2020030008 – Steering Column Cover – 2019 Freightliner Sprinter

February 25, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V110000

Missing Steering Column Casing Cover

If small vehicle components, such as nuts and screws, enter the steering column area, the steering operation can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V110

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 25

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The steering column casing cover may have not been installed, allowing the steering column area to be exposed.

 

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace the steering column with one that has a cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is VS3VERKLE.

 

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:  Initial Recall Campaign Notification Model 907 (Sprinter) Model Years 2019 Steering Column Cover	DATE:  March 10, 2020

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

 

Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Steering Column Cover
2020030008	PDGVERKLE
This is to notify you of the upcoming Recall Campaign concerning the steering column cover on approximately 25 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 “Pending” in VMI.
Background
Issue	Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles of platform 907 (VS30), the cover for the casing pipe of the steering column was not installed. If the steering column casing cover is not installed, small vehicle components near the steering column such as nuts and screws could enter the steering column area in the event they were loose. Additionally, it is possible that small objects (e.g. small pieces cut-off from cable ties) out of the production and assembly process could enter the steering column area.  If any such small objects were to enter the concerned space, it is possible that steering operation could be affected, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will renew the steering column by replacing it against the intended variant including the cover.
Parts	Parts are still being verified. An additional notification will be sent when parts are available for repair.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall	25
Dealer Inventory	4
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 April, 2020.
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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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 Steering Column Cover	DATE:  April 22, 2020

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

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Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Steering Column Cover
2020030022	VS3VERKLE
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign concerning the steering column cover on approximately 25 MY19 MercedesBenz 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.
Background
Issue	Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles of platform 907 (VS30), the cover for the casing pipe of the steering column was not installed. If the steering column casing cover is not installed, small vehicle components near the steering column such as nuts and screws could enter the steering column area in the event they were loose. Additionally, it is possible that small objects (e.g. small pieces cut-off from cable ties) out of the production and assembly process could enter the steering column area.  If any such small objects were to enter the concerned space, it is possible that steering operation could be affected, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will renew the steering column by replacing it against the intended variant including the cover.
Parts	Parts are available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall	25
Dealer Inventory	4
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 April, 2020.
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. 2020030022, April 2020

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model 907 (Sprinter), Model Year 2019 Steering Column Cover

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles, the cover for the casing pipe of the steering column was not installed. If the steering column casing cover is not installed, small hardware could enter the steering column area. Additionally, it is possible that small objects (e.g. cable ties ends) from the production and assembly process could enter the steering column area. If any such small objects were to enter the subject space, it is possible that steering operation could be affected, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will replace the steering column with the intended variant that includes the cover.

 

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 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 25 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. V-RC-2020030022

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Operation no. of the operation texts or standard texts and flat rates

Op. no.	Description	Time (hr)	Damage Code
02 1731	Operations: Check steering column	0.1	46 922 52 7
02 1732	Operations: Replace steering column (after check)	1.6
02 2726	Operations: Disconnect/connect ground line of onboard electrical system battery (when working on veh.)	0.2	46 922 52 7
02 2727	Operations: Disconnect/connect ground line of onboard electrical system battery (when working on veh.) with code E30	0.1	46 922 52 7
02 2694	Operations: Disconnect/connect ground line of auxiliary battery for park pawl emergency shift mode (when working on veh.)	0.1	46 922 52 7

 

D46.10-A004-79
1 Steering column	2 Cover

 

	Check
1	Check, whether the vehicle is affected by the measure.	Only the entry in the “Extended VEGA Application” (EVA) system in the “Current” tab is decisive for authorized Mercedes-Benz service partners. An additional test of the affected vehicles in the workshop information system (WIS) or vehicle list is thereby not necessary.
2	Check whether the cover (2) is installed.	To do so, grasp under the instrument panel by hand from the driver footwell and determine whether the cover (2) is installed. The foam-type cover (2) is soft and can be easily deformed with fingers (arrow). If the cover (2) is installed, ↓ end the measure. If the cover (2) is not installed, ↓ Replace the steering column.	AR46.10-D-0400TS

 

Parts ordering note

Designation	Quantity	Part no.
Steering column	1	A 907 460 44 02
Screw, steering wheel	1	A 126 990 03 12
Steering shaft screw	1	A 907 990 00 00
Retaining clip	1	A 000 823 02 45

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2020030022
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: WD3PE7CC0
Steering Column Cover
NHTSA Recall #20V110

April, 2020

• A remedy is available for your vehicle.
• Schedule an appointment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair will be provided free of charge.

 

2020030022

WD3PE7CC0

 

Dear Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Owner or Lessee:

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 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2019 Sprinter vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	MBAG determined that on certain Sprinter vans, the cover for the casing pipe of the steering column was not installed. If the steering column casing cover is not installed, small hardware could enter the steering column area. Additionally, it is possible that small objects (e.g. cable ties ends) from the production and assembly process could enter the steering column area.  If any such small objects were to enter the subject space, it is possible that steering operation could be affected, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will replace the steering column with the intended variant that includes the cover. This service will be provided free of charge.  We are dedicated to always delivering the best customer experience, and respect for your time is a top priority. While the minimum repair time can be up to approximately 2 hours and 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle and this may increase the required working time.
What should YOU DO?	For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer at your earliest convenience. To locate authorized dealers see www.mbvans.com/sprinter/shopping-tools/find-a-dealer. Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to replace the steering column under Recall Campaign # 2020030022. 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.
Information for Owners	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.

 

To find the most convenient authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to the left.

 

If an authorized Mercedes-Benz 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 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBVans.com website now offers a search feature that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed. See www.mbvans.com/sprinter/owners-resources/recall. Should you have any questions or encounter any difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz 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-(800) FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN: WD3PE7CC0

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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Chronology of Defect (too many characters for the recall portal comment box)

 

Chronology:

MBAG initially became aware of a potential issue related to the installation of a steering column cover through its production plant in the second half of August 2019. The plant identified a number of vehicles that had been produced without the steering column cover. MBAG initiated and conducted a review of all vehicles that remained at the plant and installed the steering column cover as necessary.

Beginning of October 2019 MBAG identified that vehicles without the cover installed had already left the plant. MBAG found that around the time the potential concern was initially discovered, the plant had begun to produce a new variant of steering column which did not require a cover while at the same time, the original variant, with the cover, was being phased out but continued to be produced. In this overlapping period and before the end of production of the old variant, the cover had been inadvertently deleted from the bill of materials.

Simultaneously, MBAG launched an investigation and conducted various analyses as to the effect of the steering column cover not being installed.

This portion of the analysis included a review of whether an object could in fact enter the steering column area as well as the path of entry, the size of objects, vehicle speed and other driving behavior.

During the analysis MBAG also closely considered the effect of unintended objects getting into the steering column with respect to the mechanical components’ function inside. The analysis indicated that if small remains are present from production/assembly (e.g. small pieces cut-off from cable ties) or certain types of small vehicle components such as screws or nuts detached from the dashboard area due to vehicle vibration, there was a limited potential for them to make their way into the steering box.  From there, the object would need to enter a small steering bolt hole. If all of these events occurred, there was a potential that the object could make contact with the steering spindle area and potentially impair the operation of the steering column. The analysis confirmed that it was not possible for the operator to introduce an object into the steering column if the cover was not attached.

On February 19, 2020, MBAG determined that a safety risk could not be ruled out and decided to initiate a recall campaign.

To date MBAG is not aware of any complaints concerning this matter from the field.

 

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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

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V110-6069.pdf 1663.551KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V110-2369.pdf 203.048KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V110-2337.PDF 213.72KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology

RMISC-20V110-7410.pdf 105.445KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V110-4509.pdf 673.066KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V110-5624.pdf 244.869KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V110-7006.PDF 211.133KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V110-6931.PDF 211.32KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V110-5120.PDF 211.233KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V110&docType=RCL

 

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