Daimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

Sandy Springs, GA – November 24, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns both the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 124,305 vehicles at risk of rollaway while in Park, increasing the risk of injury and crash. This follows a U.S. government investigation into the issue which so far, has resulted in one other recall.

The recall includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary

In the subject vehicles, part of the mechanism for locking the vehicle in Park can wear out. As a result, the vehicle can roll away when parked, unless the manual parking brake is engaged.

Daimler pointed to a software problem – as well as unspecified “driving practices “ as the cause of the excess wear.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury to those traveling in or near the vehicle, as well as damage to property.

Safety tips

Engaging the Sprinter van parking brake should prevent rollaways until the repair is made.

Background of the recall

The government investigation that was launched in August 2021 affected 19,000 vehicles, including ambulances and Amazon trucks. Eleven reports of the vans rolling away were noted, with one injury recorded at the time.

There was subsequently a recall of 48,400 vehicles issued in January this year, attributed to the same issue.

Other recent Sprinter van recalls

In June 2021, Daimler recalled 4,078 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner vans over a problem with the side airbags.

The repair

To remedy the Sprinter van parking brake issue, Mercedes-Benz service partners will do a software update of the affected units free of charge . Owners will be notified of the repair program on or around December 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Daimler Mercedes-Benz van recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

Daimler Vans Recalls Vehicles For Faulty Brake Lights

Atlanta – Nov. 11, 2016 – Daimler Vans USA has announced a recall of Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans due to problems with brake warning light illumination.

The Defect

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Daimler will recall vans from the 2003-2006 model years – specifically, those manufactured between June 30, 2003 and Aug. 31, 2006. The problem is that the brake warning lamps located on the vehicles’ instrument clusters are failing to illuminate during startup.

This initial illumination is a good way to let the driver know that the light is functioning as intended. After that point, as long as the light remains off, drivers can be reasonably confident that they do not have any serious brake issues to address. The purpose of the lamp is to warn occupants of low brake fluid, which could severely impact their ability to stop on command.

Timeline of Events

April 2015 – Fiat Chrysler reportedly asked Daimler Vans for support with Dodge vehicles that failed the bulb check during New York State inspections. Daimler Vans examined numerous vehicle models from different years, as well as different instrument clusters, to locate the problems. This was a challenging process that required the manufacturer to study instrument cluster coding and analyze each system to determine the underlying cause. At first, Daimler Vans did not have access to all of the information necessary, forcing it to use other methods to replicate the problem.

October 2016 – Daimler Vans received more information about the faulty bulb, including the proper instrument coding. This allowed the manufacturers to determine exactly which vehicles were being affected.

The Solution

Daimler Vans will conduct a voluntary recall to examine each vehicle’s instrument cluster coding and fix any problems that can be found. This will be done free of charge. A schedule has not yet been announced.

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