A total of 30,064 Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the U.S. are being recalled after reports indicated the front brake hose may degrade, develop leaks, or even burst. The campaign affects specific S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-AMG sedans produced from February 2021 through late November 2024.
The affected models include the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S680, with the S580 4Matic accounting for the bulk of the recall at 16,881 units. Other models affected are the S500 4Matic sedans, S580 e 4Matic plug-in hybrids, AMG S63 E Performance sedans, Maybach S680 4Matic cars, and Maybach S580 4Matic sedans.
According to the NHTSA recall 26V638, the front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. Mercedes-Benz first opened a related campaign in February 2025 and expanded it after more reports came in. The recall does not list individual incident reports or a part number for the component involved.
Prolonged exposure to heat and mechanical strain can degrade the material of the front brake hose, as indicated in the NHTSA report. This degradation may eventually lead to a rupture, allowing brake fluid to leak from the line connected to the front calipers. Such a leak diminishes hydraulic pressure at the wheels, resulting in an extended stopping distance for the vehicle.
The NHTSA report highlights that there is usually no advance warning before a hose failure occurs, although a red brake fluid warning light may illuminate on the dashboard after fluid loss has begun. Owners of impacted S-Class, Maybach, and AMG sedans will receive notification letters by November 27, and authorized dealerships will replace the faulty hose free of charge.
Mercedes-Benz implemented a revised hose design in production starting in late November 2024, marking the end of the recall period for vehicles manufactured up to November 28, 2024. This change was made to prevent the defect in newer models. Vehicles produced after this date feature the updated hose design and are not part of the recall. The automaker has stated it is unaware of any accidents, injuries, or property damage related to this issue.
The company will begin notifying owners of the recall. They will receive a letter informing them of the issue and the steps they need to take to have it corrected. The correction will be made at no charge to the owners, and it will ensure that their vehicles are safe to drive.
