All dockets / Brakes & Steering / RD-2026-029
Mercedes Recalls Over 30,000 S-Class Sedans Over Leaky Brake Lines
- Docket No.
RD-2026-029- Filed
- 2026-10-15
- Manufacturer
- Mercedes-Benz
- Hazard class
- Brakes & Steering
- Units cited
- —
- Reported by
- Staff
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA is expanding a safety recall to cover 30,064 high-end sedans—including flagship S-Class, Maybach, and AMG models—due to front brake hoses that can rupture and leak hydraulic fluid. The campaign expands upon an earlier February 2025 recall (NHTSA campaign number 25V116). Mercedes originally believed the front brake hose degradation was limited to specific early production runs operated in hot, humid climates. However, after receiving field reports from cooler international markets, the German automaker determined that the issue extends across a broader production window regardless of geography.
The Defect and Safety Risk
According to safety documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the front axle brake hoses can weaken and develop fluid leaks over time.
If a hose ruptures while driving, hydraulic pressure drops across the front braking circuit. While the secondary rear brake circuit remains operational, a loss of front braking capability significantly increases stopping distances, elevating the risk of a crash.
Drivers will receive no advance warning before a rupture occurs. Once fluid drops below acceptable operating thresholds, a red brake fluid warning light will illuminate on the digital gauge cluster.
Affected Vehicle Breakdown:
- 2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC: 16,881 units
- 2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC: 7,143 units
- 2023–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC: 2,277 units
- 2024–2025 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: 1,746 units
- 2022–2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC: 1,070 units
- 2022–2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC: 947 units
The Remedy
Authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships will replace both front axle brake hoses with an updated, reinforced design free of charge.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to go out via mail starting November 27, 2026. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) included in the expanded recall became searchable on the NHTSA recall database on October 9, 2026. Owners with questions can contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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