Daimler recalls Sprinter vans due to parking brake issue

Sandy Springs, GA – January 21, 2021– Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) –known as Mercedes-Benz – has recalled 9,094 vans, due to an issue with leaking brake fluid in these vehicles that are all equipped with electrical parking brake (EPB) systems. The malfunction may change how the brake pedal operates, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

The problem in this Mercedes-Benz recall involves the rear brake calipers in vehicles that have an EPB, which allows for the activation of parking brakes with a push of a button.

Brake calipers clamp the wheels to slow the vehicle down when brakes are applied. When the EPB is used often, the rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the EPB. Then, to replace the lost brake fluid, air may enter the hydraulic brake system, which is used to stop the car. 

Because of the leak and introduction of air, the driver may have to press the brake pedal much farther towards the floor to get the car to slow down or stop. The driver may be alerted to the presence of the leak if the brake pedal is gradually becoming “softer.”

Risks 

If the leaking-fluid problem is not fixed, the vehicle may not respond quickly enough when the driver presses the brake pedal. This may increase the risk of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 22 recalls for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter passenger vans and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles were  recalled  in August of 2020 because they did not meet standards for  Electronic Stability Control Systems.

The repair

Daimler Vans is in the process of devising a remedy for the brake problem. When the manufacturer is ready to perform repairs, customers will receive a final owner notification letter. Daimler Vans expects the recall to begin January 25, 2021, but no date has been set to begin repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydDaimler recalls Sprinter vans due to parking brake issue