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Mercedes-Benz Brake Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Pedal Problems
Fluid leaks recur across these Mercedes-Benz brake recalls, but the affected parts differ. The 2020 Sprinter hose recall concerns damaged front and rear hoses; the 2019-2020 Sprinter caliper recall concerns fluid entering the electric parking brake housing and air entering the hydraulic system. Sprinters from 2019-2020 appear most often, also featuring a loose brake pedal connection and incorrect front brake discs on one 2020 vehicle. The Metris reservoir mounting recall covers certain 2016-2021 vehicles. Separately, the October 2026 notice covers rupturing front hoses on specified S-Class variants, including 2022-2025 S 580 4MATIC and 2023-2025 S 580 E 4MATIC vehicles.
Warning signs to watch for
- Extended brake pedal travel: December 2020 Sprinter rear brake caliper recall.
- Brake lights stay illuminated when the pedal is not pressed: March 2021 Sprinter brake pedal connection recall.
- Longer stopping distance: November 2021 Sprinter incorrect-size brake disc recall and October 2026 S-Class front brake hose recall.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The notices do not tell owners to stop driving for the October 2020 Sprinter brake hose damage recall, December 2020 Sprinter rear caliper recall, or November 2021 Sprinter incorrect-size front disc recall. They also do not tell owners to stop driving for the February 2022 Metris reservoir mounting recall, October 2026 S-Class front hose recall, or March 2021 Sprinter brake pedal connection recall. None of these listed notices carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction.
What the free repair involves
Repairs are free: dealers inspect and replace damaged Sprinter hoses as needed, replace rear calipers for the caliper recall, and replace discs for the incorrect-disc recall. They inspect and repair Metris reservoir mounting as necessary. The S-Class remedy replaces front hoses. The Sprinter pedal connection remedy adds a retaining ring at the bearing bracket.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 5 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Where owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under service brakes, hydraulic for the Mercedes-Benz models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Service brakes, hydraulic complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | 3 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | 2 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2026 | Mercedes-Benz S 580 Brake Hose Leak Risk | high |
| Feb 8, 2022 | Mercedes-Benz Metris Brake Fluid Reservoir May Detach | high |
| Nov 3, 2021 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter built with wrong-size front brake discs | high |
| Mar 10, 2021 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter brake pedal part may loosen, lights stay on | medium |
| Dec 21, 2020 | Mercedes Sprinter Rear Brake Calipers May Leak Fluid | high |
| Oct 14, 2020 | Sprinter brake hose damage may cause leaks | high |
Common questions
Which Sprinter brake recall mentions a longer pedal stroke?
The December 21, 2020 recall describes extended brake pedal travel when leaking rear calipers allow air into the hydraulic system. It covers certain 2019-2020 Sprinters equipped with electric parking brakes. The remedy is free replacement of the rear brake calipers.
Why might my Sprinter brake lights stay on?
The March 10, 2021 notice says the washer and bolt connecting the brake pedal to the bearing block may loosen and detach. This can leave the brake lights illuminated without pedal pressure. Dealers retrofit an additional retaining ring, free of charge.
Does the Metris brake recall require replacing the reservoir?
The February 8, 2022 notice specifies inspection and repair of the brake fluid reservoir mounting as necessary, free of charge. It describes an incorrectly mounted reservoir that may detach and leak fluid on certain 2016-2021 Metris vehicles.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.