Mercedes recalls 1m cars over brake failure
By Felicia Nwosu
German auto giant, Mercedes-Benz, has recalled nearly one million cars that were sold around the globe between 2004 and 2015 over brake failure concerns. The auto giant has expressed concern over the safety of its consumers as it owns up to battling faulty brake systems in the models from its ML and GL series of SUVs and R-Class luxury minivans.
Tests showed that advanced corrosion in the joint area of the brake booster housing in some of the vehicles could cause problems with the braking mechanism, the company said.
Mercedes said in a statement that: “After extended time in the field, and in conjunction with significant water exposure, this corrosion might lead to a leakage of the brake booster,” it said. The problem could lead to “an increase in the brake pedal forces required to decelerate the vehicle and/or to a potentially increased stopping distance.”
In order not to throw caution to the wind, the brand is recalling the models that are mostly affected.
The immediate recall affects the ML and GL series of sport utility vehicles, both of which are popular with drivers in the United States, as well as the R-Class luxury minivans, Mercedes said in an emailed statement.
Customers who bought one of the cars will be contacted with further information, Mercedes said. More than 933,400 vehicles are affected, said Germany’s Motor Transport Authority, the agency that issued the recall.
Mercedes said it was recalling the cars for inspection and had no way of knowing exactly how many would have corrosion damage.
Mercedes-Benz is not the only manufacturer struggling with braking issues. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into complaints from more than 750 Tesla owners who have reported problems with the cars’ brakes.
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