Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans Face Recall for Electrical Concern: Loss of Drive Power

Apr 02, 2024 11:42 PM EDT

VAN FIELD MERCEDES TRAVELLING — (Photo : PIXABAY/RJA1988)

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are currently on center stage. A recall has been issued by Daimler Vans USA. A possibly unsecured 12-volt ground connection is the source of the safety concern. It causes the connection to overheat, which causes the loss of drive power.

Recall for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

In a recent report by FleetOwner, it was highlighted that an overheated ground connection poses a significant fire risk, while a loss of drive power can elevate the chances of a crash occurring. This safety concern has prompted a recall that may impact approximately 99 vehicles.

Dealers are prepared to conduct thorough inspections and address any issues related to the 12-volt ground connection to ensure vehicle safety. Owners can anticipate receiving notification letters regarding this matter, scheduled to be dispatched on May 3.

Autoevolution also had details about this recall issued on 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that a specific employee took responsibility for inaccurately performing the push-pull-push check on the 12-volt ground connection.

This admission led the German manufacturer to initiate a plant rework campaign as a corrective measure. The recall affects vans outside MBAG's control, totaling 99 units manufactured between February 1, 2023, and June 27, 2023, destined for the U.S. market.

Fortunately, there have been no reported field or service incidents related to the recall issue, providing some relief to impacted owners. Service technicians at dealerships have been directed to meticulously inspect the mounting of the quick-release fastener and, if deemed necessary, rework it according to their professional judgment.

However, Autoevolution calls it assemble. It is more accurate to say that third-gen Sprinter vans are assembled, as they arrive as knock-down kits at the Charleston assembly plant in South Carolina. This assembly process in the United States allows the automaker to bypass the chicken tax.

Consequently, Mercedes-Benz's pricing strategy reflects this, with a higher price tag on Sprinter panel vans compared to Ford and Ram counterparts, considering the additional costs associated with localized assembly. At the time of reporting, the most work-focused configuration of the Sprinter is priced at $49,900 excluding freight, in contrast to $46,890 for the Transit and $44,405 for the ProMaster.

Unlike the V6-powered Transit and Fiat Ducato-based ProMaster, the Sprinter exclusively features a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, offering a different powertrain option to cater to diverse customer preferences.

Specifications, Features

The last remaining gas engine from 2023 has been discontinued, leaving behind a 170-horsepower diesel option and a high-output 211-horsepower diesel variant as the available engine choices for the Sprinter. According to Car and Driver, the 2024 Sprinters are designed to cater to a wide range of van applications, emphasizing versatility and functionality.

The recommendation provided by the publication suggests that the optimal Sprinter model for an individual is the one that aligns most closely with their unique requirements and intended use cases. By offering a diverse lineup of configurations and options, Mercedes-Benz aims to provide solutions that effectively meet the varying demands of customers across different industries and purposes.

Highlighting its emphasis on comfort, the Sprinter boasts an impressive amount of interior space, surpassing the square footage of some apartments in New York City with up to 533 cubic feet available in Cargo configurations.

This capacity outstrips even the largest variant of the Ford Transit. In terms of passenger accommodations, Sprinter models with a 144-inch wheelbase can comfortably seat 12 individuals, while those with a 170-inch wheelbase have the capacity for up to 15 passengers, ensuring ample room for occupants to travel in comfort and style.