The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·17V480000·Announced 2017-07-28

Daimler Recalls 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vehicles for Air Bag Defect

Daimler Vans USA is recalling 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles because the passenger air bag inflators may rupture during deployment, posing a risk of serious injury or death.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect may result in 'serious injury or death' due to metal fragments striking occupants, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury reports or potential.

Plain-English summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC is recalling certain 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The recall involves the passenger frontal air bag modules, which may be equipped with specific air bag inflators used as original or replacement equipment.

The defect occurs when these inflators are exposed to long-term absolute humidity and temperature cycling, leading to propellant degradation. In the event of a crash that necessitates the deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, the inflators may rupture. This rupture can cause metal fragments to strike vehicle occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Daimler Vans USA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag free of charge. The recall began on January 12, 2018, and supersedes recall 17V-025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ, FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500, SPRINTER 2500
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Van
Hazard
Affected units
17,609

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • SPRINTER 3500
  • SPRINTER 2500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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