NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 16 recalls, the most serious being a front suspension torsion bar that can fail at its connection point and cause sudden loss of vehicle stability, and a wiring harness that can chafe against the transmission and short-circuit, raising the risk of a fire.
Several structural issues affect this van: the partition wall may be missing bolts and can break free in a crash, frame members may lack reinforcement fasteners that reduce chassis stability and weaken third-row seat mounts, and the rear step can detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. On the paint and bonding side, a topcoat formula problem can leave windows and interior cargo lashing rails inadequately bonded, meaning windows can come loose in a crash and secured cargo can break free. The front brake hose can be worn by contact with the fender liner, leading to a fluid leak that extends stopping distance. On vehicles with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission, the parking pawl can fatigue and fail to engage, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Wiring routed through swivel seat frames can get pinched and damaged, causing seat-mounted side airbags to deploy unexpectedly or fail in a crash, and seatbelt retractors in certain configurations can release early, preventing child safety seats from staying properly secured. The instrument cluster can go entirely blank at startup or display too brightly to read clearly, and the rearview camera can show a black screen when reversing. The emergency call system's SIM software can drop its mobile connection, preventing the
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At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster brightness cannot be adjusted and may appear too bright under certain lighting conditions, failing to meet federal display standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore proper brightness adjustment functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The partition wall separating the cab from the cargo area may be missing bolts, which could cause it to detach during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the partition wall and secure any loose bolts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lengthwise frame members lack reinforcement fasteners, which reduces vehicle stability and weakens the structural integrity of third-row seats.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the frame members and repair them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The topcoat paint formula may not bond windows and interior lashing rails securely to the vehicle body.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect paint adhesion and repair as needed at no cost. Vehicle repurchase may be offered depending on damage extent.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when you start the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The guide bushing on the parking pawl may wear out over time, preventing the parking brake from fully engaging and allowing the vehicle to roll away.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software in the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select, and electronic ignition switch control units at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated for free through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera from displaying the backup image on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The shim on the torsion bar was installed in the wrong position during manufacturing, which can affect suspension function.
What the fix does
Dealers will reposition the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading label on your vehicle lists an incorrect gross vehicle weight rating, which could lead to overloading and tire failure.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect and replace the tire and loading label and check tires for wear, replacing them if needed. All work is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front axle fender liner sits too close to the brake hose, which can cause the fender liner to rub against and damage the brake hose.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the brake hose condition and clearance, adjust the fender liner trim, and replace the brake hose if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened during manufacturing.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the bolt fasteners and replace the console and attaching hardware at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A cable duct can come loose because engagement hooks inside the battery case don't hold it securely. This allows the starter-generator wiring to rub against the transmission carrier and short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engagement hooks with expanding rivets to securely hold the cable duct in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic locking retractor in the seat belt may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from locking securely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies and replace them if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat wiring harnesses may be routed incorrectly and get caught or damaged by the swivel seat frame mechanism.
What the fix does
Dealers will reposition and secure the wiring harness mounting clip to the correct location.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to stay black or restart after you start the vehicle, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying properly.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the multimedia system software, or you'll receive an over-the-air update, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
