Mercedes-Benz 140 Recall R/1996/072: Possible Loss Of Brake Vacuum Assistance, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 22 Oct 1996
- Launched
- 2,233
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1996/072
- DVSA reference
Mercedes-Benz recalled 140 vehicles built between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995. In a small number of cases leaks may occur in the vacuum line between the engine and the power brake unit. The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of the latest version vacuum line. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
In a small number of cases leaks may occur in the vacuum line between the engine and the power brake unit. This would result in a need for increased brake pedal pressure when braking.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE LOSS OF BRAKE VACUUM ASSISTANCE Defect: In a small number of cases leaks may occur in the vacuum line between the engine and the power brake unit. This would result in a need for increased brake pedal pressure when braking. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of the latest version vacuum line.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a need for increased brake pedal pressure when braking.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of the latest version vacuum line.
Are You Affected?
140 built between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 2,233 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1996/072. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SprinterWeld seam on rear axle brake mounting flange | Urgent | R/2025/428 | |
| A Class, CLAVariant of rear axle brake hose | Urgent | R/2025/131 | |
| Esprinter 907Fallback level brake force assistance | Urgent | R/2024/223 | |
| GLEOn affected vehicles under specific conditions (such as electric driving in wet weather) the required operating force of the brake pedal for a deceleration intended by the driver might be increased | Urgent | R/2023/346 | |
| C ClassOn affected vehicles the left brake hose on the rear axle might not have been installed according to specifications | Urgent | R/2023/308 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/1996/035 on 29 Feb 1996, for fracture of metal brake pipe. The one launched after it was R/1997/025 on 22 Apr 1997, for possible loss of brake fluid. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 1996 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1996/072, launched 22 October 1996. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.