At the beginning of the month, Mercedes-Benz Group AG was cited to conduct a recall relating to braking safety for some older SUVs. Now the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has encouraged owners to stop using affected cars until the global recall has been condcluded and the defect has been resolved. 
With almost a million vehicles reportedly being recalled over this issue globally according to Agence France-Presse, South African models only constitute around 13 000 units according to the local commission. The models in question are the ML, GL (W164) and R-Class produced (W251) between 2006 and 2019.
Use the Mercedes-Benz Group AG recall platform to find out if your vehicle is listed by inputting your VIN number into the search engine.
While Mercedes confirmed the recall with mechanical damage occurring to the vehicles’ brake booster in rare cases of severe corrosion, Thezi Mabuza; Acting National Consumer Commissioner stated “The defect may lead to a possible brake failure which may lead to accidents and injuries,” and further encouraged owners of these vehicles cease driving them. The NCC is following the recall closely and urges owners to contact the Mercedes-Benz South Africa call centre for further assistance on the number 0800 133 355.
