The defect
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.
The risk
Reduced taillight visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS | EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | 2019 | 0 | 34 |
| Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | 2019 | 4 | 36 |
| Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | 2019 | 0 | 36 |
| Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | 2019 | 1 | 34 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | 2019 | 8 | 38 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | 2019 | 67 | 42 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | 2019 | 27 | 41 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | 2019 | 9 | 38 |
Other exterior lighting recalls in 2019
74 of the 880 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2019 concerned the exterior lighting; Daimler Vans USA, LLC filed 126 campaigns in all.
| 19V895000 16 Dec 2019 | Mack Trucks, Inc. |
| 19V878000 11 Dec 2019 | Porsche Cars North America, Inc. |
| 19V850000 27 Nov 2019 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 19V839000 21 Nov 2019 | Ford Motor Company |
| 19V816000 15 Nov 2019 | Newmar Corporation |
| 19V808000 12 Nov 2019 | Ford Motor Company |
| 19V799000 7 Nov 2019 | Thor Motor Coach |
| 19V795000 6 Nov 2019 | Blue Bird Body Company |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2019