Loss of Steering Control from Unsecured Strut Bolt – 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

SEOCONTENT-START

January, 2024
–
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle
VIN:
Check Front Strut Bolt Connection
NHTSA Recall #23V849
• A remedy is available for your vehicle.
• Schedule an appointment w ith your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair w ill be provided free of charge.
Dear Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner:
This notice is 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 a defect which relates to motor vehicle
safety exists in certain Model Year 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the
affected population of vehicles.
~ What is the issue?
On certain Model Year (“MY”) Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front left suspension strut
bolt connection might not meet current specificat ions. In this case, the front suspension strut bolt connection might loosen
due to vibrations while driving, which might hinder the suspension strut guiding function. As a result, steering impairment
cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk of a crash.
What will your Mercedes-Benz Dealer do?
As a precautionary measure, authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships will check the respective body contact surface on the
affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary. If a customer has already paid to have this recall condition corrected, they
may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
This could take approximately 2 hours. This service will be provided free of charge. You may be asked for your 17-
digit Vehicle Identificat ion Number {VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter.
Steps to take.
For addit ional informat ion and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
at your earliest convenience. To locate the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer, visit https://www.mbvans.com/en/dealers or
call 1-800 FOR-MERCEDES (1 -800-367-6372).
Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to check the front strut bolt connection under Recall Campaign
#2024010005.
If you have already paid to have this recall condit ion corrected, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Requests for
reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have
cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Please see the following page for more informat ion.
A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our website 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. Please visit 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
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz Group 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 t oll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to
https: //www.safercar.gov.
If t his is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee
wit hin 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.
IMPORTANT
VIN:
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:
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Last Name, First Name
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ■ Street
■ ■ City State
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Email Address
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Phone (numbers only) Mobile (numbers only)
———————————– —————————————————
Date Signature
* * * * PLEASE DO NOT DETACH. RETURN COMPLETE LmER ****
DO NOT USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE FOR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone: (770) 705-0600
ZIP
I I I I Apt
I I
I I
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone: (770) 705-0600
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the
amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The following
documentation must be presented to your dealer for reimbursement.
Original or clear copy of all receipts, invoices and/or repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when it was done and who repaired it.
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
• Proof of payment of repair (copy of front and back of cancelled check or copy of credit card receipt).
• Reimbursement will be made by check from your dealer. If your claim is denied you will receive a letter from
MBUSA within 60 days of receipt with the reason(s) for the denial.

**************************************************************************************************************

TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General
Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers,
Parts Managers
FROM: Anthony Washington, Senior Manager,
Regula􀆟ons and Cer􀆟fica􀆟ons
Re: Launch Recall Campaign No􀆟fica􀆟on
Model Sprinter
Model Year 2023
Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on
DATE: January, 2024
IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION
Please see the atached documents related to the campaign listed above.
Campaign No. : Campaign Desc. : Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on 2024010005 VS3FEDDOR
This is to no􀆟fy you of a Recall Campaign Launch to check the Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on on approximately 33 MY 2023 Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter Vans. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate ques􀆟ons from customers.
All affected VINs will be flagged as “OPEN” in VMI and cannot be sold.
Background
Issue
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, has determined that on certain
Model Year (“MY”) 2023 Sprinter (907 pla􀆞orm) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front le􀅌
suspension strut bolt connec􀆟on might not meet current specifica􀆟ons. In this case, the front suspension
strut bolt connec􀆟on might loosen due to vibra􀆟ons while driving, which might hinder the suspension
strut guiding func􀆟on. As a result, steering impairment cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk
of a crash.
What We’re Doing MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, will check the
respec􀆟ve body contact surface on the affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary.
Parts Parts are available and can be ordered as necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s) 2023
Vehicle Model Sprinter
Vehicle Popula􀆟ons
Popula􀆟on 33
Dealer Inventory 0
Given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this
no􀆟fica􀆟on un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired.
Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may con􀆟nue to be driven, but must not be retailed un􀆟l repaired.
Addi􀆟onally, given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal Law for rental companies to rent new vehicles covered by this no􀆟fica􀆟on
un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer No􀆟fica􀆟on Timeline An owner no􀆟fica􀆟on leter to be mailed in January, 2024.
AOMS/SOMS AOMs – This recall may generate ques􀆟ons from your dealers. Please forward this no􀆟ce
to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners
This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respec􀆟ve MBUSA fleet
representa􀆟ve for further informa􀆟on 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
sa􀆟sfac􀆟on.
Model 907
with code ZU8 (National version for USA)
Operation no. of the operation texts or standard texts and flat rates
Category Op. no. Operation text Time Codeword Damage Code
L 12 1900 Operations: Check contact surface of support
bushing of left front shock-absorber strut
1.1 hr VS3FEDDO
R
32 931 02
L 12 1901 Operations: Remove underbody protection from
contact surface of left front support bushing (after
check)
0.1 hr VS3FEDDO
R
32 931 02
L 02 1538 Operations: Extra work for: Remove/install wheel
and tire assembly on vehicle with tire pressure
monitor (TPM)
0.2 hr VS3FEDDO
R
32 931 02
D32.25-A004-79
1 Shock-absorber strut 3 Bolts
2 Support ring
V-RC-2024010005 1
D32.25-A005-79
1 Shock-absorber strut
aDanger Risk of death caused by vehicle
slipping or toppling off of the lifting
platform.
Align vehicle between vehicle lift
columns and position the four
support plates at the vehicle lift
support points specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.
AS00.00-Z-0010-01A
aWarning Risk of injury caused by pinching
or crushing when working on
springs or spring bodies that are
under tension
Use only approved tensioning
devices; additionally screen off
hazardous area if necessary.
Check special tools for damage
and proper operation (visual
inspection). Wear protective
gloves.
AS00.00-Z-0001-01A
Notice Notes on self-locking nuts and
bolts
AH00.00-P-0001-01KOA
Notice Notes on carrying out repair work
in the vehicle interior
AH68.00-D-0001-01KOS
Notes on repair work on
suspension components
AH00.00-P-0100-01A
g Check
1 Check whether vehicle is affected
by measure.
2 V-RC-2024010005
e Remove
2 Remove floor covering in driver’s
side footwell.
f AR68.80-D-0006TSR
3 Remove left front wheel.
f AR40.10-D-1100TS
4 Lift transverse control arm approx.
10 mm using a jack.
p
The shock-absorber strut (1) is
relieved by the spring preload.
This avoids damage to the
threaded connections.
i
Commercially available devices/
tools
Vehicle jack
5 Remove screw/bolts (3). i
Replace screw/bolts (3).
6 Lower jack at transverse control
arm to relieve load on shockabsorber
strut (1).
i
Commercially available devices/
tools
Vehicle jack
7 Carefully swivel shock-absorber
strut (1) to outer side of vehicle
(arrow A).
p
Do not tug detachable parts on
shock-absorber strut (1).
This prevents damage.
g Check
8 Check contact surface of support
bushing of left front shockabsorber
strut (1) for soiling
caused by underbody protection.
f AR32.25-D-0121A
i
To do so, check if underbody
protection was applied to or in the
screw holes. Check area (B) on
both sides, i.e. also in vehicle
interior under support ring (2) for
soiling through underbody
protection.
If there is no underbody protection
(arrow B) in the area (B) on the
contact surface or the screw holes,
↓
continue with operation step 12.
If underbody protection (arrow B)
is present in area (B) on contact
surface or screw holes,
↓
continue with operation step 9.
V-RC-2024010005 3
Remove underbody protection
9 Using rotary wire brush to remove
underbody protection in area (B)
and around screw holes.
i
Commercially available devices/
tools
Rotary wire brush
10 Clean contact surface. Cleaner BR00.45-Z-1025-04A
aDanger Risk of explosion caused by
paint vapors igniting. Risk of
poisoning caused by inhaling
paint vapors.
No smoking! No open fire! Use
respiratory protection, protective
clothing, gloves, safety glasses
and protective skin cream. Ensure
that the area is well ventilated.
AS98.00-Z-0002-01A
11 Prime contact surface using a
brush or spray can.
Notice Notes on paintwork repairs AH98.00-P-9408-02A
i
Only use paints approved by the
manufacturer.
See guidelines for paint technology
in the workshop portal.
d Install
12 Use a jack to lift up transverse
control arm and position it on the
contact surface and screw holes
on body.
i
Commercially available devices/
tools
Vehicle jack
13 Attach shock-absorber strut (1). i
Position support ring (2).
i
Screw in screws(3) and tighten.
n Bolt, support bearing to body BA32.25-Z-1002-02TSR
14 Remove jack under transverse
control arm.
i
Commercially available devices/
tools
Vehicle jack
15 Attach left front wheel.
f AR40.10-D-1100TS
16 Remove floor covering in driver’s
side footwell.
f AR68.80-D-0006TSR
n Front axle damper strut
Number Designation Model 907
BA32.25-Z-1002-02TSR Bolt, support bearing to body Nm 30
4 V-RC-2024010005
Repair materials
Number Designation Order number
BR00.45-Z-1025-04A Cleaner A 005 989 19 71
Parts ordering note
Part no. Designation Quantity
A 001 990 74 00 Screw 4
Additional replacement part scopes, small parts and consumable materials required
for carrying out this service measure must be replaced in accordance with the
information in the repair documents referenced in this document. These must be
determined according to the vehicle identification number (FIN) via the “XENTRY
Parts Information” system and, whilst not listed in the parts ordering note, they are
included in the costing.
n. B.
V-RC-2024010005 5

**************************************************************************************************************

TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers
FROM: Anthony Washington, Senior Manager, Regula􀆟ons and Cer􀆟fica􀆟ons
Re: Ini􀆟al Recall Campaign No􀆟fica􀆟on Model Sprinter Model Year 2023 Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on
DATE: January, 2024
IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION Please see the atached documents related to the campaign listed above.
Campaign No. :
Campaign Desc. :
Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on
2024010001
PDGFEDDOR
This is to no􀆟fy you of a Recall Campaign concerning the Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on on approximately 33 MY 2023 Sprinter Vans. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate ques􀆟ons from customers. All affected VINs will be flagged as “PENDING” in VMI and cannot be sold.
Background
Issue
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) Sprinter (907 pla􀆞orm) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front le􀅌 suspension strut bolt connec􀆟on might not meet current specifica􀆟ons. In this case, the front suspension strut bolt connec􀆟on might loosen due to vibra􀆟ons while driving, which might hinder the suspension strut guiding func􀆟on. As a result, steering impairment cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing
MBUSA is conduc􀆟ng a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, will check the respec􀆟ve body contact surface on the affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary.
Parts
Parts are not yet available
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)
2023
Vehicle Model
Sprinter
Vehicle Popula􀆟ons
Popula􀆟on
33
Dealer Inventory
3
Given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this no􀆟fica􀆟on un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may con􀆟nue to be driven, but must not be retailed un􀆟l repaired. Addi􀆟onally, given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal Law for rental companies to rent new vehicles covered by this no􀆟fica􀆟on un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer No􀆟fica􀆟on Timeline
An owner no􀆟fica􀆟on leter to be mailed in February, 2024.
AOMS/SOMS
AOMs – This recall may generate ques􀆟ons from your dealers. Please forward this no􀆟ce to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners
This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respec􀆟ve MBUSA fleet representa􀆟ve for further informa􀆟on 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 sa􀆟sfac􀆟on.

**************************************************************************************************************

TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers
FROM: Anthony Washington, Senior Manager, Regula􀆟ons and Cer􀆟fica􀆟ons
Re: Ini􀆟al Recall Campaign No􀆟fica􀆟on Model Sprinter Model Year 2023 Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on
DATE: January, 2024
IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION Please see the atached documents related to the campaign listed above.
Campaign No. :
Campaign Desc. :
Check Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on
2024010001
PDGFEDDOR
This is to no􀆟fy you of a Recall Campaign concerning the Front Strut Bolt Connec􀆟on on approximately 33 MY 2023 Sprinter Vans. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate ques􀆟ons from customers. All affected VINs will be flagged as “PENDING” in VMI and cannot be sold.
Background
Issue
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) Sprinter (907 pla􀆞orm) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front le􀅌 suspension strut bolt connec􀆟on might not meet current specifica􀆟ons. In this case, the front suspension strut bolt connec􀆟on might loosen due to vibra􀆟ons while driving, which might hinder the suspension strut guiding func􀆟on. As a result, steering impairment cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing
MBUSA is conduc􀆟ng a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, will check the respec􀆟ve body contact surface on the affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary.
Parts
Parts are not yet available
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)
2023
Vehicle Model
Sprinter
Vehicle Popula􀆟ons
Popula􀆟on
33
Dealer Inventory
3
Given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this no􀆟fica􀆟on un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may con􀆟nue to be driven, but must not be retailed un􀆟l repaired. Addi􀆟onally, given this no􀆟ce, it is a viola􀆟on of Federal Law for rental companies to rent new vehicles covered by this no􀆟fica􀆟on un􀆟l the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer No􀆟fica􀆟on Timeline
An owner no􀆟fica􀆟on leter to be mailed in February, 2024.
AOMS/SOMS
AOMs – This recall may generate ques􀆟ons from your dealers. Please forward this no􀆟ce to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners
This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respec􀆟ve MBUSA fleet representa􀆟ve for further informa􀆟on 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 sa􀆟sfac􀆟on.

**************************************************************************************************************

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Vans USA, LLC DEC 20, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-849 Manufacturer Recall No. : VS3FEDDOR Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Vans USA, LLC Address : One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs GA 30328
Company phone : 8777628267
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 33 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2023-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vehicle Type : Body Style : VAN Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : MAR 02, 2023 – MAY 11, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR
ntial Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter Vans, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front left suspension strut bolt connection might not meet current specifications.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : In this case, the front suspension strut bolt connection might loosen due to
vibrations while driving, which might hinder the suspension strut guiding function. As a result, steering impairment cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : Due to a deviation in the production process, the body contact surface for the front suspension strut bolt connection of certain vehicles might be inadvertently coated with underbody sealant. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : The driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849 Page 2 Component Name 1 : Main Floor Component Description : NR
Component Part Number : A9066162700 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
In March 2023, MBAG became aware of an irregularity in the production process showing inadvertent coating on the body in white. As an immediate reaction beginning in April 2023, MBAG implemented a 100% check of all vehicles that were still located at the plant in order to identify whether additional vehicles might be affected. The subsequent analyses concluded that the inadvertent coating was limited to the area of the left front suspension strut body contact surface . During June 2023, MBAG began investigating the possible effects of the underbody sealing on the body contact surface for the front left suspension strut bolt connection . In September 2023, these analyses concluded that the bolt connection on the suspension strut to the body in white might settle over time. Subsequently, based on torque diagram analyses of the suspected bolt connection, MBAG checked whether the remaining bolts on the body in white would be sufficient to secure the suspension strut. In parallel, MBAG determined the potential scope of the affected vehicle population and the vehicles that might already have been distributed to the market. In November 2023, the analysis was finalized and concluded, that it could not be ruled out completely that the remaining bolts might not withstand the applied forces in each driving scenario. On Dec 8 2023, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall. MBAG can confirm there are no warranty claims, field or service reports, and other information (such as the numbers of deaths and/or injuries or property damage) related to this defect in the USA. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : As a precautionary measure, authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealers,
will check the respective body contact surface on the affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary. If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR A change in the production procedure ensures that this issue can no longer occur from May 12, 2023 onwards. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealers will be notified of the pending voluntary recall campaign on Dec
29, 2024. A copy of all communications will be provided when available.
Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before Feb 9, 2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 29, 2023 – DEC 29, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 09, 2024 – FEB 09, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

**************************************************************************************************************

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Vans USA, LLC DEC 15, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-849 Manufacturer Recall No. : VS3FEDDOR Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Vans USA, LLC Address : One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs GA 30328
Company phone : 8777628267
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 33 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2023-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vehicle Type : Body Style : VAN Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : MAR 02, 2023 – MAY 11, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR
ntial Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter Vans, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the body contact surface at the front left suspension strut bolt connection might not meet current specifications.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : In this case, the front suspension strut bolt connection might loosen due to
vibrations while driving, which might hinder the suspension strut guiding function. As a result, steering impairment cannot be ruled out, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : Due to a deviation in the production process, the body contact surface for the front suspension strut bolt connection of certain vehicles might be inadvertently coated with underbody sealant. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : The driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849 Page 2 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
In March 2023, MBAG became aware of an irregularity in the production process showing inadvertent coating on the body in white. As an immediate reaction beginning in April 2023, MBAG implemented a 100% check of all vehicles that were still located at the plant in order to identify whether additional vehicles might be affected. The subsequent analyses concluded that the inadvertent coating was limited to the area of the left front suspension strut body contact surface . During June 2023, MBAG began investigating the possible effects of the underbody sealing on the body contact surface for the front left suspension strut bolt connection . In September 2023, these analyses concluded that the bolt connection on the suspension strut to the body in white might settle over time. Subsequently, based on torque diagram analyses of the suspected bolt connection, MBAG checked whether the remaining bolts on the body in white would be sufficient to secure the suspension strut. In parallel, MBAG determined the potential scope of the affected vehicle population and the vehicles that might already have been distributed to the market. In November 2023, the analysis was finalized and concluded, that it could not be ruled out completely that the remaining bolts might not withstand the applied forces in each driving scenario. On Dec 8 2023, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall. MBAG can confirm there are no warranty claims, field or service reports, and other information (such as the numbers of deaths and/or injuries or property damage) related to this defect in the USA. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-849
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : As a precautionary measure, authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealers,
will check the respective body contact surface on the affected vehicles and rework it, if necessary. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR A change in the production procedure ensures that this issue can no longer occur from May 12, 2023 onwards. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealers will be notified of the pending voluntary recall campaign on Dec
29, 2024. A copy of all communications will be provided when available.
Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before Feb 9, 2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 29, 2023 – DEC 29, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 09, 2024 – FEB 09, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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