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Mercedes-Benz van brake recalls: leaking fluid, wrong discs, stuck brake lights
Every recall in this group is a commercial van, not a passenger car, and brake fluid loss is the repeating theme. Brake hoses on both axles of 2020 Sprinter 3500 and 4500 vans were damaged in production. Rear calipers on 2019-2020 Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vans with electric parking brakes leak fluid into the parking brake housing, leaving the pedal needing extra travel. On 2016-2021 Metris vans the brake fluid reservoir can be incorrectly mounted and detach. Two outliers round it out: a single 2020 Sprinter VS30 built with undersized front brake discs, and 2019-2020 Sprinters whose brake pedal retaining hardware can loosen and leave the brake lights on.
Warning signs to watch for
- A brake pedal that feels soft or low, or that needs extra travel to stop the van
- The brake warning light comes on
- Longer stopping distances than the van used to need
- Brake lights that stay illuminated after you release the pedal
- A brake fluid reservoir that looks loose or out of position
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these five recalls is a park-it or park-outside order, and the notices say the vans can still be driven until the free repair is completed. That said, these are brakes: get the van in promptly rather than waiting. If the pedal feels soft or low, if the brake warning light comes on, or if fluid is disappearing, have the van checked right away instead of driving on it. Ask someone to confirm your brake lights go off when you release the pedal.
What the free repair involves
All work is done free of charge at the dealer. Dealers check the front and rear brake hoses and replace them as needed, replace leaking rear brake calipers, replace the incorrectly sized front brake discs, and inspect and repair the Metris brake fluid reservoir mounting. For the brake light defect, they retrofit an additional retaining ring at the brake pedal bearing bracket.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 4 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-02-08 | Mercedes-Benz Metris brake fluid tank can come loose | high |
| 2021-11-03 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van has wrong front brake discs | high |
| 2021-03-10 | Mercedes Sprinter Brake Lights May Stay On Constantly | medium |
| 2020-12-21 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rear brake calipers can leak fluid | high |
| 2020-10-14 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans: Brake Hoses May Leak Fluid | high |
Common questions
My Sprinter's brake pedal feels soft. Should I wait for my appointment?
No. The hose and caliper recalls both involve brake fluid loss and extra pedal travel. Stop using the van and have it checked right away rather than waiting, and mention the recall when you call DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267.
Do any of these recalls cover Mercedes-Benz cars?
No. All five cover vans — Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris models, with some campaigns also including Freightliner Sprinter vans. One of them applies to a single 2020 Sprinter VS30 built with the wrong front brake disc size.
Why would my brake lights stay on all the time?
The retaining washer and bolt connecting the brake pedal to the bearing block can loosen and detach, leaving the lights illuminated even when you are off the pedal. Dealers retrofit an extra retaining ring, free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.