VS3LACKHA – Windows & Interior Lashing Rail Cargo May Detach – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Submission Date : DEC 01, 2023
NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-806
Manufacturer Recall No. : VS3LACKHA
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Address : One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs GA 30328
Company phone : 8777628267
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 131
Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Vehicle Type :
Body Style : VAN
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : APR 08, 2021 – MAR 31, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential
Vehicle 2 : 2021-2021 Freightliner Sprinter
Vehicle Type :
Body Style : VAN
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : APR 08, 2021 – MAR 31, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter vehicles, has determined that
on certain Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the chemical composition of the
topcoat paint might not meet specifications
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : In such case, adhesion of the fixed windows to the vehicle body might be
impaired. As a result, a loosening or detachment of the windows cannot be
ruled out over the vehicle’s lifetime which could increase the risk of injury in
the event of a crash.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
In addition, loosening of secured objects cannot be ruled out for vehicles with
lashing rails, which could increase the risk of injury for vehicle occupants.
Description of the Cause : Due to a deviation in the production process at the supplier, the paint
composition of the topcoat paint might not meet specifications
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
Before the issue occurs, the driver will not receive a warning due to the nature
of the failure mechanism.
When the issue occurs, the driver might notice wind noises while driving or
water ingress around the fixed windows.
Involved Components :
Component Name 1 : Paint-Brilliant Blue
Component Description : Paint-Brilliant Blue
Component Part Number : A0009867500
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : PPG Automotive Coatings
Address : One PPG Place 37N
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15272
Country : United States
Chronology :
In December 2022, MBAG became aware of a paint adhesion deviation on one production vehicle. As an
immediate reaction, MBAG started to carry out investigations on the affected vehicle. Since no related deviation
was found in the vehicle production process, MBAG started analyzing the root cause in cooperation with its
paint supplier including further investigations to identify potentially affected topcoat colors in early 2023. The
supplier was able to isolate the adhesion deviation to a single topcoat color “Brilliant Blue” in May 2023.
In June 2023, based on its analyses in conjunction with the results provided by the supplier, MBAG determined
that an irregularity existed in individual “Brilliant Blue” topcoat batches applied to some Sprinter vehicles.
Accordingly, a plant action was launched to rework vehicles still within production process. In parallel, MBAG
together with its supplier of the suspect topcoat color batches started investigations to identify the potentially
affected vehicle population in July 2023. This was realized by tracking the material flow and the matching
vehicles which were painted with the suspected topcoat color batches. On this basis, the potential field
population was determined. At the same time, the paint supplier implemented several changes in its
production process, including a reformulation of the topcoat composition.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Through summer and early autumn MBAG conducted a further analysis to identify potential influencing factors
and to determine if there were any potential safety related consequences.
On November 24, 2023, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk involving certain Sprinter vehicles
painted in the color “Brilliant Blue” cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall.
MBAG can confirm there are no warranty claims, field or service reports nor reports of crashes, injuries or
fatalities related to this defect in the USA.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : As a precautionary measure, Mercedes-Benz AG, via its Mercedes-Benz
service partners, will check the paint adhesion on the affected vehicles.
Depending on the impairment, the necessary measures will be carried out.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
NR
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
A change in the production procedure of our supplier ensures that this
issue can no longer occur from Apr 03, 2023 onwards
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealers will be notified of the pending voluntary recall campaign on Jan
12, 2024. A copy of all communications will be provided when available.
Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before Jan 19,
2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : JAN 12, 2024 – JAN 12, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : JAN 19, 2024 – JAN 19, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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Initial Recall Campaign Notification
DATE: December, 2023

TO: Freightliner Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers FROM: Anthony Washington, Senior Manager, Regulations and Certifications Re: Initial Recall Campaign Notification Model: Sprinter
Model Year: 2021
Top Coat Paint Adhesion DATE: December, 2023
IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION
Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above. Campaign Desc. : 2013120001 PDGLACKHA
Top Coat Paint Adhesion This is to notify you of an INITIAL Recall Campaign concerning the Top Coat Paint Adhesion on approximately 5 MY 2021 Freightliner Sprinter Vans. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers.
All affected VINs will be flagged as “PENDING” in VMI and cannot be sold.
Background
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the chemical composition of the topcoat paint might not meet specifications. In such Issue What We’re Doing Remedy case, adhesion of the fixed windows to the vehicle body might be impaired. As a result, a loosening or detachment of the windows cannot be ruled out over the vehicle’s lifetime, which could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. In addition, loosening of secured objects cannot be ruled out for vehicles with lashing rails, which could increase the risk of injury for vehicle occupants.
DVUSA is conducting a voluntary recall. As a precautionary measure, an authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the adhesion of the topcoat paint on the affected vehicles. Depending on the result of
that check, the window area of the affected vehicles will be stripped, and repainted, and the windows will be reinstalled. If the repair is not feasible, DVUSA will offer to repurchase the vehicle from the customer. Remedy is not yet available
Vehicles Affected Vehicle Model Year(s) Vehicle Model Population
Dealer Inventory 2021
Sprinter 5
0 Vehicle Populations Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for rental companies to rent new vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline An owner notification letter to be mailed in January, 2024.
AOMS/SOMS AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective DVUSA Rental Fleet Partners fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred DVUSA dealer. While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, we are determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Vans USA, LLC DEC 08, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-806 Manufacturer Recall No. : VS3LACKHA Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Vans USA, LLC Address : One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs GA 30328
Company phone : 8777628267
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 131 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vehicle Type : Body Style : VAN Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : APR 08, 2021 – MAR 31, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Vehicle 2 : 2021-2021 Freightliner Sprinter Vehicle Type : Body Style : VAN Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined through production records.
Production Dates : APR 08, 2021 – MAR 31, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the chemical composition of the topcoat paint might not meet specifications
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : In such case, adhesion of the fixed windows to the vehicle body might be
impaired. As a result, a loosening or detachment of the windows cannot be ruled out over the vehicle’s lifetime which could increase the risk of injury in
the event of a crash. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806 Page 2 In addition, loosening of secured objects cannot be ruled out for vehicles with lashing rails, which could increase the risk of injury for vehicle occupants.
Description of the Cause : Due to a deviation in the production process at the supplier, the paint composition of the topcoat paint might not meet specifications Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Before the issue occurs, the driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.
When the issue occurs, the driver might notice wind noises while driving or water ingress around the fixed windows. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Paint-Brilliant Blue Component Description : Paint-Brilliant Blue Component Part Number : A0009867500 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : PPG Automotive Coatings Address : One PPG Place 37N
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15272
Country : United States Chronology :
In December 2022, MBAG became aware of a paint adhesion deviation on one production vehicle. As an immediate reaction, MBAG started to carry out investigations on the affected vehicle. Since no related deviation was found in the vehicle production process, MBAG started analyzing the root cause in cooperation with its paint supplier including further investigations to identify potentially affected topcoat colors in early 2023. The supplier was able to isolate the adhesion deviation to a single topcoat color “Brilliant Blue” in May 2023.
In June 2023, based on its analyses in conjunction with the results provided by the supplier, MBAG determined that an irregularity existed in individual “Brilliant Blue” topcoat batches applied to some Sprinter vehicles.
Accordingly, a plant action was launched to rework vehicles still within production process. In parallel, MBAG together with its supplier of the suspect topcoat color batches started investigations to identify the potentially affected vehicle population in July 2023. This was realized by tracking the material flow and the matching vehicles which were painted with the suspected topcoat color batches. On this basis, the potential field population was determined. At the same time, the paint supplier implemented several changes in its production process, including a reformulation of the topcoat composition. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-806
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Through summer and early autumn MBAG conducted a further analysis to identify potential influencing factors and to determine if there were any potential safety related consequences.
On November 24, 2023, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk involving certain Sprinter vehicles painted in the color “Brilliant Blue” cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall.
MBAG can confirm there are no warranty claims, field or service reports nor reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this defect in the USA.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : As a precautionary measure, an authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner
Sprinter dealer will check the adhesion of the topcoat paint on the affected vehicles. Depending on the result of that check, the window area of the affected vehicles will be stripped, and repainted, and the windows will be reinstalled. If the repair is not feasible, DVUSA will offer to repurchase the vehicle from the customer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR A change in the production procedure of our supplier ensures that this issue can no longer occur from Apr 03, 2023 onwards Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealers will be notified of the pending voluntary recall campaign on Jan
12, 2024. A copy of all communications will be provided when available. Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before Jan 19, 2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : JAN 12, 2024 – JAN 12, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : JAN 19, 2024 – JAN 19, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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