April 5, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V235000
Instrument Cluster Display Too Bright/FMVSS 101
A display that is too bright can hinder the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V235
Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 1,285
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, “Control and Displays.”
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check for Daimler Vans Recalls
| TO: Mercedes-Benz Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers | FROM: Anthony Washington, Department Manager, Regulations and Certifications |
| Re: Recall Launch Campaign Notification Model 907 (Sprinter) Model Years 2019-2021 Reprogram Multifunction Display | DATE: May, 2021 |
IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION
Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above
| Campaign No. : | Campaign Desc. : | Reprogram Multifunction Display | |
| 2021050001 | VS3DISPKI | ||
| This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign launch to reprogram the Multifunction Display on approximately 1,282 MY19-21 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. All affected VINs will be flagged “OPEN” in VMI and cannot be sold until the recall has been remedied. | |||
| Background | |||
| Issue | Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vans, has determined that on certain platform 907 (VS30) Sprinter vehicles, the degree of illumination in the multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable as specified in FMVSS 101 (Controls and Displays). Affected vehicles that do not meet the illumination adjustment requirements for the instrument cluster do not comply with FMVSS 101, which could increase the risk of a crash if the instrument cluster is too bright for the ambient conditions. | ||
| What We’re Doing | An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will conduct a software update for the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles. | ||
| Remedy | Software is Available | ||
| Vehicles Affected | |||
| Vehicle Model Year(s) | 2019-2021 | ||
| Vehicle Model (s) | Sprinter(907) | ||
| Vehicle Populations | |||
| Total Recall | 1,284 | ||
| Dealer Inventory | 13 | ||
| Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to sell or lease any new Sprinter vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired.
Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for rental companies to rent new Sprinter vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
| |||
| Next Steps/Notes | |||
| Customer Notification Timeline | An owner notification letter will be mailed in End of May 2021. | ||
| AOMS/SOMS | AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP. | ||
| Rental Fleet Partners | This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer. | ||
| While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, we are determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. | |||
Campaign No. 2021050001, May, 2021
| TO: | ALL MERCEDES-BENZ & FREIGHTLINER CENTERS |
| SUBJECT: | Model 907 Sprinter, Model Year 2019-2021 Reprogram Multifunction Display |
Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vans, has determined that on certain platform 907 (VS30) Sprinter vehicles, the degree of illumination in the multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable as specified in FMVSS 101 (Controls and Displays). Affected vehicles that do not meet the illumination adjustment requirements for the instrument cluster do not comply with FMVSS 101, which could increase the risk of a crash if the instrument cluster is too bright for the ambient conditions. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will conduct a software update for the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
- Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
- Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 1,284 vehicles are involved.
Order No. V-RC-2021050001 This bulletin has been created and maintained in accordance with MBUSA-SLP S423QH001, Document and Data Control, and MBUSA-SLP S424HH001, Control of Quality Records.
V-RC-2021050001
Beginning in mid-January 2021, MBAG became aware of an isolated field complaint which described that the brightness of multifunction display was not functioning as expected and appeared to be overly bright to this particular consumer. In conjunction with that report, MBAG also became aware of a VOQ (#11389057), which included a similar complaint related to the brightness of the multifunction display and that the consumer had difficulty using the exterior side mirrors because of glare from the instrument cluster. MBAG initiated an investigation and found that the two vehicles were equipped with a “Highline” instrument cluster in combination with an entry-level variant radio or without infotainment system. This combination of equipment suggested a connection between the performance of the multifunction display and these specific vehicle options. As a precautionary measure MBAG prohibited further vehicles from being ordering or produced with this combination of features beginning in February 2021, until the issue could be further analyzed. MBAG also reviewed its internal databases for other potentially related reports from the field and found a small number of isolated reports from the European market had been received in 2020 where the customer described that the instrument cluster could not be dimmed. In some instances, the condition could not be reproduced at the workshop.
On February 8, 2021, NHTSA forwarded to Daimler Vans USA the VOQ noted above and requested the company’s feedback on the condition that the customer had reported. Daimler Vans provided an initial response to the inquiry on February 19, 2021 and in the first week of March 2021, it further advised that the company was continuing to conduct its investigation and provided an estimated timeline for completion of its analysis.
Throughout March 2021, MBAG conducted laboratory tests where vehicles were evaluated under various conditions of brightness and darkness. MBAG’s analysis excluded the possibility of glare of the side mirrors due to reflections from the instrument cluster, however, after an analysis of the FMVSS 101 requirements related to illumination and brightness, on March 30, 2021, MBAG determined a noncompliance existed in the vehicles.
SEOCONTENT-START
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone: (770) 705-0600
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 2021050001
This notice applies to your vehicle
VIN: 123456
Reprogram Multifunction Display
NHTSA Recall ID: 21V235
May, 2021
123456
Dear Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner:
This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, has decided that the vehicle may not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101 (controls and displays) Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.
What is the issue?
MBAG determined that on certain VS30 Sprinter vehicles, the degree of illumination in the multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable as specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard(FMVSS) 101. Affected vehicles that do not meet the illumination adjustment requirements for the instrument cluster do not comply with FMVSS 101, which could increase the risk of a crash if the instrument cluster is too bright for the ambient conditions.
What will your Mercedes-Benz Dealer do?
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will perform a software update for the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.
Steps to take.
For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer at your earliest convenience. To locate authorized dealers see https://www.mbvans.com/en/dealers. Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to reprogram of multifunction display under Recall Campaign # 2021050001.
You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter. This could take less than 30 minutes. This service will be provided free of charge. You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter.
If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee within 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.
A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our website now offers a search feature that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed. See www.mbvans.com/en/recall-information.
Should you have any questions, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to taking care of this important safety issue immediately.
Sincerely,
Mercedes-Benz USA
• A remedy is available for your vehicle.
• Schedule an appointment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair will be provided free of charge.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone: (770) 705-0600
Additional Information for Owners:
If an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
IMPORTANT
If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may contact them.
EXPORTED
LEASE, VEHICLE RETURNED
SCRAPPED
SOLD
STOLEN
OTHER _________________________
NEW OWNER INFORMATION
OR
MY NEW NAME OR ADDRESS IS:
Last Name, First Name
Street Apt
City State ZIP
Email Address
Phone (numbers only) Mobile (numbers only)
———————————————– ———————————————————————————-
Date Signature
VIN: 123456
SEOCONTENT-END
16 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| 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 | 2019-2020 |
10 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2
RCLQRT-21V235-8116.PDF 211.146KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-21V235-9311.pdf 184.585KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-21V235-7032.pdf 202.162KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-21V235-0345.pdf 1216.677KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-21V235-6642.pdf 1208.789KB
Chronology
RMISC-21V235-3546.pdf 59.724KB
Noncompliance Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-21V235-2868.PDF 215.179KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-21V235-8423.pdf 645.866KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4
RCLQRT-21V235-8198.PDF 211.333KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-3
RCLQRT-21V235-4723.PDF 211.243KB
Latest Recalls Documents
Mercedes-Benz Reprogramming
All information in regard to Mercedes-Benz J2534 compliant software is available free of charge and found under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com
J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is available for purchase from Mercedes-Benz USA.
In order to use the J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the purchaser must furnish their own:
- Windows based PC or laptop*
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*1* suggested listing of J2534 interface boxes is located within the J2534 Pass-Thru User’s Manual which is posted for view without cost under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com
Vehicle Coverage
J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles has coverage for all required functions associated to reprogramming, initialization, and fault clearing of emission control modules (engine and transmission) fitted to vehicles 2004 Model Year and newer. Additionally all access and functionality required in regard the configuration via SCN Coding and/or CVN Coding is covered.
J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is delivered via DVD media which is delivered monthly for the license term of one year upon purchase.
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Terms and conditions
J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is purchased in 1-year license increments. During that license term the user will receive an initial software package, license key, SCN/CVN Coding information/access as well as monthly updates via DVD media.
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