Mercedes to Recall 1 Million Cars Over Brake Malfunction

Some 1 million Mercedes-Benz drivers may be operating vehicles with shoddy brakes, the auto manufacturer recently announced.

Mercedes is recalling certain ML and GL sport utility vehicles and R-class minivans built between 2004 and 2015. The greatest risk is for older vehicles with severe corrosion on brake boosters, according to the company.

“After extended time in the field and in conjunction with significant water exposure, this corrosion might lead to a leakage of the brake booster,” Mercedes told the New York Times. That, in turn, may cause “an increase in the brake pedal forces required to decelerate the vehicle and/or to a potentially increased stopping distance.”

The company said it plans to immediately notify the owners of recalled vehicles. Owners will be asked to bring their cars to local dealers for inspection and repair.

The move comes on the heels of two other recent Mercedes recalls involving serious defects.

The company announced in March that it was calling back certain 2022 EQS electric vehicles over fire risks posed by faulty connections. The following month, Mercedes said it was recalling more than 8,000 vehicles, which were equipped with faulty driver-assistance systems that could increase the risk of a crash.

Sadly, this is all too common among major automakers around the globe. The companies call back millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of serious defects and malfunctions that put people’s safety at risk. The recalls often occur long after defective cars have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Mercedes is not alone, even when it comes to brake problems.

“The German auto giant is not the only manufacturer struggling with braking issues,” Melissa Eddy writes for the Times. “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. Known as phantom braking, the issue causes a car to decelerate without warning and at random, according to NHTSA.”

How California's Lemon Law Protects You

The California lemon law offers car owners in the Golden State some important rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning and defective vehicles.

Known formally as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) vehicles that they cannot or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car expenses and other costs.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.