Dayton Daily News

Mercedes says to stop driving 292,000 vehicles

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Mercedes-Benz is telling the owners of more than 292,000 vehicles in the U.S. to stop driving them due to a problem that could cause the brakes to fail.

The German automaker is recalling the vehicles and says it will offer free towing so the owners can get them to a dealership for service. The recall covers certain ML, GL and R-Class vehicles from the 2006 through 2012 model years.

Mercedes says in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra­tion that moisture can get into a brake booster housing and cause corrosion. That can cause a vacuum leak, which would decrease brake performanc­e.

In rare cases, hard braking could cause mechanical damage to the booster, and it may not be possible to stop the vehicles with the brake pedal, Mercedes said. A foot-activated parking brake would still work.

The company says it has no reports of crashes or injuries.

Dealers will remove a rubber sleeve and inspect the booster, replacing parts as needed. Owners will be notified by letter starting May 27.

If repairs can’t be done immediatel­y, dealers will help find loaner cars for the owners, the company says in the statement.

Mercedes says owners can call 888548-8514 with questions.

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