VS3AIRIGEL – ACU Unlocked – 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter

October 2, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V695000

Airbag System may be Deactivated

An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V695

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,232

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.”

 

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the airbag systems have been activated, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 22, 2019. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3AIRIGEL.

 

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 and Freightliner 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 Airbag Control Unit Unlocked	DATE: December 7, 2019

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

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Campaign No. :	Campaign Desc. :		Airbag Control Unit Unlocked
2019110020	VS3AIRIGEL
This is to notify you of the upcoming Recall Campaign concerning the airbag control unit on approximately 1,232 MY19 Mercedes-Benz and 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 “OPEN” in VMI on December 7, 2019.
Background
Issue	Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vehicles, has determined that on certain Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles Platform 907 (VS30), the airbag control unit may not have been locked at the end of the manufacturing process. As a result, the corresponding Airbag-/Restraint-function may not have been activated. If the airbag control unit is not locked, the system will not be activated which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealer will check the vehicle to determine whether the Airbag Control Unit is locked and perform the procedure to lock the system if necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population	1,232
Dealer Inventory	243
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 early January, 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, we are determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

 

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Campaign No. 2019110020, December 2019

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 907 (Sprinter), Model Year 2019 Airbag Control Unit Unlocked

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vehicles, has determined that on certain Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles Platform 907 (VS30), the airbag control unit may not have been locked at the end of the manufacturing process. As a result, the corresponding Airbag-/Restraint-function may not have been activated. If the airbag control unit is not locked, the system will not be activated which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealer will check the vehicle to determine whether the Airbag Control Unit is locked and perform the procedure to lock the system if necessary.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

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

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

 

Approximately 1,232 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. V-RC-2019110020

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Warranty Information

 

Operation items and work units 

Operation number	Operation text	Labor Time (hrs.)	Damage Code
02 1619	Check airbag control unit	0.2	54 941 75 8
02 1620	Lock airbag control unit (after check)	0.3	54 941 75 8

 

 

Procedure

Check
1	Check, whether the vehicle is affected by the measure	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.
Check Airbag Control Unit
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	Perform quick test.	It is absolutely essential to precisely follow the operation steps as described in the vehicle diagnosis system. If no fault code is stored in control unit “N2/5 – Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)”, ↓ End the measure. If fault code B272200 – “Control unit is not locked” is stored in control unit “N2/5 – Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)”, ↓ Proceed with operation step 4	AD00.00-D-2000-06TS
4	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 onboard electrical system battery.	AR54.10-D-1127TS
5	Activate lock of airbag control unit.	To do this, select the following menu items: Control units view → N2/5 – Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) → Adaptations → Initial startup → Commissioning of a control unit that has already been installed It is absolutely essential to precisely follow the operation steps as described in the vehicle diagnosis system.	AD00.00-D-2000-06TS
6	Disconnect diagnostic system.		AD00.00-D-2000-06TS
7	Remove charger from vehicle.		AR54.10-D-1127TS

 

Replacement parts

No replacement parts are required.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2019110020
This notice applies to your vehicle
VIN:
Airbag Control Unit
NHTSA Recall #19V695

 

February, 2020

 

• 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.

 

2019110020

Dear Freightliner Sprinter Owner,

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

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), 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?

MBAG has determined that on certain Freightliner Sprinter vehicles (Platform 907 (VS30)), the airbag control unit may not have been locked at the end of the manufacturing process. If the airbag control unit is not locked, the corresponding airbag/restraint function may not have been activated which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

What will your DEALER DO?

An authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer will check the vehicle to determine whether the airbag control unit is locked and perform the procedure to lock the system if necessary.  This service will be provided free of charge. While the minimum repair time is approximately 50 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 which 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 check the vehicle to determine whether the Airbag Control Unit is locked under Recall Campaign # 2019110020.  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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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 1-888-3274236 (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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TO: Freightliner Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM: Anthony Washington, Department Manager, Regulations and Certifications
RE: Initial Recall Campaign Notification Model 907 (Sprinter) Model Years 2018-2019 Airbag Control Unit Unlocked	DATE: October 28, 2019

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

 

Campaign No. :	Campaign Desc. :		Airbag Control Unit Unlocked
2019100012	PDGAIRIGEL
This is to notify you of the upcoming Recall Campaign concerning the airbag control unit on approximately 1,232 MY18-19 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.
Background
Issue	Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Freightliner Sprinter vehicles Platform 907 (VS30), the airbag control unit may not have been locked at the end of the manufacturing process. As a result, the corresponding Airbag-/Restraint-function may not have been activated. If the airbag control unit is not locked, the system will not be activated which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Freightliner dealer will check the vehicle to determine whether the Airbag Control Unit is locked and perform the procedure to lock the system if necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2018-2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population	1,232
Dealer Inventory	243
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY18-19 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 MY18-19 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 early November, 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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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INTERIM NOTICE
This notice applies to your vehicle
VIN:
Airbag Control Unit
NHTSA Recall #19V695

 

November, 2019

 

• A safety defect exists in your vehicle.
• Remedy parts are not yet available for your vehicle.
• We will contact you again once parts are available.

 

2019100012

 

Dear Valued Freightliner Sprinter Owner:

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

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Sprinter vans, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2018 – 2019 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

MBAG has determined that on certain Freightliner Sprinter vehicles Platform 907 (VS30), the airbag control unit may not have been locked at the end of the manufacturing process.  As a result, the corresponding Airbag-/Restraint-function may not have been activated. If the airbag control unit is not locked, the system will not be activated which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

We want to assure you that MBAG is taking all necessary measures to remedy this situation for you.  We are also working closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) and suppliers to provide a remedy as soon as possible. Unfortunately, replacement parts are not yet available for your vehicle, and we will contact you again once parts become available. As soon as a suitable replacement part is available for your vehicle, we will send another letter notifying you to bring your vehicle to your local Authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer to repair your vehicle free of charge.

As soon as a suitable replacement part is available for your vehicle, we will send another letter notifying you to bring your vehicle to your local authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer to repair your vehicle free of charge.  In the meantime, please visit

www.freightlinersprinterusa.com/freightliner/owners-resources/recall and enter your 17 digit VIN in the VIN Look-up tool, then enter your most recent contact information.

We also 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.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

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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ACU Unlocked Sprinter 573 Chronology (too many characters for the recall portal comment box)

 

Chronology:

In July 2018, Daimler began production of its new Sprinter platform, the VS30. In May 2019,

Daimler was initially made aware that some vehicles had left the US production facility with an “unlocked” Airbag Control Unit (ACU). On May 13, 2019, Daimler issued a bulletin which informed that upon diagnosing a specific fault code, the ACU should be locked. In June 2019, the agency raised questions about the bulletin and the company began to consider the underlying issue further.

 

Initially, it appeared that the unlocked ACU condition was occurring in upfitted vehicles. In vehicles that are upfitted, the ACU will often need to be unlocked to ensure that the supplemental restraint system does not deploy during the upfit process.  However, upon closer review, it was found that the ACU was inadvertently not being locked in some cases upon reassembly at the US production plant. When Sprinter cargo vans are manufactured in Germany the ACU is in a “locked” state which means that the ACU is active. When the vans are received at Daimler’s Charleston, South Carolina facility, the ACU has to be “unlocked” in order to prevent accidentally triggering the system during the reassembly process. The ACU is to then again be locked and reactivated at the end of the line.

 

All Daimler Vans dealers have a comprehensive Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) process which includes a requirement to check the status of the supplemental restraint system and any warning lamps displaying in the instrument cluster. It was found during the dealer PDI process that there were a small overall number of instances where vehicles had an unlocked ACU and those vehicles with the condition were identified and corrected.

 

In early July 2019, a process improvement was put into place at the Charleston facility where the status of the ACU and software is automatically checked at the end of the line. In addition, all vehicles in the marshalling yard produced before this process improvement was introduced were manually checked to ensure that the ACU remained in a locked status. The manual recheck, which was carried out because of the investigation was completed in August 2019.

 

Daimler continued to communicate with the agency and provide updates on the status of its investigation throughout the Summer, with several updates provided in August 2019 and on September 6, 2019.

 

On September 25, 2019, after ongoing discussion with the agency, Daimler AG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to initiate a recall campaign for the vehicles.

 

To date, Daimler is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

 

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16 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 1500	2018-2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 2500	2018-2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 3500	2018-2019
FREIGHTLINER	SPRINTER 4500	2018-2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 1500	2018-2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 2500	2018-2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 3500	2018-2019
MERCEDES BENZ	SPRINTER 4500	2018-2019

 

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13 Associated Documents

Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-19V695-4590.pdf 143.02KB

 

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Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-19V695-9424.pdf 72.481KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V695-0045.PDF 211.144KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V695-7032.PDF 214.311KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V695-6878.pdf 244.842KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology

RMISC-19V695-7739.pdf 384.752KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V695-7470.pdf 79.178KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V695-1011.pdf 158.267KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V695-3781.pdf 180.953KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V695-9646.pdf 602.664KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V695-0231.pdf 1381.951KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V695-1095.PDF 211.24KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-3

RCLQRT-19V695-1628.PDF 211.323KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V695&docType=RCL

 

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