NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The spring U-bolts that hold the rear axle in place may be weakened from improper heat-treatment during manufacturing. This weakness can allow the rear axle to shift out of its proper position.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 has 6 recalls, the most serious being several electrical and chassis defects that can cause loss of steering, braking, and drive power, with fire risk in two of those cases.
On the electrical side, the main wiring harness can chafe against the driveshaft, short-circuit, and cut power to the engine, steering, and brakes simultaneously, while also raising the risk of a fire. Separately, a loose 12-volt ground connection can overheat and cause a fire or cut drive power. Two chassis concerns round out the mechanical issues: a front suspension strut bolt that is not properly secured can cause loss of steering control, and rear axle U-bolts that lose strength can allow the rear axle to shift out of position, reducing vehicle control. On the structural side, the interior partition wall may be missing bolts and can break free in a crash and strike occupants. There is also a bonding issue where a paint formula causes windows and interior cargo lashing rails to adhere poorly, meaning windows can come loose in a crash and cargo secured to the rails can break free.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring U-bolts that hold the rear axle in place may be weakened from improper heat-treatment during manufacturing. This weakness can allow the rear axle to shift out of its proper position.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spring U-bolts with properly treated parts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A 12-volt ground connection may not be properly secured, causing it to overheat and result in loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the 12-volt ground connection as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The main wiring harness may rub against the drive shaft, causing it to short circuit and potentially result in loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect how the main wiring harness is routed and reposition it as needed to prevent contact with the drive shaft.
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 front left suspension strut bolt may not be properly secured, which can cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front left suspension strut bolt connection and repair the body contact surface as needed.
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.