Our severity:High NHTSA·13E011000·Announced 2013-02-26

Bosch Recalls Hydro-Max Brake Master Cylinders Due to Fluid Indicator Defect

Robert Bosch LLC is recalling specific Hydro-Max brake master cylinders because the fluid level indicator may fail to warn drivers of low brake fluid, potentially increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a safety-critical component (brakes) where a failure could increase the risk of a crash, but the source text does not report any specific injuries, fatalities, or agency classification that would elevate the severity to Severe or Critical.

Plain-English summary

Robert Bosch LLC is recalling certain Hydro-Max brake master cylinders manufactured between July 1, 2011, and April 12, 2012. These specific units feature a 2.0-inch bore, an 84 cubic inch reservoir, and a brake fluid level indicator switch, but lack a differential pressure switch.

The defect involves the brake fluid level indicator (FLI), which may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and warn the driver. If the brake system develops an external leak, the fluid level may drop below the detection threshold without triggering a warning. This lack of warning could lead to reduced braking force, lengthened stopping distances, and an increased risk of a crash.

Bosch will notify customers and replace the fluid level indicator switch free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact the Bosch Technical Support and Warranty Hotline at 1-855-426-7247 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product: EQUIPMENT recall
Manufacturer: Robert Bosch LLC
Category: Vehicle — Brake System Component
Hazard: brake-failure
loss-of-control
Affected units: 6,549

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Robert Bosch LLC

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Same hazard · brake failure