Almost 18,000 Mercedes-Benz ML, GL and R-Class vehicles recalled
Mercedes-Benz issues don’t-drive order due to risk of brake failure in earlier-generation large SUVs and people-moversThe owners of almost 18,000 Mercedes-Benz ML, GL and R-Class vehicles have been urged to stop driving their cars immediately and arrange alternative transport following the discovery of a potential brake booster fault that could lead to total brake failure.
All 17,687 affected vehicles were produced for the 2005-2013 model years (up to 2016 for privately imported examples of the discontinued R-Class people-mover) and the problem involves potential corrosion of the brake booster sealing, which could cause a brake fluid leak and negatively impact braking performance.
Symptoms of the fault, according to Mercedes-Benz, include increased stopping distances, an increase in the required pedal force to slow down and a “hissing or airflow noise when applying the brake”.
“Based on isolated reports and subsequent analysis, Mercedes-Benz has found that in some of the vehicles mentioned above the function of the brake booster could be affected by advanced corrosion in the joint area of the housing,” said the German brand in a statement.
“Additionally, in rare cases of very severe corrosion, it might be possible for a particularly strong or hard braking manoeuvre to cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, whereby the connection between brake pedal and brake system would fail.
“Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz is initiating a recall and will contact the owners of all potentially affected vehicles, starting immediately.”
Despite the above comments, Mercedes-Benz officials have encouraged affected owners to take it upon themselves and contact their preferred or nearest authorised service centre to have their vehicles inspected and subsequently repaired (if needed) free of charge.
Mercedes-Benz has offered to help customers arrange alternative transport solutions while their vehicle is off the road.
Affected models include the ML 280, ML 300, ML 320, ML 350, ML 500, ML 63 (all 2005-2011), GL 320, GL 350, GL 420, GL 450, GL 500 (2005-2012), R 280, R 300, R 320, R 350, R 500 and R 63 (2005-2016).
The full list of affected vehicle VINs is available via vehiclerecalls.gov.au
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