VS3BRADVER - Fender Liner May Damage Brake Line

March 25, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V181000

Loss of brake fluid can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V181

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 48,775

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rear part of the fender liner on the front axle may contact and chafe the brake hose, possibly resulting in a loss of brake fluid.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will inspect and replace the brake hoses, as necessary. Additionally, the fender liners will be modified. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3BRADVER.

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 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 Front Axle Brake Hose	DATE: May 15, 2020

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Front Axle Brake Hose
2020040023	VS3BRADVER
This is to notify you of the upcoming Recall Campaign concerning the front fender liners on approximately 48,804 MY19 Mercedes-Benz 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 the rear part of the fender liner on the front axle could contact and chafe the brake hose. If the distance between the fender liner and the brake hose is not sufficient, the front wheel suspension could contact and chafe the brake hose, which could lead to the loss of brake fluid. Over time, if the operator ignores the brake fluid warning indicator and continues to operate the vehicle until the brake fluid empties, this may increase the stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the condition and clearance of the brake hoses and, if necessary, to replace them. Additionally, the corresponding fender liner will be modified accordingly on the respective side.
Parts	Parts are available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall	48,804
Dealer Inventory	5,974
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 late 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.

Campaign No. 2020040023, May 2020

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 907 (Sprinter), Model Year 2019 Front Axle Brake Hose

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles the rear part of the fender liner on the front axle could contact and chafe the brake hose. If the distance between the fender liner and the brake hose is not sufficient, the front wheel suspension could contact and chafe the brake hose, which could lead to the loss of brake fluid. Over time, if the operator ignores the brake fluid warning indicator and continues to operate the vehicle until the brake fluid empties, this may increase the stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the condition and clearance of the brake hoses and, if necessary, to replace them. Additionally, the corresponding fender liner will be modified accordingly on the respective side.

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 48,804 vehicles are involved.

Order No. V-RC-2020040023

Please use only work instructions

SM88.10-D-0019SG,
SM88.10-D-0019-02SG, and
SM88.10-D-0019-03SG

when processing the vehicles.

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

Op. no.	Operation text	Time (hrs.)	Acc. no.
02 1773	Operations: Check front fender liner and adjacent component parts	0.2	42 960 87
02 1796	Operations: Move vehicle onto vehicle lift for rework	0.2	42 960 87
02 1777	Operations: Replace front section of a front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.3	42 960 87
02 1804	Operations: Replace rear section of a front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.3	42 960 87
02 1805	Operations: Replace front and rear section of front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.5	42 960 87
02 1808	Operations: Replace 2 front sections of front fender liners ….. (vehicle raised)	0.5	42 960 87
02 1809	Operations: Replace 2 rear sections of front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.4	42 960 87
02 1750	Operations: Adapt one section of a front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.2	42 960 87
02 1803	Operations: Adapt both sections of a front fender liner ….. (vehicle raised)	0.2	42 960 87
02 1775	Operations: Replace brake hose of front axle (after check)	0.4	42 960 87
02 1776	Operations: Replace 2 brake hoses of front axle (after check)	0.5	42 960 87
02 1806	Operations: Bleed hydraulic brake system (brake hoses replaced)	0.4	42 960 87
02 3282	Operations: Remove underfloor paneling (vehicle on vehicle lift)	0.2	42 960 87

Important!

The following operation steps are to be performed on the right and left side of the vehicle.

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
Caution	Risk of injury caused by scraping or cutting body parts on sharp vehicle parts	Always wear protective gloves when working on or near sharp and non-deburred vehicle parts. Deburr repair panels.	AS00.00-Z-0017-01A
	Check
1	Check, whether the vehicle is affected by the measure.	Affected vehicles: Subsequently modify front fender liner (code: VS3BRADVER, acc. no.: 42 960 87) Model 907.### 1P as of 000485 up to 136806 Affected vehicles: Subsequently modify front fender liner (code: VS3BRADVER, acc. no.: 42 960 87) Model 907.### 1P as of 136807 up to 225641 Model 907.### 2P as of 000484 up to 225373 Affected vehicles: Subsequently modify front fender liner (code: VS3BRADVER, acc. no.: 42 960 87) Model 907.### 1E as of 179972 up to 188412 Model 907.### 1N as of 000264 up to 088619 Model 907.### 1T as of 000306 up to 022132 Model 907.### 2N as of 000967 up to 088558 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.	SM88.10-D-0019-01AAA SM88.10-D-0019-01AAB SM88.10-D-0019-01AAC
2	Check distances between rear sections of fender liner (2) and stabilizer.	To check the distances, the vehicle’s suspension must be in the compressed condition. The distance between the rear section of the fender liner (2) and the stabilizer should be approx. 5 mm. If a rear section of the fender liner (2) is in front of the stabilizer or the distance is too small, ↓ adapt rear section of fender liner (2) (as of operation step 8). If a rear section of the fender liner (2) is deformed, damaged or the fastening points are not OK, ↓ replace rear section of fender liner (2) (as of operation step 6).
3	Check distances between front sections of fender liners (1) and brake hoses.	To check the distances, the vehicle’s suspension must be in the compressed condition. The distance between the front section of the fender liner (1) and the front brake hose should be approx. 20 mm. In addition, the front brake hose should be located at the center of the cutout for the front section of the fender liner (1). If the distance between a brake hose and a front section of the fender liner (1) is insufficient, ↓ adapt front section of fender liner (1) (as of operation step 8).
4	Check front and rear sections of fender liners (1, 2) for damage and tight seating.	Adjacent components (brake hoses) must also be checked for damage and, if necessary, cleaned using a rag before visual inspection. i Check the following points: ‑ damage to nuts – damage to mounting holes – damage to sections of fender liner – damage to brake hoses If no damage or chafe marks are found and the distances to the brake hoses and the stabilizer are sufficient, ↓ end the measure. If damage is visible on a section of the front fender liner, ↓ replace respective section of fender liner (as of operation step 6). If damage or chafe marks are present on the front brake hoses, ↓ replace affected front brake hose.	AR42.10-D-0026TS
	Replace
5 Topical note	Raise vehicle. Special instructions for lifting and supporting vehicle		AH00.60-N-0100-01TS AR00.60-D-1000-04TS
6	Replace front section of front fender liner (1).	Depending on the findings. If front section of fender liner (1) is to be replaced, ↓ adapt front section of fender liner (1) before installation.	AR88.10-D-1322TS SM88.10-D-0019-03SG
7	Replace rear section of front fender liner (2).	Depending on the findings. If rear section of fender liner (2) is to be replaced, ↓ adapt rear section of fender liner (2) before installation.	AR88.10-D-1321TS SM88.10-D-0019-03SG
	Adjust
8	Subsequently adapt front fender liner in installed state.	If front or rear sections of fender liners (1, 2) were not replaced.	SM88.10-D-0019-02SG
9	Lower vehicle.

Parts ordering note

Part no.	Designation	Quantity
A 907 684 27 02	Front section of left front fender liner	As Needed
A 907 684 28 02	Front section of right front fender liner	As Needed
A 907 684 02 00	Rear section of left front fender liner	As Needed
A 907 684 03 00	Rear section of right front fender liner	As Needed
A 002 990 53 50	Nuts	As Needed
A 000 990 54 92	Expansion rivet	As Needed
A 907 428 42 00	Front brake hose	As Needed
A 907 428 29 00	Front brake hose (4×4 Vehicles only)	As Needed

Note: The expected parts replacement rate is approximately 1% for the fender liners and approximately 5% of the brake hoses of the affected population.

SM88.10-D-0019-02SG

Subsequently modify front fender liner in installed state (code: VS3BRADVER, acc. no.: 42 960 87)

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

Caution

Risk of injury caused by scraping or cutting body parts on sharp vehicle parts

Always wear protective gloves when working on or near sharp and non-deburred vehicle parts.

Deburr repair panels.

AS00.00-Z-0017-01A

Model 907

The following operation steps are shown on the right side of the vehicle and must be performed in the same way on the left side of the vehicle.

1 Turn steering.

Turn steering to left if right fender liner is to be processed.

Turn steering to right if left fender liner is to be processed.

Adapt front section of fender liner (1) i

2 Mark separation lines on front section of Clean area on front section of fender liner fender liner (1) as shown. (1) using a rag.

Observe dimension (C).

Clean area on front section of fender liner (1) using a rag.

D88.10-A001-75

Adapt front section of fender liner (1)

3 Detach front section of fender liner (1).

To do so, separate front section of fender liner (1) at separation line using a suitable tool (e.g. carpet blade).

The remaining piece (3) can be reused as a template.

Make sure that no adjacent components are damaged when cutting out.

If components or anti-corrosion protection have been damaged,
↓
replace corresponding vehicle parts or repair anti-corrosion protection.

4 Use suitable tool to deburr edges.

Adapt rear section of fender liner (2)

5 Mark separation lines on rear section of fender liner (2) as shown.

Observe dimensions (A, B).

Clean area on rear section of fender liner (2) using a rag.

D88.10-A001-75

Adapt rear section of fender liner (2)

6 Detach rear section of fender liner (2).

To do so, separate rear section of fender liner (2) at separation line using a suitable tool (e.g. carpet blade).

The remaining piece (4) can be reused as a template.

Make sure that no adjacent components are damaged when cutting out.

If components or anti-corrosion protection have been damaged,
↓
replace corresponding vehicle parts or repair anti-corrosion protection.

7 Use suitable tool to deburr edges.

SM88.10-D-0019-03SG

Subsequently modify front fender liner in removed state (code: VS3BRADVER, acc. no.: 42 960 87)

Caution

Risk of injury caused by scraping or cutting body parts on sharp vehicle parts

Always wear protective gloves when working on or near sharp and non-deburred vehicle parts.

Deburr repair panels.

AS00.00-Z-0017-01A

Model 907

The following operation steps are shown on components on the right side of the vehicle and must be performed in the same way on components on the left side of the vehicle.

Adapt front section of fender liner (1)

1 Mark separation lines on front section of fender liner (1) as shown. i

Observe dimension (C).

2 Detach front section of fender liner (1).

To do so, separate front section of fender liner (1) at separation line using a suitable tool (e.g. carpet blade).

The remaining piece (3) can be reused as a template.

3 Use suitable tool to deburr edges.

Adapt rear section of fender liner (2)

4 Mark separation lines on rear section of fender liner (2) as shown.

Observe dimensions (A, B).

5 Detach rear section of fender liner (2).

To do so, separate rear section of fender liner (2) at separation line using a suitable tool (e.g. carpet blade).

The remaining piece (4) can be reused as a template.

6 Use suitable tool to deburr edges.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2020040023
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Front Axle Brake Hose
NHTSA Recall #20V181

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.

2020040023

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 vehicles, the rear part of the fender liner on the front axle could contact and chafe the brake hose. If the distance between the fender liner and the brake hose is not sufficient, the front wheel suspension could contact and chafe the brake hose, which could lead to the loss of brake fluid. Over time, if the operator ignores the brake fluid warning indicator and continues to operate the vehicle until the brake fluid empties, this may increase the stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
*What will your DEALER DO?*	An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will check the condition and clearance of the brake hoses and, if necessary, to replace them. Additionally, the corresponding fender liner will be modified accordingly on the respective side. 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 4 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 brake hoses under Recall Campaign # 2020040023. 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.

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.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).

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.

9 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 (VS30)	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 1500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 2500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 3500	2019
MERCEDES-BENZ	SPRINTER 4500	2019

11 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V181-2106.pdf 245.141KB

⬇ Download PDF (239.4 KB)

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V181-6190.PDF 214.421KB

⬇ Download PDF (209.4 KB)

ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V181-1972.pdf 188.738KB

⬇ Download PDF (184.31 KB)

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V181-6692.pdf 1653.948KB

⬇ Download PDF (1.58 MB)

ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V181-2532.pdf 108.952KB

⬇ Download PDF (106.4 KB)

Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V181-1699.PDF 216.375KB

⬇ Download PDF (211.3 KB)

Recall 573 Report-Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V181-4979.PDF 215.518KB

⬇ Download PDF (210.47 KB)

Recall 573 Report- AMENDMENT 3

RCLRPT-20V181-6779.PDF 215.666KB

⬇ Download PDF (210.61 KB)

Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V181-0561.PDF 211.143KB

⬇ Download PDF (206.19 KB)

Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V181-9948.PDF 211.33KB

⬇ Download PDF (206.38 KB)

Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V181-7752.PDF 211.245KB

⬇ Download PDF (206.29 KB)

Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V181&docType=RCL

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