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This sweeping recall is part of nearly 1 million cars that face potential brake failure worldwide.

Mercedes-Benz issues a sweeping recall for select models made from 2006 to 2012. This voluntary do not drive recall stems from a potential brake system failure—an obvious danger. The recall affects various Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML-Class and GL-Class vehicles around the globe—nearly 1 million vehicles worldwide, including 292,287 vehicles in the United States.

A statement from NHTSA pins the root cause on corrosion in the brake system: water exposure can corrode these vehicles’ brake boosters, which can cause the booster to leak. This causes the brake booster to fail, which will then force drivers to use more pedal force to get the same stopping power. Apparently in rare cases this can lead to mechanical failure in the brake booster and master-cylinder assembly, triggering a complete failure of the hydraulic brake system.

For owners of the recalled vehicles, the safest answer is simple: stop driving. The recall notes that you’re likely to hear hissing or flowing air when you press on the brake pedal or notice that your brakes don’t feel right. These signs can point to a potential brake failure.

As a remedy, you can take your affected Mercedes-Benz to your local dealer. If you’re not sure if your vehicle is impacted, Mercedes-Benz is sending out notices to owners. If you haven't received one of these notices, you can check the NHTSA recall tool or the Mercedes-Benz recall tool.

At the dealership, a technician will inspect the vehicle for corrosion and test your brake booster. If a technician finds a fault in your system, the brake booster will be replaced for free. If the system isn’t compromised, you can continue to drive your ‘Benz without any worry. If the technician finds corrosion near the brake booster but the vehicle passes the extra tests, Mercedes-Benz says you can drive for up to two more years before returning for the repair.

You can find a full list of affected vehicles below, but it’s still a good idea to double-check your vehicle’s VIN for any outstanding recalls.

Have you experienced a Mercedes-Benz recall before? How smoothly did the process go? Tell us your experiences below.