Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (vs30) Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) has 15 recalls covering the 2019-2020 model years, with the most serious being a 2019 steering shaft defect where the shaft can disconnect from the steering gear without warning, causing sudden and complete loss of steering control.

On the safety systems side, 2019-2020 models with swivel front seats have wiring harnesses that can be pinched and damaged in the seat frame, causing the side airbag to either fire unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash. The HVAC blower motor circuit on 2019-2020 vehicles can allow the wiring harness to overheat and catch fire.

The 2019 model year carries several additional mechanical concerns. The rear fender liner on the front axle can rub against the brake hose, wearing through it and leaking brake fluid, which extends stopping distances. A separate brake issue affects a single 2020 vehicle built with undersized front brake discs that reduce braking performance. The hydraulic power steering return hose on 2019 models can detach and leak fluid, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist. The fuel pump module on some 2019 vehicles has an open port that allows fuel to leak onto the road.

Rear suspension and stability issues also cluster in the 2019 model year. Some vehicles were built without the additional chassis stabilization required for their cargo rating, which can affect handling. Incorrect leaf spring shims between the rear axle and leaf springs on other 2019 units can similarly degrade handling. On 2019 models with the camper upfit, the electronic stability control software was not calibrated for the higher center of gravity, meaning the system may not respond correctly during certain maneuvers.

Rounding out the 2019 recalls, LED rear fog lights on equipped vehicles may fail to illuminate when switched on, reducing visibility to following drivers. Cargo lashing rails on the side walls may not have been properly secured and can detach, allowing cargo to shift. Two documentation issues also affect 2019 vehicles: some were delivered with inaccurate or incomplete owner's manuals, and others have incorrect information about how the automatic parking function works, which can lead to unexpected vehicle rollaway if the driver relies on the manual's description.