Daimler Vans USA, LLC is recalling certain 2013 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz

Jan 09, 2018 — Recall Campaign #18V032000

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013 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 passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

The recall was influenced by the Office of Defects Investigation with about 17,413 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

18V032000

Manufacturer:	Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Recall date:	January 09, 2018
NHTSA Campaign #:	18V032000
Units affected:	17,413

Description:: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013 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 passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequeces:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective action:: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on March 13, 2018. The recall began December 28, 2018. 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.

Affects the following:

2013 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 Complaints
I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL BY MERCEDES. I CALLED THE PHONE NUMBER PROVIDED. MERCEDES GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER FOR MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTHAMPTON TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAGS. I PROVIDED THEM WITH VIN NUMBER, THEY CONFIRMED THE RECALL, ORDERED PARTS, AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN WE ARRIVED FOR THE APPOINTMENT (MORE THAN AN HOUR'S DRIVE AWAY) MERCEDES BENZ OF SOUTHAMPTON REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG BECAUSE THIS IS A FREIGHTLINER VAN. MERCEDES BUILT THE VAN, MERCEDES INITIATED THE RECALL, MERCEDES SENT ME TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MY VIN NUMBER. NOW, I STILL HAVE THE DEFECTIVE, DANGEROUS AIRBAGS AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET THEM REPLACED.;
2013 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500 Complaints
The right rear axle shaft assembly wheel bearing seal failed. The right rear ABS Sensor, aka (rotational Speed Sensor, wheel speed sensor) failed. These parts are available for inspection. The vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without me pressing the accelerator as I approached a red light at an intersection, putting my safety and others at risk. I had to slam on the brakes with all my might to get the vehicle to stop from going through the intersection. The road was wet, and the front wheels locked while the rear wheels continued to be driven by the engine without any input from the accelerator pedal. Eventually, the vehicle stopped, and the engine acceleration went back to normal operation. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle and parts have been inspected by me, as the vehicle owner. The warning lamps suddenly illuminated on the instrument panel just prior to the incident. The warning lamps came on as I was approaching the intersection. The warning lamps that came on were the engine diagnostic indicator lamp aka Malfunction indicator lamp, the Anti-lock brake system warning light, the brake assist system warning light, the electronic stability program warning light. I also hear what sounded like the ABS Control Unit rapidly cycling just prior to the uncontrolled acceleration while nearing the intersection. I used diagnostic equipment and performed a visual inspection of the components, concluding that they needed replacement. Grease from the leaking right rear wheel bearing seal fouled the right rear wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor cable develops cracks near the wheel hub. I believe these parts are defective and can cause erratic, uncontrollable, unsafe driving risks that could lead to accidents and injuries. The symptoms and warning indications went away after the parts were replaced. I still have these parts as I feel they should be inspected by NHTSA personnel to make a safety recall.;
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 Complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that she safely drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact stated that when she opened the hood, she discovered that the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.;