Mercedes-Benz is warning more than 292,000 owners in the United States to stop driving their Mercedes due to a problem that could cause their brakes to failure. Mercedes is recalling all 292,000 vehicles and has taken the unusual step of offering free towing so owners can safely 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, in posted documents Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA says moisture can get into a brake booster housing and this could result in corrosion. This corrosion could result in a vacuum leak which could in turn lead to decreased brake performance. In some rare cases, hard braking could cause mechanical damage to the booster that could result in the driver not being able to stop the vehicles with the brake pedal, Mercedes said in a statement Thursday. A foot-activated parking brake would still work.

The company says it does not currently have any reports of crashes or injuries. When at the dealership the dealers will remove a rubber sleeve and inspect the booster and replace brake 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 has established a toll-free number for owners to call with questions. (888) 548-8514

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