Mercedes-Benz has expanded its S-Class recall to cover 30,078 vehicles in the United States over concerns that front brake hoses could develop leaks and reduce braking power. The expanded campaign, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under Recall No. 26V638, includes 2022–2025 S-Class sedans, including Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-AMG variants.
The automaker broadened the recall after reviewing additional reports from outside the United States, inspecting brake hoses and evaluating laboratory and durability test results. Mercedes-Benz acknowledged by September that it could not rule out a safety risk for the larger group of vehicles.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models Are Included?
The expanded recall covers vehicles produced between February 2, 2021, and November 28, 2024. Six S-Class variants are included in the campaign, accounting for 30,078 potentially affected vehicles in the United States.
- Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC: 947 vehicles
- Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC: 1,070 vehicles
- Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: 1,760 vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC: 7,143 vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC: 16,881 vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz S 580 e 4MATIC: 2,277 vehicles
The Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC accounts for the largest share of the recalled vehicles, with 16,881 potentially affected units. The campaign also covers the listed Maybach luxury models and the AMG performance variant.
Why Mercedes-Benz Expanded the Recall
Mercedes-Benz initially launched the recall last year for approximately 20,000 S-Class sedans over the same potential front brake hose problem. The original campaign was filed with the NHTSA in February last year as Recall No. 25V116 and covered vehicles built during specific production periods and in certain climates where the issue had been reported.
The company expanded the campaign after receiving reports from outside the United States, prompting a reassessment of whether the problem was limited to particular locations or production periods.
Mercedes-Benz reviewed additional field reports received between March and August 2025. The company also collected brake hoses for further examination, assessed laboratory and durability test results in July 2026, and reconsidered which vehicles could be affected.
The automaker is aware of three reports this year involving vehicles within the expanded U.S. recall population. The reports were dated April 2, May 29, and August 10. Mercedes-Benz has not identified any related crashes, injuries, or property damage among vehicles in this expanded group.
What Is the Safety Risk?
The potential defect involves the front brake hoses, which may develop leaks as the vehicles age. Mercedes-Benz attributes the issue to material fatigue caused by heat and stress over time.
If brake fluid leaks from a hose, braking power could be reduced in one of the vehicle’s two brake circuits. The resulting loss of braking performance could affect the vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
Drivers may see a red brake fluid warning on the dashboard if the problem occurs. However, Mercedes-Benz says there is no advance warning before the issue begins.
How Mercedes-Benz Plans to Fix the Problem
Mercedes-Benz will instruct dealerships to replace the front brake hoses on affected vehicles. The repair is intended to prevent leaks associated with the potential defect.
The company began installing an improved brake hose in production on November 29, 2024. According to the recall information, vehicles built after that date should not be affected by the issue.
Dealers were scheduled to receive notification this week, while owner notification letters were set to begin on November 27.
What Owners of Recalled S-Class Sedans Should Do
Owners can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by entering its vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website or contacting a local Mercedes-Benz dealership.
Mercedes-Benz advises owners who receive a recall notice to arrange the repair as soon as possible. The company also recommends not driving the vehicle and parking it outside until the repair has been completed.
Owners who are unsure how to proceed should contact their Mercedes-Benz dealer for guidance.
The expanded recall brings 30,078 additional S-Class vehicles within the campaign’s scope, with Mercedes-Benz planning to replace the front brake hoses on affected cars to address the potential braking risk.
