NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
54 reports40,000 miles · Nov 18, 2020
Lane DepartureVehicle Speed ControlWheels
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED: ABS, ESP AND ARS NOT FUNCTIONING AND TAKE TO WORKSHOP. ALSO, THE BLINDSPOT WARNING ON MIRRORS STOPPED WORKING, AS DID THE CRUISE CONTROL. DROVE SEVERAL HOURS TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WITHOUT THESE SAFETY FEATURES. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS RPM SENS…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED: ABS, ESP AND ARS NOT FUNCTIONING AND TAKE TO WORKSHOP. ALSO, THE BLINDSPOT WARNING ON MIRRORS STOPPED WORKING, AS DID THE CRUISE CONTROL. DROVE SEVERAL HOURS TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WITHOUT THESE SAFETY FEATURES. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS RPM SENSOR FAILURE. WAS ADVISED THAT ALTHOUGH ONLY ONE SENSOR FAILED, THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. AT THE TIME, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 40,111 MILES ON ODOMETER, BUT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT SENSOR MAY HAVE GOTTEN HOT, SUGGESTING I HAD DRIVEN WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. I TOOK EXCEPTION TO THIS, AS I RARELY EMPLOY THE E-BRAKE UNLESS I AM ON A VERY STEEP INCLINE, AND HAD NOT USED DURING THIS TRIP. REPAIR COST TOTALED OVER $700. COPY OF BILL ATTACHED. THIS OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2018, AS I WAS BEGINNING A MULTI-STATE TRIP.
NHTSA ODI #11375286
22,000 miles · Oct 23, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DROP OUT & THE ABS, STABILITY CONTROL & WHEEL SPEED SENSOR LIGHTS WOULD COME ON.
NHTSA ODI #11365920
22,250 miles · Oct 21, 2020
Service Brakes
ABS SAFETY FOR OUR 2015 MERCEDES SPRINTER CHASSIS [XXX]. TWO YEARS AGO WE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH OUR ABS BRAKING. TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS SAID THE RIGHT REAR SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE CHANGED BUT PROBLEM RETURNED. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY NOT HAVING BRAKES THAT SHOULD WORK ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE. WITH OU…
Read full complaint
ABS SAFETY FOR OUR 2015 MERCEDES SPRINTER CHASSIS [XXX]. TWO YEARS AGO WE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH OUR ABS BRAKING. TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS SAID THE RIGHT REAR SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE CHANGED BUT PROBLEM RETURNED. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY NOT HAVING BRAKES THAT SHOULD WORK ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE. WITH OUT ABS THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK EITHER. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP. NOTE; THE MANY FRUSTRATED OWNERS DISCUSSIONS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11365594
1,500 miles · Sep 24, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash
POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND CAR CRASHED. MERCEDES BENZ WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA REFUSED FREE REPAIR
NHTSA ODI #11360999
11,600 miles · Sep 11, 2020
Engine
AT APPROXIMATELY 11,600 VEHICLE MILES THE DEF WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON STATING THAT THERE WERE ONLY 10 REMAINING STARTS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE. PREVIOUS MESSAGE PRIOR TO THIS WAS TO CHECK THE DEF SYSTEM LEVEL. DEF HAD BEEN ADDED FOR THE PREVIOUS 2500 MILES EVERY 500 MILES TO MAINTAIN A FULL TANK. SINCE I WAS IN WYOMING THERE WERE NO…
Read full complaint
AT APPROXIMATELY 11,600 VEHICLE MILES THE DEF WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON STATING THAT THERE WERE ONLY 10 REMAINING STARTS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE. PREVIOUS MESSAGE PRIOR TO THIS WAS TO CHECK THE DEF SYSTEM LEVEL. DEF HAD BEEN ADDED FOR THE PREVIOUS 2500 MILES EVERY 500 MILES TO MAINTAIN A FULL TANK. SINCE I WAS IN WYOMING THERE WERE NO MERCEDES DEALERS AVAILABLE TO TROUBLESHOOT THE WARNING MESSAGES. AFTER THE LIMITING START MESSAGE I CONTACTED THE NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UTAH FOR AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 260 MILES FROM THE TETONS IN WYOMING TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. THE REPAIR REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEF TANK AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS AT A COST OF $3,400.00. MERCEDES REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR DUE TO VEHICLE AGE FOR THE STATE( NC ) NOT COVERED IN EXTENDED EMISSIONS WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11354416
1,100 miles · Aug 31, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FOREST RIVER SOLERA RV TRAILERED TO A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WHERE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FOREST RIVER SOLERA RV TRAILERED TO A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WHERE, THE KNOCK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHENEVER ONE OF THE SPEED SENSORS ON THE WHEELS FAILED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SUN MOTOR CARS, INC LOCATED AT 6677 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,100.
NHTSA ODI #11352380
45,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR ON A SLIGHTLY BUMPY ROAD, THREE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO SHOW PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS, ASR/BAS, AND EBD SYSTEMS. ACCORDING TO THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS THE ROOT PROBLEM IS A FAULTY RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THIS DESIGN SEEMS TO HAVE PUT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IN A DANGER…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR ON A SLIGHTLY BUMPY ROAD, THREE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO SHOW PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS, ASR/BAS, AND EBD SYSTEMS. ACCORDING TO THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS THE ROOT PROBLEM IS A FAULTY RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THIS DESIGN SEEMS TO HAVE PUT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IN A DANGEROUS POSITION EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS, WHICH CAUSES IT TO DEGRADE AND STOP WORKING AT A HIGH RATE.
NHTSA ODI #11348969
10,385 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO SPEED SENSORS REPLACED, FIRST ONE IS THE LEFT REAR AT ONLY 10,385 MILES MAY 29TH 2020. THE SECOND ONE ON THE RIGHT REAR AT 10,615 MILES JULY 8TH 2020. DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE SPRINTERS HAVING THIS ISSUE YET THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON THIS. AS OF THIS DATE TOTAL COST TO GET IT OPERATING SAFELY AGAIN IS $10…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO SPEED SENSORS REPLACED, FIRST ONE IS THE LEFT REAR AT ONLY 10,385 MILES MAY 29TH 2020. THE SECOND ONE ON THE RIGHT REAR AT 10,615 MILES JULY 8TH 2020. DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE SPRINTERS HAVING THIS ISSUE YET THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON THIS. AS OF THIS DATE TOTAL COST TO GET IT OPERATING SAFELY AGAIN IS $1018.93 ( PARTS AND LABOR ) WHEN THESE GO OUT THERE IS NO WARNING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH YOU THEN LOSE YOUR ABS BRAKING, TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILITY CONTROL. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS IT IS A KNOWN FACT AND HAS BEEN FOR YEARS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT ANY TECHNICIAN CAN REPLACE THIS. ALL THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION CITY DRIVING AND HIGHWAY DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11338230
32,400 miles · Jun 30, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED DOWN AND I NOTICED 3 YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS: ABS, ESP, ASR/BAS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I PHONED A MERCEDES DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT SOUNDED LIKE A FAULTY WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION. A AUTHORIZED SPRINTER REPAIR CENTER DID DIAGNOSE THE R…
Read full complaint
AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED DOWN AND I NOTICED 3 YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS: ABS, ESP, ASR/BAS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I PHONED A MERCEDES DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT SOUNDED LIKE A FAULTY WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION. A AUTHORIZED SPRINTER REPAIR CENTER DID DIAGNOSE THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. $345.00 LATER THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY SEE A LOT OF THESE. HE SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT SENSOR HAS A NEW PART NUMBER WHICH TELLS HIM THAT IT HAS PROBABLY BEEN IMPROVED. I HOPE SO!
NHTSA ODI #11331829
8,450 miles · Jun 13, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS OBVIOUSLY DISABLED ALL OF THE ABOVE FUNCTIONS. CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS VERIFIED TO BE A FAULTY LH WHEEL SPEED SENSOR BY THE REPAIR SHOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328671
Official recalls
7Feb 3, 2021
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
Jan 8, 2019
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Dec 8, 2017
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Feb 10, 2017
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Feb 10, 2016
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Dec 1, 2014
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC - DBA Sprinter (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Sprinter 2500, and Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured February 28, 2014, to November 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from around the chain tensioner gasket area.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chain tensioner gasket, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2014120003.
Nov 5, 2014
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE20014 · Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
Opened Sep 21, 2020 · Closed Mar 30, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Air:antilock:wheel Speed Sensor; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:wheel Speed Sensor
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V-042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Air:antilock:wheel Speed Sensor
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V-042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:wheel Speed Sensor
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V-042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629
Illustration