Brake Recall: 292,000 ML, GL, and R-Class
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a6346785543/
MB wants everyone to stop using their vehicles until the fix is out? What if this is our only vehicle? How are we supposed to get around? Will MB provide us with a loaner in the meantime?
Last edited by azzurribaggio; May 12, 2022 at 08:36 PM.


I called the number given by Mercedes and they told me they don't have enough repair parts to begin fixing the problem. They took my name and address and will contact me when they do have the parts. Then, i'm to contact the Dealer to schedule a time for inspection/repair. -Cougar6 (Brian)
Brake Recall: 292,000 ML, GL, and R-Class
Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 292,000 vehicles in the U.S. to fix a problem that could cause the brakes to fail or perform poorly.
The recall covers certain ML, GL and R-Class vehicles from the 2006 through 2012 model years.
Mercedes says in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that moisture can get into a brake booster housing and cause corrosion.
The company says in documents that it has no reports of crashes or injuries.
Dealers will inspect the brake booster and replace it if needed. Owners will be notified by letter starting May 27.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-....Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 292,000 GL-, ML-, and R-Class SUVs from the 2006 through 2012 model years because of a potential problem with the brakes. Owners of vehicles included in the recall should not drive them until the free recall repair has been performed.
According to the automaker, prolonged exposure to water could result in some braking components becoming damaged, which could result in either reduced braking performance or total brake failure. The driver may need to press harder on the brake pedal, or the brakes might not work at all.
Both of these situations can lead to a crash and potential injuries. Only certain GL-, ML-, and R-Class vehicles are included in the recall. The foot-operated parking brake is not affected by this problem.
Drivers may notice a change in the brake pedal feel and/or a hissing or airflow noise when applying the brakes, if the vehicle is developing the problem.
The automaker began its investigation in July 2021 after a report of a customer from outside the U.S. experiencing reduced braking during a stop. After conducting numerous field studies and tests, including discovery of a single similar situation in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Association of the recall on May 5, 2022.
Mercedes-Benz says that there are no crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the defect.
The Recall Details
Vehicles recalled: 292,287 Mercedes-Benz SUVs2007 Mercedes-Benz AMG R63
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320
2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350
2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
2008-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450
2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz ML500
2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML550
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz R320
2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz R500
2007-2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63
2006-2012 Mercedes-Benz R350
2008 Mercedes-Benz R550
The problem: Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which increases braking force when the driver presses on the brake pedal. If this happens, the driver may experience reduced brake performance or brake failure.
The fix: The dealer will inspect the brake booster housing on the affected vehicles. Vehicles that do not exhibit advanced corrosion may continue to be driven with no further action. Vehicles that show advanced corrosion will have an additional test performed to ensure the functionality of the brake booster. Vehicles that pass the additional test may be driven for up to two years but must return for an additional repair. Vehicles that do not pass the additional test will require a brake booster replacement.
The stop-drive notice will remain in effect for these vehicles until the brake booster is replaced. In the event a repair is necessary and cannot be carried out immediately, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will help coordinate an individual solution for the customer, including alternate mobility.
How to contact the manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners via mail starting May 27, 2022. Owners of affected vehicles may call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V315.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
I also note that MB's Emergency recall notice letter is still not available: https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...2022050015.pdf
The NHTSA's recall letter is available: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...2V315-3653.PDF
My brakes are spongy and do make the hissing noise when pressed.
Edit
Just rang them they are utterly unprepared and just passed me to the recall hotline, who explained they are also unprepared and don't know next steps and to expect a letter in 1-2 weeks
Last edited by k31ron; Jun 7, 2022 at 12:25 PM.
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- No loaners for recall work
- I need to bring it in to be inspected if I need to have it replaced
- If I do need it replaced they aren't sure if they even have the part and I'd need to be rescheduled
I would assume if the model number is mentioned in the recall that they need to replace this part regardless of how it looks since there is a defective part.
I think it's BS regarding their no loaner policy regarding recalls, maybe I can bring the car in for some cheap service and piggy pack the recall stuff to get a loaner, I'll have to try this and see.
It'd be great to hear other parts of the country and see if it aligns with what I was told.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
I also note that MB's Emergency recall notice letter is still not available: https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...2022050015.pdf
The NHTSA's recall letter is available: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...2V315-3653.PDF
My brakes are spongy and do make the hissing noise when pressed.
- No loaners for recall work
- I need to bring it in to be inspected if I need to have it replaced
- If I do need it replaced they aren't sure if they even have the part and I'd need to be rescheduled
I would assume if the model number is mentioned in the recall that they need to replace this part regardless of how it looks since there is a defective part.
I think it's BS regarding their no loaner policy regarding recalls, maybe I can bring the car in for some cheap service and piggy pack the recall stuff to get a loaner, I'll have to try this and see.
It'd be great to hear other parts of the country and see if it aligns with what I was told.
Simple to do: pry the band up with your finger or a screwdriver, hold on to it and cut the band with a knife or scissors; release one end and pull it out of the car; if the band is clean and dry it is likely there is no corrosion present. My band was clean and dry. I was able to shine a flashlight on a small mirror and see the bottom of the booster and it was corrosion free. I am satisfied that the car remains safe to drive.
Corrosion could be more likely if you live in an area where salt is used as an ice melter or in a coastal area. Everyone should take the problem seriously. We live in a snow area but they use magnesium chloride as ice melter and it's not nearly as corrosive as salt (or as good an ice melter). We also live a minimum of 3.5 hours and $100+ of fuel to get to the dealer. No mobile inspection available. No other non-mb inspection agents considered. That's why I did it myself because my wife needs her car and I want it to stop when she steps on the brake. You can do it yourself, too. Check youtube as there are already videos posted showing the rubber band. The video I saw quoted part numbers for the booster but I don't know where that info came from. It wasn't in my letter.
I do want the "recall completed" certification so when I am traveling to one of the cities near us with dealers I will request an mb inspection.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a6346785543/
MB wants everyone to stop using their vehicles until the fix is out? What if this is our only vehicle? How are we supposed to get around? Will MB provide us with a loaner in the meantime?
Stop using the car until the car is checked in an official dealer due to a brake serious problem.
The dealer already checked the car and mine was not affected. Of course, for free!!!
I had thought that they would be using a mirror or something to look for corrosion on the metal housing, but instead they are actually just looking at the rubber trim piece. At least, that's what was done in this case!


We were never really concerned with the recall, since I got my E400 wagon we no longer use the ML for any trips. THE ML just turned 80,000 miles and since 7/7/2021 its only gone 2,564 miles, while I was waiting for service to be done, I looked at a couple of CPO's and new GLA's and GLE's salesman was very nice but it's hard to justify spending $50,000 plus for a car that get driven less than 3,000 mile a year. This car has always been serviced at the dealer and outside of normal maintenance I don't think we have spent more than $1,500 on "TRUE" repairs in the 12 years we have owned the car.
Last edited by makiii; Jul 14, 2022 at 05:52 AM.




I had thought that they would be using a mirror or something to look for corrosion on the metal housing, but instead they are actually just looking at the rubber trim piece. At least, that's what was done in this case!
Dealer sent their mobile unit and took care of things in my drive way.
As expected, I am not affected by the recall as the ML has spent all its life in Southern and Northern CA.
My dealer isn’t doing home visits I think, but offered to flatbed my vehicle in. I noted it’s a 15 yr in ABQ vehicle and they approved me driving it in. Passed as I expected. Got a free car wash.
There were over 20 ML/GL SUVs there when I showed up. Can't say enough about Jussef and the team at Mercedes El Cajon. Total pros and incredible to deal with.
Does the inspection need to be done with the SUV on a flat surface? And does the tech have to jack up the SUV and remove any wheels or anything?
Last edited by azzurribaggio; Sep 20, 2022 at 01:07 PM.
Does the inspection need to be done with the SUV on a flat surface? And does the tech have to jack up the SUV and remove any wheels or anything?
Yours will be identical to mine I'm willing to bet. The vast majority of dry state cars have been fine.
I asked him if any he's seen that failed so far, and he said only one in the 2 months he's been doing inspections.
Last edited by azzurribaggio; Sep 24, 2022 at 12:22 AM.
I asked him if any he's seen so far failed, and he said only one in the 2 months he's been doing inspections.










