Mercedes-Benz V Class, Vito Recall R/2016/156: Braking Performance May Be Reduced, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 2 Aug 2016
- Launched
- 9,399
- vehicles in the UK
- SRX1601
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled V Class, Vito vehicles built between 1 October 2013 and 30 April 2016. The brake fluid container may not have been inserted far enough into its mounts or was not secured correctly which can result in it detaching and a loss of brake fluid. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check the brake fluid reservoir on the affected vehicles to ensure it is properly engaged and if necessary fix it in the correct position. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The brake fluid container may not have been inserted far enough into its mounts or was not secured correctly which can result in it detaching and a loss of brake fluid. The driver could become aware of this by the gradual deterioration of brake performance by having to press the brake pedal further. This can consequently increase the risk of collision.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE REDUCED Defect: The brake fluid container may not have been inserted far enough into its mounts or was not secured correctly which can result in it detaching and a loss of brake fluid. The driver could become aware of this by the gradual deterioration of brake performance by having to press the brake pedal further. This can consequently increase the risk of collision. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the brake fluid reservoir on the affected vehicles to ensure it is properly engaged and if necessary fix it in the correct position.
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 it detaching and a loss of brake fluid.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check the brake fluid reservoir on the affected vehicles to ensure it is properly engaged and if necessary fix it in the correct position.
Are You Affected?
V Class, Vito built between 1 October 2013 and 30 April 2016 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 9,399 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 campaign code SRX1601 or the DVSA reference R/2016/156. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| VitoCheck driver's airbag replace if necessary | Urgent | R/2025/239 | |
| VitoCheck driver's airbag replace if necessary | Urgent | R/2025/238 | |
| V ClassFastening of steering wheel height adjustment | Urgent | R/2024/475 | |
| V ClassOn affected vehicles the routing of the fuel filter drainpipe might not meet specifications. The drainpipe could come into contact with the underbody and become damaged leading to a diesel leak | Urgent | R/2023/011 | |
| V ClassThe routing of the interior wiring harness in the area of the centre console might not meet specifications | Low | R/2022/335 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2016/150 on 18 Jul 2016, for threaded connection of the right rear seat belt end fitting may fail in a collision. The one launched after it was R/2016/167 on 22 Aug 2016, for aBS function may be inoperative. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/156, launched 2 August 2016. 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.