Blog · Recall alert · 2026-10-11
[CRITICAL] RECALL ALERT: 2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid
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Severity: CRITICAL Severity: CRITICAL (red). Why: Mercedes-Benz USA told NHTSA that “the front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid” and that “a brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash” (NHTSA campaign 26V638000). The dealer notice says a leak “might lead to reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits,” and the Part 573 report says the driver gets no warning before the failure. Because this is a partial loss of braking that can come without warning, we rate it CRITICAL; it sits on the line between CRITICAL and HIGH, and we chose the higher level.
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At a glance
Severity: CRITICAL
| Severity | Severity: CRITICAL CRITICAL |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V638000 |
| Mercedes-Benz campaign | 2026100002 |
| Vehicles | 2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC and S 580 4MATIC; 2023–2025 S 580 e 4MATIC; 2024–2025 AMG S 63 E Performance; 2022–2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC and S 680 4MATIC (S-Class, 223 platform) |
| Units affected | 30,064 |
| Risk | Front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid, which can extend stopping distance |
| Warning to driver | None before the failure; a red brake fluid warning message may appear in the instrument cluster when it happens |
| Remedy | Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge (parts not yet available as of the October 9 dealer notice) |
| Manufacturer report date | October 2, 2026 |
| NHTSA acknowledgment | October 9, 2026 |
| VINs searchable on NHTSA.gov | October 9, 2026 |
| Owner notification | Letters expected to mail November 27, 2026 |
| Related recall | Expands NHTSA recall 25V116 |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside | No (neither advisory is set in NHTSA’s record; `parkIt` and `parkOutSide` are false) |
What happened
On October 2, 2026, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) notified NHTSA of safety recall 26V638 (campaign 26V638000). NHTSA’s public recall record and its acknowledgment letter dated October 9, 2026, say the front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid on certain 2022–2025 S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedans.
In its Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Mercedes-Benz says the affected front-axle brake hoses “might not meet durability specifications as a result of accumulated material fatigue due to increased thermal and mechanical stresses sustained over the vehicle’s lifetime.” The hose supplier named in the report is Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH. Affected vehicles were built from February 2, 2021, through November 28, 2024; Mercedes-Benz says an optimized hose has been used in production since November 29, 2024.
This recall expands NHTSA recall 25V116 (filed February 24, 2025). That earlier recall was limited by climate region and production period. Mercedes-Benz says later field reports, including vehicles outside those limits, and lab testing of returned hoses led it to decide on September 25, 2026, to expand the recall. It reports three U.S. reports in the expanded population (dated April 2, May 29 and August 10, 2026) and says it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or property damage tied to this condition in the expanded population.
Which vehicles are included
| Make | Model | Model years | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | S 580 4MATIC | 2022–2025 | 16,881 |
| Mercedes-Benz | S 500 4MATIC | 2022–2025 | 7,143 |
| Mercedes-Benz | S 580 e 4MATIC | 2023–2025 | 2,277 |
| Mercedes-Benz | AMG S 63 E Performance (AMG S 63 E 4MATIC+) | 2024–2025 | 1,746 |
| Mercedes-Maybach | S 680 4MATIC | 2022–2025 | 1,070 |
| Mercedes-Maybach | S 580 4MATIC | 2022–2025 | 947 |
Unit counts are from Mercedes-Benz’s Part 573 report. A VIN check is the way to confirm whether a specific car is included.
What owners should do now
- Check your VIN at assemblyalert.com/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls for campaign 26V638000. VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 9, 2026.
- Don’t ignore a red brake fluid warning. Mercedes-Benz says a red brake fluid warning message may appear in the instrument cluster when a leak occurs. If you see it, or the brake pedal feels different, contact a dealer before driving further.
- Get the free repair when it’s ready. Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no charge. The dealer notice says the remedy was not yet available as of October 9, 2026.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 (1-800-FOR-MERCEDES).
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).
Owner letters are expected to mail November 27, 2026. You don’t need to wait for a letter to check your VIN.
FAQ
Is my S-Class included?
Only certain 2022–2025 S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC and Maybach S 580/S 680 4MATIC, 2023–2025 S 580 e 4MATIC, and 2024–2025 AMG S 63 E Performance vehicles are involved, about 30,064 in the U.S. Use a VIN check.
My car was in recall 25V116. Is this the same thing?
It’s the same front brake hose problem, but this campaign adds vehicles. Mercedes-Benz says 26V638 expands the population covered by 25V116. Check your VIN to see which campaign applies.
Is it safe to drive?
NHTSA’s record does not set a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory for this campaign. The stated risk is a brake fluid leak that can extend stopping distance, with no warning beforehand. Check your VIN, and if a red brake fluid warning appears, contact a dealer before driving further.
What is the fix, and what does it cost?
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses free of charge. Owner letters are expected November 27, 2026.
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Disclaimer
Recall facts here come from NHTSA data: NHTSA’s recall API for campaign 26V638000, NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter to Mercedes-Benz USA dated October 9, 2026, and Mercedes-Benz’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report and dealer notice on file with NHTSA. Assembly Alert (assemblyalert.com) is operated by Record of Sale, LLC and is not affiliated with NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz. This page is public safety information only and is not legal advice. Verify your vehicle’s status with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Sources
Calculators · Facts · Homepage VIN checker · Commercials (18+)