VS3HELI – Taillights May Dim or Switch Off – 2019 Freightliner Sprinter

August 12, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V591000

Taillights May Dim or Switch Off

Reduced taillight visibility increases the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V591

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected 8,243

 

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.

 

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.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check for Daimler Vans Recalls

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM: Anthony Washington, Department Manager, Regulations and Certifications
RE: Recall Campaign Notification Model 907 (Sprinter) Model Years 2019 LED Taillights	DATE: September 6, 2019

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

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RECALL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH NOTIFICATION

September 6, 2019

 

Campaign No. :	Campaign Desc. :	LED Taillights
2019080018	VS3HELI
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign concerning code signal acquisition and actuation module on approximately 8,243 MY19 Sprinter vehicles. 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 “Open” in VMI.
Background
Issue		Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles (platform 907 (VS30)), if the manual turn-switch that activates the vehicle lights is turned quickly (≤0.5 s) from one lighting position to another, the brightness of the taillights can be significantly reduced (to a state of glowing only) or the taillights could switch off completely. The performance of the brake lights is not affected. If the brightness of the taillights is reduced or the taillights are turned off completely, the vehicle may not be sufficiently visible from the rear, which could increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing		An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will update the software coding on the “body controller” control unit.
Parts		Parts are not necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model		VS30 Sprinter (platform 907)
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		8,243
Dealer Inventory		1,719
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY19 Sprinter 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 MY19 Sprinter vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline		An owner notification letter will be mailed in late September, 2019.
AOMS/SOMS		AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners		This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective DVUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred DVUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, DVUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

 

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Campaign No. 2019080018, September 2019

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 907 (Sprinter), Model Year 2019 LED Taillights

 

Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles (platform 907 (VS30)), if the manual turn-switch that activates the vehicle lights is turned quickly (≤0.5 s) from one lighting position to another, the brightness of the taillights can be significantly reduced (to a state of glowing only) or the taillights could switch off completely. The performance of the brake lights is not affected. If the brightness of the taillights is reduced or the taillights are turned off completely, the vehicle may not be sufficiently visible from the rear, which could increase the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will update the software coding on the “body controller” control unit.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as

 

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 8,243 vehicles are involved.

 

 

Order No. V-RC-20190080018

This bulletin has been created and maintained in accordance with MBUSA-SLP S423QH001, Document and Data Control, and MBUSA-SLP S424HH001, Control of Quality Records.

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Warranty Information

 

Operation items and work units 

Operation number	Operation text	Labor Time (hrs.)	Damage Code
02 2443	Connect/disconnect diagnostic system	0.1 h	82 922 53 8
02 2445	Connect/disconnect charger (diagnostic system connected)	0.1 h	82 922 53 8
02 2444	Perform SCN coding in control unit… (diagnostic system connected)	0.1 h	82 922 53 8

 

 

Procedure 

Notes on SCN coding of control units			AH54.21-P-0004-01X
Check
1	Check whether vehicle is affected by measure.	Affected vehicles: Code signal acquisition and actuation module (code: VS3HELI, acc. no.: 82 922 53) Model 907.### ## as of 001812 up to 450523 except code L22 (Partial LED tail lights) For authorized Mercedes‑Benz service partners, only the entry in the input- process-output (IPO) system, in the “Current” tab is decisive. An additional test of the affected vehicles in the workshop information system (WIS) or vehicle list is thereby not necessary.	SM54.21-D-0197- 01AAA SM54.21-D-0197- 01AAB
SCN Coding
2	Connect diagnostic system.	It is absolutely essential to precisely follow the operation steps as described in the vehicle diagnosis system.	AD00.00-D-2000-06TS
3	Connect charging equipment. Maintaining on-board electrical system voltage when performing test and diagnosis work on vehicle.	During the entire work procedure a sufficiently large voltage supply must be provided for the vehicle’s on-board electrical system. Otherwise any undervoltage that occurs may damage the control units. Follow the operating instructions for the charger. Use the charger to ensure that an adequate power supply (min. 12.5 V) is provided for the on- board electrical system battery.	AR54.10-D-1127TS
4	Perform SCN coding in the signal acquisition and	See process description in diagnostic system “INFO”.
5	Disconnect diagnostic system.		AD00.00-D-2000-06TS
6	Remove charger from vehicle.		AR54.10-D-1127TS

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2019080018
This notice applies to your vehicle
VIN: WD3PE7CC0A
Taillights
NHTSA Recall #19V591

 

September, 2019

2019080018

• A safety defect exists in your vehicle
• Schedule an appointment with your authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair will be provided free of charge.

 

Dear Freightliner Sprinter Owner,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vans, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2019 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?

DAG determined that on certain Freightliner Sprinter vehicles (platform 907 (VS30)), if the manual turnswitch that activates the vehicle lights is turned quickly (≤0.5 s) from one lighting position to another, the brightness of the taillights can be significantly reduced (to a state of glowing only) or the taillights could switch off completely. The performance of the brake lights is not affected. If the brightness of the taillights is reduced or the taillights are turned off completely, the vehicle may not be sufficiently visible from the rear, which could increase the risk of a crash.

What will your DEALER DO?

An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will update the software coding on the “body controller” control unit.  This service will be provided free of charge. While the minimum repair time is approximately 30 minutes, your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit.  As a matter of normal service process, an authorized Freightliner dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time.  You will not be charged for other service or repairs unless so requested.

 

Schedule an appointment immediately at your preferred authorized Freightliner Sprinter Dealer. See www.freightlinersprinterusa.com/freightliner/owners-resources/recall for the Dealer Locator.   Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to update the software coding on the “body controller” control unit under Recall Campaign # 2019080018.  You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter.

We encourage you to sign up for recall alerts at www.nhtsa.gov/alerts.   In the event that you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have had a change of address, please complete the reverse side and return the updated information in the enclosed envelope.

If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee within 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.

Should you have any questions difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Freightliner dealer. If for any reason a dealer is unable to remedy your situation, we are always happy to hear from you. Please contact us at 1-877-762-8267.

If an authorized Freightliner dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you, but your safety is of utmost concern to Freightliner.

Sincerely,

Daimler Vans USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN:                  

If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may contact them.

 

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8 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 1500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 2500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 3500	2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 4500	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 1500	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 2500	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 3500	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 4500	2019

 

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9 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V591-4769.PDF 211.333KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V591-2942.pdf 1037.125KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V591-6992.pdf 244.935KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V591-6104.PDF 236.909KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V591-7176.PDF 211.246KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V591-1060.pdf 155.375KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V591-5439.pdf 75.934KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V591-5709.PDF 211.143KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V591-9397.PDF 211.441KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V591&docType=RCL

 

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