Recall 18V539 affects 9,044 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS SUVs for reduced rear brake performance. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 9,044 2018 Gls 450, Gls 550, Gle 350, and AMG GLE63S vehicles because rear brake caliper pistons were not correctly coated, letting gas enter the rear brake hydraulic circuit and reduce braking performance. Reduced braking performance increases the risk of a crash; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper piston is the moving part inside the rear brake caliper. On the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SUVs in this recall, hydraulic pressure pushes that piston outward so the brake pads clamp onto the rotor. The system depends on clean brake fluid pressure reaching the rear brakes without gas in the circuit.
In these vehicles, the rear brake caliper pistons were not coated correctly during supplier production. Hydrogen gas was trapped in the piston material during the surface coating process. That gas is then released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, which interferes with fluid pressure and reduces braking performance.
An owner can notice longer brake pedal travel before the problem is found. If the pedal has to move farther than usual before the brakes respond, that is the warning sign tied to this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers 7 SUV variants from the 2018 model year, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 9,044 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. Longer brake pedal travel is the warning sign owners are told to watch for. If the pedal travels farther than normal, slow down, keep extra distance, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, AMG GLE63S, Gls 550, Gle 350, AMG GLE43, AMG GLE63, or AMG GLS63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear axle brake-system bleed that removes gas from the rear brake hydraulic circuit and addresses reduced braking performance.
- Bring any owner letter from Mercedes-Benz, or reference recall number 18V539 when you call.
- Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician bleeds the rear axle brake system to remove gas from the rear brake hydraulic circuit and restore proper brake performance. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Mercedes-Benz is not providing a separate reimbursement program because all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 16, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V539?
Recall 18V539 covers 9,044 certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, AMG GLE63S, Gls 550, Gle 350, AMG GLE43, AMG GLE63, and AMG GLS63 vehicles. Rear brake caliper pistons were not correctly coated, which can release gas into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reduce braking performance, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, AMG GLE63S, Gls 550, Gle 350, AMG GLE43, AMG GLE63, or AMG GLS63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V539. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the rear axle brake system bleeding repair. Reference recall number 18V539 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2018080013 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 18V539.
Is it safe to drive my Mercedes-Benz SUV before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is reduced braking performance, which can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free dealer repair, and contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you need guidance before your appointment.
When did the Mercedes-Benz recall repair become available?
The recall began September 14, 2018, so the dealer remedy is available. If your VIN is included, a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer will bleed the rear axle brake system free of charge under recall 18V539.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V539000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V539 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V539000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →