Mercedes-Benz S Class Recall R/1997/025: Possible Loss Of Brake Fluid, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 22 Apr 1997
- Launched
- 3,096
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1997/025
- DVSA reference
Mercedes-Benz recalled S Class vehicles built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1996. There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre inner wall. The recall notice describes the fix as: the affected vehicles are being recalled for installation of a spacer to ensure adequate clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre walls. Any hoses showing signs of previous contact will be changed. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre inner wall. In the long term this could result in damage to the brake hose(s) with a risk of fluid loss.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID Defect: There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre inner wall. In the long term this could result in damage to the brake hose(s) with a risk of fluid loss. Remedy: The affected vehicles are being recalled for installation of a spacer to ensure adequate clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre walls. Any hoses showing signs of previous contact will be changed.
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 damage to the brake hose(s) with a risk of fluid loss.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the affected vehicles are being recalled for installation of a spacer to ensure adequate clearance between the front brake hoses and the tyre walls. Any hoses showing signs of previous contact will be changed.
Are You Affected?
S Class built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1996 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 3,096 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/1997/025. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S ClassWindshield bonding | Low | R/2026/191 | |
| AMG GT, GLC, S Class, SLProcessor Starter/Generator | Urgent | R/2025/124 | |
| AMG GT, C Class, CLE, E Class and 5 moreSystem protection | Low | R/2024/130 | |
| A Class, C Class, CLA(117), GLA and 2 moreOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair | Low | R/2024/024 | |
| S ClassA 12V ground connection bolt in the boot might not meet specifications | Low | R/2023/259 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/1996/072 on 22 Oct 1996, for possible loss of brake vacuum assistance. The one launched after it was R/2000/056 on 18 May 1999, for engine drive-train control unit effectiveness. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 1997 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1997/025, launched 22 April 1997. 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.