Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 has 55 recalls spanning 2015 through 2024, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023-2024 models where rear axle spring U-bolts can allow the rear axle to shift out of position, causing loss of vehicle control.

The 2023 and 2024 model years carry several additional high-priority concerns. On 2023 vehicles, a loose front suspension strut bolt can cause loss of steering control, and a main wiring harness that chafes against the drive shaft can short circuit and cut drive power, power steering, and brake system function simultaneously. A separate 2023 wiring issue involves a 12-volt ground connection that can overheat and also cause loss of drive power, raising both fire and crash risks. The 2024 model year has a parking brake cable bracket weld that can fail and allow the vehicle to roll away.

The 2021-2022 span has its own cluster of issues. On 2022 models with electrically adjustable front swivel seats, incorrectly installed seat wiring can prevent side airbags from deploying in a crash. On 2021 models, a torsion bar assembled with an incorrectly placed shim can fail at its connection point and cause loss of stability, and a cable duct that drops out of place inside the battery case can let the starter-generator wiring chafe against the transmission carrier and short circuit, raising fire risk. The 2021 model also has loose rear step bolt fasteners that can let the step separate and become a road hazard, and a fender liner positioned too close to the front brake hose that can wear through the hose and reduce braking. Windows and interior lashing rails on 2021-2023 vehicles may be insufficiently bonded and can detach in a crash.

The 2019-2020 years account for the densest concentration of recalls. Steering-related issues include a power steering return line hose that can detach and cause sudden loss of assist on 2015-2020 vehicles, and loose steering spindle bearing screws on 2019 models that can make the vehicle difficult to steer. On the brake side, 2019-2020 models with electric parking brakes can develop rear caliper fluid leaks that introduce air into the hydraulic system and extend stopping distances, and a 2019 fender liner can chafe through a brake hose with the same result. A software error in the park lock system on 2019-2020 vehicles can allow the van to roll after being placed in Park. The 2020 model has a propeller shaft bearing that can loosen, reducing vehicle control and potentially damaging the fuel tank in a crash. Fire risks on 2019 models include a diesel fuel pump bayonet lock that can leak fuel, loose EGR pipe screws that allow hot exhaust gases to escape into the engine compartment, a loose turbocharger-to-particulate-filter flange with the same result, and fuel line clamps on 2019-2020 vehicles that can loosen and leak. The 2019-2021 model years have a partition wall that may be missing bolts and can detach in a crash, and seat wiring on swivel-seat-equipped 2019-2021 vehicles that can jam in the seat frame and prevent side airbag deployment. The instrument cluster on 2019-2022 models can go completely blank at startup, and the display brightness on 2019-2022 vehicles may be non-adjustable and too bright in some