Recall 19V915 affects 75 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 and S560 vehicles for incorrect front brake components. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 75 2018 S 450 and S560 vehicles because the front brake discs, calipers, and pads can be the wrong size for the vehicle. If incorrect parts are fitted during later brake repairs, braking performance can be affected and crash risk increases; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The front brakes on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 and S560 use a disc, caliper, and pad at each front wheel. The disc turns with the wheel, the caliper squeezes the pads against the disc, and that friction slows the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz specified a particular front brake size for these models, so the parts fit the vehicle's certification package.
On the recalled vehicles, inaccurate production documentation led to a smaller front axle brake system being installed. That means the front brake discs, calipers, and pads have dimensions different from the Mercedes-Benz specification for these vehicles. Mercedes-Benz reported that its braking analysis found the vehicles still performed within FMVSS 135 requirements, but the installed parts do not match the specified configuration.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a pedal change, noise, or dashboard message that identifies this brake-dimension issue.
Who's affected?
Both models point to the same hydraulic brake system, with separate brake disc, pad, and caliper components named in the filing.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 75 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 or S560 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect brake component sizing creates a risk that wrong replacement parts are installed during brake service. This can affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon, especially before brake work. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 or S560 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free front brake system replacement, which corrects the front brake discs, calipers, and pads fitted with the wrong dimensions.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 19V915 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the front brake system covered by recall 19V915, including the affected front brake discs, calipers, and pads. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 20, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 28, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 28, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 14, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V915?
Recall 19V915 covers 75 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 and S560 vehicles that received front brake discs, calipers, and pads with dimensions different from the vehicle specification. During later brake service, that mismatch can lead to incorrect replacement parts and reduced braking performance. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the front brake system for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 or S560 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V915. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the front brake system replacement. Reference recall number 19V915 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020030020 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the front brake system free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance after the wrong replacement brake components are installed during repair. That condition increases crash risk. Until the front brake system has been replaced, ask the dealer whether your specific vehicle needs any driving limits before your appointment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V915000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V915 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V915000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →