Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes recalls ML, GL and R-Class due to braking issue

Mercedes says rust could cause affect the brake booster on three older models and has issued a recall

Mercedes has issued a global recall affecting almost one million of the cars it has sold globally since 2004, citing a potential issue with the brakes.

Owners of M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class models have been advised by Mercedes not to drive their cars until they’ve been inspected. 

Mercedes has issued a statement saying it has contacted owners of potentially affected vehicles, starting the recall process immediately. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The German firm also said the issue was specifically due to the brakes, stating “the function of the brake booster might be affected by advanced corrosion in the joint area of the housing.” 

Mercedes also said the recall “will involve inspecting potentially affected vehicles and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacing the parts where necessary. Until the inspection takes place, we ask our customers not to drive their vehicles.”

The cars included in the recall were built between 2004 and 2015. Although it is not known how many vehicles in the UK could suffer the fault, 993,407 cars could be affected worldwide. 

The M-Class badge was used on the predecessor to the model now known as the GLE, while the GL-Class name was used on the marque’s flagship until its rebranding as GLS in 2016.

This recall is not the only one Mercedes has issued recently. Back in February last year, a defect in the ‘eCall’ feature (a system that lets emergency services know if a vehicle has been in an accident) was found - affecting over one million cars. 

Check out the latest Mercedes news and reviews here

Skip advert
Advertisement
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes-AMG set for massive 12-month revamp: more character, more noise, more V8s
Mercedes-AMG drifting

Mercedes-AMG set for massive 12-month revamp: more character, more noise, more V8s

Mercedes’ performance plans are laid bare as it works to make its cars more evocative
News
5 May 2026
Mercedes U-turn on shared tech for petrol and EV cars bucks the trend
Mercedes GLC 400 - front action

Mercedes U-turn on shared tech for petrol and EV cars bucks the trend

Mercedes will consolidate its ICE and BEV models into single projects, but still offer both powertrains
News
29 Apr 2026
Three-car garage: Mercedes E-Class Estate, SL and EQA for under £65k
Mercedes three-car garage - header image

Three-car garage: Mercedes E-Class Estate, SL and EQA for under £65k

Mercedes’ latest EV or three appealing alternatives? Here’s our Mercedes-themed three-car garage
Features
12 Apr 2026
Mercedes cars’ new look will come slow and steady as BMW and Audi opt for revolution
Mercedes GLC Electric - front end

Mercedes cars’ new look will come slow and steady as BMW and Audi opt for revolution

Mercedes is never one for radical redirection, but a new face at the top will make his mark
News
7 Apr 2026

Most Popular

New Toyota Yaris: next-gen supermini to embrace hybrid and EV power
Toyota Yaris - front (watermarked)

New Toyota Yaris: next-gen supermini to embrace hybrid and EV power

The new Toyota Yaris will arrive by 2028, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
5 May 2026
Nissan Ariya gets a new look and a lower price
New Nissan Ariya facelift - front tracking

Nissan Ariya gets a new look and a lower price

Leaf-inspired styling for Nissan’s flagship EV as it looks to stay competitive
News
6 May 2026
Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall to “shock” with their future car design
Peugeot Polygon concept - front

Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall to “shock” with their future car design

Stellantis design boss lays out the plan for upcoming design revolution
News
6 May 2026

Find a car with the experts