Mercedes-Benz has been forced to recall roughly 30,000 S-Class sedans in the U.S., including Maybach and AMG models, because a front brake hose can deteriorate and crack over time. In a worst-case scenario, the hose can rupture and leak brake fluid, lengthening stopping distances and, given enough time, making it impossible to stop.
In the U.S., the recall covers 2022 through 2025 S-Class, Maybach and AMG models
In Canada, 2,160 vehicles are affected (2021 through 2025 model years)
Dealers will replace the faulty hoses free of charge
Heat, Rubber’s Worst Enemy
According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. counterpart to Transport Canada, a combination of heat and mechanical stress eventually weakens the hose material that feeds the front callipers.
The catch is that the failure typically comes without warning. The red brake fluid warning light may come on, but only after the leak has started. For a driver, it doesn’t get much worse than that: a brake problem that strikes out of nowhere.
The affected cars were built between February 2021 and November 28, 2024, when Mercedes switched to a completely redesigned hose.
The good news is that no crashes or injuries have been reported related to the issue.
The S580 4Matic makes up more than half of the affected U.S. vehicles, at 16,881 units. Next come the S500 4Matic (7,143) and the S580e 4Matic plug-in hybrid (2,277).
The rest is split among 1,746 AMG S63 E Performance, 1,070 Maybach S680 4Matic and 947 Maybach S580 4Matic sedans.
What About Canada?
Here at home, the recall covers 2,160 S-Class and Maybach S-Class vehicles from the 2021 through 2025 model years. On its website, Transport Canada describes the problem as follows: “On certain vehicles, the front brake hoses could fail and cause a progressive brake fluid leak. If this happens, you may experience a change in brake pedal feel and travel. This can cause reduced braking.”
As for the fix, here’s what’s being communicated to affected owners: “Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front brake hoses.”
This is an important recall. They all are, but some deserve to be flagged, especially when safety is involved. And when it comes to brakes, it affects everyone, from the driver to everyone else sharing the road.
