VS3LAUFRI – Tires May be Improperly Installed – 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

March 18, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V157000

Tires May be Improperly Installed

A reduction in traction may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V157

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components TIRES

Potential Number of Units Affected 54

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with winter tires. The tires may not have been correctly installed, possibly resulting in reduced traction in wet or snowy conditions.

 

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will inspect the running direction of the tires, correcting them as necessary. If the thread wear is uneven, the tires will be replaced. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3LAUFRI.

 

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 and Freightliner Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM: Anthony Washington, Department Manager, Regulations and Certifications
RE: Recall Campaign Notification Model 907 (Sprinter) Model Years 2019 Tire Running Direction	DATE:  April 27, 2020

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

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Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Tire Running Direction
2020040014	VS3LAUFRI
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign concerning the rotational direction of the tires on approximately 54 MY19 MercedesBenz and Freightliner 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 “OPEN” in VMI.
Background
Issue	Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles from platform 907 (VS30) with factory-equipped winter tires,  the winter tires may not have been installed on the correct side of the vehicle in accordance with manufacturing specifications. As a result, in certain weather conditions, such as on wet roads or in snow, the driving characteristics of the vehicle and the traction of the tire, including water dispersal from the tire, could be affected. Insufficient water drainage from the tires could affect driving performance and tire traction and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the respective rotational direction of the tires on the affected vehicles and, if required, implement them if necessary.
Parts	Parts are not necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall	54
Dealer Inventory	0
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY19 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 MY19 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 early May, 2020.
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 DVUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred DVUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, we are determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

 

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Campaign No. 2020040014, April 2020

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 907 (Sprinter), Model Year 2019 Tire Running Direction

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles from platform 907 (VS30) with factory- equipped winter tires, the winter tires may not have been installed on the correct side of the vehicle in accordance with manufacturing specifications. As a result, in certain weather conditions, such as on wet roads or in snow, the driving characteristics of the vehicle and the traction of the tire, including water dispersal from the tire, could be affected. Insufficient water drainage from the tires could affect driving performance and tire traction and therefore increase the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the respective rotational direction of the tires on the affected vehicles and, if required, implement them if necessary.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previouslyrepaired.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 54 vehicles are involved.

Order No. V-RC-2020040014

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Operation no. of the operation texts or standard texts and flat rates

Category	Op. no.	Operation text	Time	Acc. no.	Code
L	02 1800	Operations: Check running direction of tires	—	40 922 63	VS3LAUFRI
L	02 1801	Operations: Remove/install 4 wheel and tire assemblies (after check)	—	40 922 63	VS3LAUFRI
L	02 1539	Operations: Extra work for: Remove/install 4 wheel and tire assemblies for installation with wheel lift dolly	—	40 922 63	VS3LAUFRI
L	02 1807	Operations: Remove/install one tire (wheel and tire assemblies removed)	—	40 922 63	VS3LAUFRI
L	02 1802	Operations: Remove/install 2 tires (wheel and tire assemblies removed)	—	40 922 63	VS3LAUFRI

 

Shown on model 907, left side of vehicle

1 Tires

D40.10-A005-76

 

Danger	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
Topical note	Information on tires / rims		AH40.10-P-9411-01A
Topical note	General information on rim / tire conversions		AH40.10-P-1050-01A
Topical note	Notes on lug bolts		AH40.10-N-1005-01A
	Check
1	Check, whether the vehicle is affected by the measure.	Only the entry in the “Extended VEGA Application” (EVA) system in the “Current” tab is decisive for authorized Mercedes-Benz service partners. An additional test of the affected vehicles in the workshop information system (WIS) or vehicle list is thereby not necessary.
2	Check running direction of tires (1) on vehicle.	Pay attention to alignment of tire profiles and running direction arrows. If the running direction is correct on all tires (1), ↓ end the measure. If the running direction is incorrect on one or more tires (1), ↓ Continue with operation step 3.
	Remove
3	Raise vehicle.
	Special instructions for lifting and supporting vehicle		AH00.60-N-0100-01TS AR00.60-D-1000-04TS
4	Correct running direction of affected tires.
f		To do so, detach the wheels and rotate between the sides of the vehicle or axles so that the running direction is correct again. Then mount the wheels again. If the tires (1) of the wheels to be replaced on both axles exhibit uneven wear, ↓ replace the tires (1) of the respective axle.	AR40.10-D-1100TS
f		If the running direction of the wheels cannot be corrected by rotation, ↓ continue with operation step 5.	AR40.10-D-1030TS
5	Correct running direction of affected tire (1).	If rotation of the wheels does not provide a remedy.
		To do so, remove the tire (1) and mount again with the correct running direction.	AR40.10-D-1030TS
6	Lower vehicle.		AR00.60-D-1000-04TS

 

Parts ordering note

Part no.	Designation	Quantity
	Tires (tire make Continental, LT 245/75 R16)	As needed
	Valve (see XENTRY parts information)	As needed

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2020040014
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Tire Running Direction
NHTSA Recall #20V157

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.

 

2020040014

Dear Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner or Lessee:

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

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2019 Sprinter vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	MBAG determined that on certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with factory-equipped winter tires, the winter tires may not have been installed on the correct side of the vehicle in accordance with manufacturing specifications. As a result, in certain weather conditions, such as on wet roads or in snow, the driving characteristics of the vehicle and the traction of the tire, including water dispersal from the tire, could be affected. Insufficient water drainage from the tires could affect driving performance and tire traction and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will check the respective rotational direction of the tires on the affected vehicles and, if required, implement them if necessary. This service will be provided free of charge.  We are dedicated to always delivering the best customer experience, and respect for your time is a top priority. While the minimum repair time can be up to approximately 2 hours, 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 Sprinter dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time.
What should YOU DO?	For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer at your earliest convenience. To locate authorized dealers see www.mbvans.com/sprinter/shopping-tools/find-a-dealer. Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to check the respective rotational direction of the tires under Recall Campaign # 2020040014. 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	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.

 

To find the most convenient authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to the left.

 

A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBVans.com 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/sprinter/owners-resources/recall. Should you have any questions or encounter any 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-(800) FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).

If an authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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.

Sincerely,

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

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. 

 

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Chronology of Defect (too many characters for the recall portal comment box)

Chronology: 

MBAG initially became aware of a potential issue related to the mounting of the wheels  onto VS30 Sprinter vehicles after a notification from the US production plant in Charleston (SC) at the end of July 2019.  The plant notification indicated that it had found that on a single vehicle, wheels with a pre-mounted winter tire and rim were not installed in sequence. The production plant receives wheels from third-party logistics facilities which have tires that have been pre-mounted onto wheels along with rims.  The third-party facilities are responsible for sequencing the wheels, with tires and rims, so that when they are received, the wheels are already placed in the order in which they will be installed on the production line.

Following the plant notification and into August 2019, MBAG conducted a manual review of all vehicles that remained at the plant and corrected the mounting and installation of wheels on the vehicles located within the factory.

MBAG also launched an investigation to understand whether the issue may have been broader than the vehicles captured at the plant.  As part of this review, MBAG considered whether the discrepancy found in the plant notification was limited to winter tires or also affected or other types of tires, whether incorrect tire types or sizes were installed and various analyses of  the potential effects of altering the locations of the vehicle on which tires are installed.

MBAG conducted this portion of the investigation from September 2019 until November 2019 which  included a detailed step-by-step analysis of the logistics process for the parts from the factory in Germany, through the hands of two third-party logistics companies before reaching the assembly location in the vehicle plant in Charleston, SC, including how the wheels with tires are sequenced onto carriers for installation at the plant. This portion of the investigation also identified that in some cases, the manner of sequencing led to more than two tires for designated for one side of the vehicle to be installed and MBAG considered the effects of installing the wheels and tires in this manner.

In February 2020, MBAG confirmed that there were vehicles in the field that were affected by each of the issues affecting the sequencing of the tires and on March 11, 2020, MBAG determined that a safety risk could not be ruled out and decided to initiate a recall campaign.

To date MBAG is not aware of any complaints concerning this matter from the field.

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8 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 1500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 2500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 3500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 4500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 1500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 2500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 3500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 4500	2019

 

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9 Associated Documents

ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V157-2054.pdf 100.858KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V157-7020.pdf 187.502KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology

RMISC-20V157-3034.pdf 98.157KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V157-9082.pdf 244.921KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V157-5240.PDF 213.955KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V157-4936.pdf 1139.081KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V157-8297.PDF 211.138KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V157-9657.PDF 211.235KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V157-0801.PDF 211.319KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V157&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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