one trip to the repair shop after the manufacturer identifies a remedy. To file a lemon law claim, the defect must be one that cannot be repaired after several attempts have been made.

To qualify as a lemon vehicle under California’s Lemon Law, stringent criteria must be met. Importantly, the vehicle must have been purchased within the state and be under the original manufacturer’s warranty at the time the nonconformity arises. The law also requires that a number of reasonable repair attempts be made before the manufacturer is required to provide a remedy in the form of a replacement or refund — usually four attempts are sufficient to show that the car is a lemon. But if the issue is one that could cause a safety hazard, only two trips to the repair shop may be necessary.

A vehicle may also be a lemon if it remains in the service shop for 30 days and is left unrepaired in that time frame. Critically, there is a presumption under California law that a vehicle is a lemon if the defect was discovered within the first 18,000 miles driven or 18 months of delivery.

Contact an Experienced Southern California Lemon Law Attorney

No one expects to buy a luxury vehicle only to discover it has a defect. If you purchased a Mercedes-Benz with a problem that makes it fail to conform to its warranty, you may be entitled to pursue a lemon law claim against the manufacturer. It’s crucial to have a skilled lemon law attorney to help you navigate the process and ensure you obtain the compensation to which you’re entitled. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to providing vehicle owners with effective advocacy and skilled representation for California lemon law matters.

The Ledbetter Law Firm works with clients throughout Southern California who have purchased lemon vehicles and assists them with obtaining the refund or replacement vehicle to which they are entitled from the manufacturer. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (310) 878-0067 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.