Posted on 05/13/2022 8:56:04 AM PDT by algore
Mercedes-Benz says the owners of nearly 300,000 of its SUVs should park them until further notice due to a potential problem that can result in loss of braking power. NHTSA has issued a "do not drive" notice for the 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class and R-Class vehicles until their brake boosters can be inspected.
According to Mercedes, these SUVs shipped with brake boosters that may become corroded after prolonged exposure to moisture. If corrosion occurs, the structure of internal components of the brake booster can crack, allowing air into the baking system and reducing braking effectiveness. If enough physical stress is placed on the booster hardware, it can experience a catastrophic failure that will lead to a complete loss of braking power.
"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," Mercedes said in its notice. "In such a very rare case, it would not be possible to decelerate the vehicle via the brake pedal. Thus, 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 says early signs of failure include a soft brake pedal or audible signs of air in the braking system (sucking, hissing or wheezing noises from the pedal are potential indicators of contaminated brake fluid). Mercedes says drivers should park these vehicles until they can be inspected by an authorized dealership.
"An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the rubber sleeve and inspect the brake booster housing on the affected vehicles," Mercedes said.
"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."
Mercedes has begun circulating notices to owners as of May 12.
On the other hand wait until parts are unavailable and let Mercedes give you a new loaner car
Too bad I parted with a 2007 ML years ago. Who knew! Nice to know that they are so quick to fix issues.
Where were these made? Alabama?
Those fake pedestrians could have been smushed.
Lol! 2006? Odds are if the brakes haven’t failed in 16 years, you’re pretty safe...
Very creepy fake person!
At least they’re owning up to it. Ahem...Nissan, maybe you could learn a thing or two from that!
Yeah.
“Park it!”
You’d have to be a bit of a Karen or Man-Karen to follow that diktat from Mercedes-Benz to the letter after sixteen years of supposedly risking your life.
Don’t drive it...even to the dealership for repair?
The towing companies are licking their chops at the windfall!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a “do not drive” recall before.
I know, but they make me laugh. I am not sure if they are just inserted in video of a Mercedes slamming on its brakes. Are their fake feet even touching the ground?
I would think if you had corrosion in your brake system, the brake fluid would look cloudy or orangish. If it is nice and clear, you’d probably be ok.
Right after I finish running this erran...
Really?
I have a 2008 ML350 that has performed flawlessly for 14 years. I had the disks and rotors replaced last year. No word of any problems with the booster.
Legs moving, but arms not swinging at the shoulders...was there not enough $ in the simulation budget? Very funny.
I was also wondering about maybe some video editing? Wheels or skateboard, rail, or hovercraft action? No apparent means of locomotion...was fake Brandon being towed or something? Very funny.
moovova...moovova...are you there...are you still with us?😕
Zoomed in and saw the low-slung Roomba with a prong sticking up, connected to fake Brandon’s nether region.
Pretty sneaky, sis!
This will cause an immense traffic jam here behind enemy lines in MD...
All that welfare money wasted on an inferior product...
This is, clearly, a RACIST move by Mercedes...
Who am I kidding. I can’t afford a Benz.
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