Mercedes Recalls 215,231 S-Class Sedans Over Brake Hoses
Front brake hoses on 223-series sedans can leak fluid, increasing braking distance and creating hazards for following vehicles.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Car Maintenance
Live Poll
Do you trust car manufacturers to catch safety defects before they reach drivers?
Mercedes-Benz is recalling an estimated 215,231 S-Class vehicles worldwide because front brake hoses can leak brake fluid. The affected 223-series sedans, including Maybach and AMG versions, were produced from June 2019 to November 2024.
Why it matters
Leaking brake fluid can increase braking distance and can occur without warning, posing a risk to drivers and following vehicles. Transport Canada has published a localized safety recall for the same vehicles, extending the notice beyond Germany.
The recall covers 223-series sedans equipped with standard AIRMATIC air suspension, and the suspect hoses fail to meet durability specifications under mechanical and thermal stress. Continental is identified as the hose supplier.
The players
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is the German luxury automaker that manufactures the S-Class and issued the worldwide recall.
Continental
Continental is the German automotive supplier identified as the maker of the suspect front brake hoses.
Transport Canada
Transport Canada is the federal Canadian agency responsible for road vehicle safety regulation and published a localized recall.
The details
The suspect front brake hoses carry brake fluid while accommodating wheel movement, and they develop leaks over time under mechanical and thermal stress. Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority registered the recall as 17121R, while Mercedes uses reference 4391103.
Timeline
June 2019: Earliest production date of affected S-Class models.
November 2024: Latest production date of affected S-Class models.
October 2026: Transport Canada published its localized safety recall.
Roadmap
Transport Canada's localized recall for the 223-series S-Class shows that a single supplier defect can trigger parallel safety notices across multiple national regulators. The Mercedes recall illustrates how component supplier quality is now tracked and remedied across international vehicle markets.
Owners of affected 223-series sedans should watch for changes in brake pedal travel and feel, which can signal a leak. The recall notice indicates that the fault can appear without warning, so owners should follow manufacturer and regulator guidance on inspection and repair.
The takeaway
Brake fluid leaks can develop gradually or without warning, so noticing changes in pedal feel is an important early sign. Owners of affected vehicles should check recall notices and have the hoses inspected promptly.
Further reading
For more on keeping braking components in working order, explore our Car Maintenance coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
Live Poll
Do you trust car manufacturers to catch safety defects before they reach drivers?
