Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode – 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 & 3500

January 8, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V003000

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 71,301

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 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 driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

 

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

 

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

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM: Anthony Washington, Department Manager, Regulatory Mgmt & Campaigns Vans
RE: Recall Campaign 2017030012 – Replace Driver’s-side Airbag, MY 15-17 906 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters	DATE: March 13, 2019

 

IMPORTANT RECALL LAUNCH INFORMATION

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Campaign No. :	Replace Takata Driver-side Airbag
2017030012
This Recall Campaign is being launched to replace the driver-side airbag on approximately 81,000 affected MY15 – MY17 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles that are flagged in VMI as of today. Work Instructions are attached and available in Star TekInfo. The recall is being launched in all Zones as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This recall was initiated early March 2019.
Background
What’s the Concern	The driver-side airbag is affected by this recall based on the defect decision of TK Holdings, Inc. (“Takata”). Under certain circumstances during a crash that necessitates frontal airbag deployment, the defect in the driver-side airbag inflator housing may cause the inflator to rupture. A driver-side inflator rupture during deployment could result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, possibly causing serious injury or death.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Freightliner or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will replace the driver-side airbag module.
Parts	Airbags are available and may be ordered as required.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	2015 – 2017
Vehicle Model	2500, 3500
Vehicle Populations
Recall Population	81,000
>> Important Next Steps/Notes <<
Follow ALL steps of the Work Instructions, Follow suggested guidance and best practices regarding customer contact and preparing your workshop for the campaign. File warranty claims frequently and without delay to ensure immediate and steady parts return flow for testing.  Additional References Customer Assistance Center (CAC): 877-496-3691 Industry-wide Takata information on the NHTSA website: https://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/index.html
Customer Notification Timeline	Customer notification letters will be mailed late March 2019.
AOMS/SOMS	Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP to ensure they are aware of this recall.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, DVUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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Campaign No. 2017030012, March 2019

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 906, Model Years 2015 – 2017 Replace Driver’s Side Airbag

 

Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Years 2015 – 2017 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles, the driver-side airbag is affected by a recall based on the defect decision of TK Holdings, Inc. (“Takata”). Under certain circumstances during a crash that necessitates frontal airbag deployment, the defect in the driver-side airbag inflator may cause the inflator housing to rupture. A driver-side inflator rupture during deployment could result in metal fragments striking the front driver or other occupants, possibly causing serious injury or death. An authorized Freightliner or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will replace the driver side front airbag of the potentially affected vehicles in the Freightliner branded Sprinter 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 81,000 vehicles are involved.

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Procedure

 

WARNING!

• There is a risk of injury or death when performing testing or repair work on vehicles and when handling vehicle components. Be sure to read and observe all relevant safety instructions. This procedure must only be performed by trained personnel using proper tools and equipment.
• Store airbag units with deployment side facing up; do not expose to temperatures greater than 100 °C. When working on these units, disconnect negative battery cable. Refer to WIS: AS91.00-Z-0001-01A for more information.

 

Notes:

• Notes on carrying out repair work in the vehicle interior; refer to WIS: AH68.00-N-0001-01S.
• Information on preventing damage to electronic components due to electrostatic discharge; refer to WIS: AH54.00-P-0001-01A.
• Information, assessment and legal requirements when working with, handling and storing pyrotechnical components; refer to WIS: AH91.00-Z-0000-10A.

 

1. Replace driver airbag; refer to WIS: AR91.60-D-0660C.

Note:

• Record new airbag part number found on adhesive label with barcode of new front passenger airbag on repair order.
• Requested parts must be returned to the designated QEC test center in accordance with the warranty parts return requirements section found in the policy and procedures manual.
• Use the attached hazmat shipping document as a guide for shipping airbags.

 

Note (regarding WIS documents referenced in this Procedure):

Replacement of parts not listed in the parts table of this Procedure are not claimable under this campaign. If replacement of additional part(s) is necessary, check coverage prior to submitting under warranty.

 

Primary Parts Information

Qty.	Part Name	Part Number	Estimated Replacement Rate
1 (as required)	Driver airbag (vehicles of the Mercedes Benz brands without code XM0 model refinement, with code CL4 Multifunction steering wheel)	A 906 860 16 00	100%
1 (as required)	Driver airbag (vehicles of the Mercedes Benz brands without code CL4 Multifunction steering wheel)	A 906 860 19 00
1 (as required)	Driver airbag (vehicles of the Freightliner brands with code CL4 Multifunction steering wheel)	A906 860 18 00
1 (as required)	Driver airbag (vehicles of the Freightliner brands without code CL4 Multifunction steering wheel)	A906 860 17 00

 

 Note:

• Please be aware that only the part number(s) referenced in the Campaign Bulletin is/are approved for use to repair the vehicle. Repairs performed using any other part(s) will not have been performed in accordance with the campaign. Accordingly, warranty claims submitted with reference to an improper part number(s) will be denied.
• The following allowable labor operation should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair:

 

Warranty Information

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Operation:  Replace driver’s airbag (02 9540).

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
91 930 65 7	02 9540	0.3

 

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change.

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URGENT – IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2017030013
This notice applies to your vehicle VIN: WD3PE7CC0
Replace Driver-side Airbag Module NHTSA Recall #19V003

 

A safety defect exists in your vehicle Remedy parts are now available for your vehicle. Schedule an appointment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer as soon as possible. This repair will be provided free of charge.

 

March, 2019

 

2017030013

 

Dear Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Daimler Vans USA has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2015 – 2017 Mercedes- Benz Sprinter vehicles. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	Your driver-side airbag is affected by this recall based on the defect decision of TK Holdings, Inc. (“Takata”). Under certain circumstances during a crash that necessitates frontal airbag deployment, the defect in your driver-side airbag inflator may cause the inflator housing to rupture. A driver-side inflator rupture during deployment could result in metal fragments striking the front driver or other occupants, possibly causing serious injury or death.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will replace the driver-side airbag module. This service will be provided free of charge. While the minimum repair time is approximately 1 hour, your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit. As a matter of normal service process, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time. You will not be charged for other service or repairs unless so requested.
What should YOU DO?   To find the most convenient authorized MB dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to the left.	Schedule an appointment immediately at your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Dealer. See www.mbvans.com/sprinter/owners-resources/recall for the Dealer Locator.   Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to replace the Takata driver-side airbag module under Recall Campaign #2017030013. 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.
Information for Owners	We encourage you to sign up for recall alerts at www.nhtsa.gov/alerts.   In the event that you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have had a change of address, please complete the reverse side and return the updated information in the enclosed envelope. 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.

 

Should you have any questions difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. If for any reason a dealer is unable to remedy your situation, we are always happy to hear from you. Please contact us at 1-877-762-8267.

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.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you, but your safety is of utmost concern to Mercedes-Benz. Sincerely,

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12 Affected Products

Vehicles

FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 2500	2015-2017
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 3500	2015-2017
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 2500	2015-2017
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 3500	2015-2017

 

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7 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V003-6030.PDF 214.719KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V003-9519.pdf 191.546KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V003-6483.pdf 245.717KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V003-8243.pdf 854.189KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-1

RCLQRT-19V003-6819.PDF 211.131KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-2

RCLQRT-19V003-6338.PDF 211.239KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V003-3428.PDF 211.325KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V003&docType=RCL

 

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1 Associated Investigation

Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA ID: EA15001
Dated opened: February 24, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.

During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers. Nonetheless, at ODI’s insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation. The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures. As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.

Takata’s initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida. Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas. Takata’s testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions. During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.

Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina. Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls. Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity. Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing. All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.

The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time. ODI’s investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.

The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

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