Summary
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 has 11 recalls covering the 2019-2020 model years, with the most serious being a steering shaft defect on 2019 models where the shaft can disconnect from the steering gear without warning, causing sudden and complete loss of steering control.
On the occupant safety side, 2019-2020 vehicles equipped with swivel seats have wiring harnesses that can become pinched and damaged in the seat frames, causing the seat-mounted side airbags to fire unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash. The HVAC blower motor circuit on 2019-2020 models can allow the wiring harness to overheat, raising the risk of a fire. There is also a power steering concern on 2019-2020 vehicles where the hydraulic return line hose can detach and leak fluid, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist.
Several 2019-only recalls involve fuel and chassis systems. The fuel pump module on certain 2019 gasoline models has an open port that can allow fuel to leak onto the road. Two separate rear suspension issues affect 2019 vehicles: incorrect leaf spring shims can be installed between the rear axle and the springs, altering handling, and some chassis were built without the additional stabilization required for their cargo rating, which can also affect vehicle stability. On 2019 vehicles fitted with the camper upfit option, the electronic stability control software was not calibrated for the higher center of gravity, meaning the system may not respond correctly in certain driving situations.
One 2020 model was built with front brake discs of the wrong size, which can extend stopping distances. Going back to 2019-only equipment issues, LED rear fog lights on certain models can fail to illuminate when switched on, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers in low-visibility conditions.
