Torsion Bar Assembled Incorrectly – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

March 8, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V131000

Torsion Bar Assembled Incorrectly

An incorrectly assembled torsion bar may fail at the connection between the torsion bar and linkage, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability, and increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V131

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,153

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC. (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-BenzeBay logo Sprinter vehicles. The shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly.

 

Remedy

Dealers will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3VADREH.

 

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.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check for Daimler Vans Recalls

 


2022080004

Replace Torsion Bar Linkage & Mounting Hardware

This is to notify you of an initial Recall Campaign to replace the torsion bar linkage on approximately 2,153 MY21 Mercedes-BenzeBay logo 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 as โ€œPENDINGโ€ in VMI and cannot be sold.

 

Issue

Mercedes-BenzeBay logo AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-BenzeBay logo Sprinter vans, has determined that the torsion bar on certain Sprinter vehicles was not bolted to the torsion bar linkage by the component supplier during front axle assembly in accordance with design specifications. The shim on the torsion bar was incorrectly installed between the nut and the torsion bar, rather than between the ball stud and the torsion bar. Due to the incorrect assembly, the torsion bar may not meet operational strength requirements. Settling effects may occur between the journal flange and the torsion bar. These effects might reduce the bolt preload at the connection, which could increase fatigue on the journal and lead to a fatigue fracture of the journal, which could increase the risk of a crash.

 

What Weโ€™re Doing

MBUSA is conducting a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-BenzeBay logo dealer will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkage.

 

Parts

Parts are available.

 

Customer Notification Timeline

An owner notification letter to be mailed in August, 2022.

 


On June 23, 2021, MBAG was informed by its component supplier about a possible error during assembly of a bolt connection between torsion bar and torsion bar linkage in certain VS30 (Platform 907) Sprinter vehicles.

MBAG immediately implemented remedial measures at its production plants on the same day. MBAG quarantined potentially affected vehicles at the production plant, blocking them from release until completion of any rework that might be necessary.

At the same time, MBAG launched an investigation to evaluate the potential effects associated with an incorrectly installed torsion bar and to identify potentially affected vehicles.

From July to October 2021, MBAG engineering personnel conducted tests to evaluate whether the incorrect installation of the shim between the nut and the torsion bar could lead to a failure at the connection between the torsion bar linkage and the torsion bar. In October 2021, the engineering team determined that a failure may occur, but not before approximately 25% of the required useful life of the vehicle.

Based on these findings, beginning in early 2022, MBAG commenced an investigation into whether a failure at the connection of the torsion bar linkage and torsion bar could affect the lateral stability or maneuverability of the vehicle. MBAG conducted driving tests in January and February 2022 that included high speed cornering and evasive maneuvers to evaluate the possible effects of the connection issue. These tests determined that a failure at the linkage could cause the vehicle to tilt slightly more outward during maneuvering.

The test vehicles remained controllable by the driver at all times. Further, vehicle braking and steering remained fully functional even without the connection between the torsion bar linkage and the torsion bar.

However, on March 02, 2022, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk due to the increased vehicle tilt during maneuvering could not be ruled out. Accordingly, MBAG will conduct a recall for the affected vehicles.

 


4 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
MERCEDES-BENZeBay logoSPRINTER 15002021
MERCEDES-BENZeBay logoSPRINTER 25002021
MERCEDES-BENZeBay logoSPRINTER 35002021
MERCEDES-BENZeBay logoSPRINTER 45002021

 


12 Associated Documents

Recall 573 Report – March 8, 2022

RCLRPT-22V131-6058.PDF 214.138KB

 


Chronology Report

RMISC-22V131-8564.pdf 42.577KB

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-22V131-2823.pdf 645.454KB

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-22V131-5395.PDF 213.971KB

 


Recall 573 Report – March 10, 2022

RCLRPT-22V131-4462.PDF 213.878KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – March 2022

RCMN-22V131-0165.pdf 635.148KB

 


Recall 573 Report – March 17, 2022

RCLRPT-22V131-7014.PDF 213.942KB

 


Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V131-4084.pdf 135.54KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V131-5223.pdf 1624.295KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V131-2608.pdf 247.363KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2022-3

RCLQRT-22V131-4940.PDF 211.141KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2022-4

RCLQRT-22V131-7243.PDF 211.237KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=22V131&docType=RCL

 


 

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