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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter taillights can dim or shut off

NHTSA campaign 19V591000 · Reported 2019-08-12 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

high How serious is it? About this label

Losing your taillights without knowing it is a serious rear-end crash risk at night, though the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, so you can keep driving while getting the update done soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

These vans have a manual dial that switches the lights on and off. If you twist that dial quickly from one setting to another, the taillights can become much dimmer or switch off completely. Drivers behind you would then have trouble seeing your van, especially at night or in bad weather, and you may not realize your lights are out. The fix is a software update to the van's body control computer, done at the dealer.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your van is included. 2. Contact a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, or call 1-800-367-6372 (recall VS3HELI). 3. Have the body control software updated — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (2)

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

Who to contact

Mercedes-Benz — official Mercedes-Benz recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-367-6372

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do Mercedes-Benz headlights and taillights fail in these recalls? · all 4 Mercedes-Benz recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vehicles. If the manual turn-switch that activates the vehicle lights is turned quickly from one lighting position to another, the brightness of the taillights can be significantly reduced or could switch off completely.
Safety risk: Reduced taillight visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will update the body control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 30, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is VS3HELI.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.