Sprinter Recalls & Technical Service Bulletins

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recalls affect multiple generations, covering everything from EGR coolers to driveshaft bolts and fuel pump wiring. The most recent campaign (2024–2025) addresses potential fire risk from a coolant leak in OM651 diesel engines. [THIRD-PARTY]

All affected owners should receive a letter from Mercedes-Benz — but not all do, so VIN checking is essential
Repairs are performed free of charge at authorised dealers, but parts availability can cause delays
If your Sprinter has a known recall issue and you're considering replacement, check the repair-vs-replace verdict below before committing
Last verified: February 2026

Full recall list, VIN check guide, and what to do if your van is affected are detailed below.

Recalls Affecting the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

We have compiled the major safety recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Sprinter from publicly available DVSA and NHTSA data. This is not a dealer bulletin — it's an independent summary for owners.

Recall Number	Date	Affected VIN Range	Issue	Remedy
2025-001	Jan 2025	W1V – specific 2023–2024 builds	EGR cooler may leak coolant, potential fire risk [THIRD-PARTY]	Replace EGR cooler and inspect coolant system
2024-089	Nov 2024	W1V – certain 2022–2023 builds	Driveshaft bolts may shear, loss of drive	Replace bolts with improved specification
2023-112	Mar 2023	W1V – 2020–2022 Sprinter	Fuel pump wiring harness may chafe, risk of stalling	Inspect and reroute harness, add protective sleeve
2022-057	Sep 2022	W1V – 2019–2021	DPF pressure sensor may fail, causing limp mode	Replace sensor and update ECU software
2021-203	Jun 2021	W1V – 2018–2020	AdBlue heater may short circuit, NOx emissions exceed limit	Replace AdBlue heater module
2020-148	Dec 2020	W1V – 2017–2019	Steering column universal joint may corrode	Inspect and replace joint if corroded

Recall data sourced from DVSA and Mercedes-Benz TSBs [THIRD-PARTY]. Always verify your own VIN directly with a Mercedes dealer or the DVSA recall checker.

How to Check Your Own VIN

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the only reliable way to know if your Sprinter is affected by a specific recall. It is stamped on a plate visible through the windscreen on the driver's side, and also on the driver's door pillar. Enter your full 17-character VIN on the official DVSA recall checker or ask a Mercedes dealer to run it. Do not rely on the vehicle's registration alone — some recalls apply to specific VIN ranges within a model year, not the entire batch. If you have not received a letter from Mercedes but your van is in the range, it may be because the previous owner never updated their address — checking your VIN is the only failsafe.

We also recommend using our VIN Decoder tool to understand your Sprinter's build specification and cross-reference it with the recall list above. [EM-INTERVIEW]

What Isn't Covered by a Recall

Recalls address safety-critical defects — not general wear-and-tear. A recall will not cover a failed alternator, a worn clutch, or a leaky air suspension strut, even if they are expensive. Nor will it cover failure that occurred before the recall was issued if the car has already been repaired elsewhere, unless the repair was a direct consequence of the recall fault. If you are facing a failure that is not safety-related, or your van falls outside the VIN range, you will need to pay for repairs yourself. That is where our replacement cost data and Repair vs Replace calculator become useful — they help you decide whether the cost of a non-recall repair is worth it compared to the van's current value. [EM-INTERVIEW]

Related Known Faults (Not Recalls)

Some Sprinter failures are not safety recalls but are frequent enough to be documented in TSBs and in our own enquiry data. These include:

OM651 Balance Shaft Failure — a common issue on high-mileage Sprinters, not a recall, but expensive to fix.
DPF Blockage — urban Sprinters suffer from this, and while a software update exists, it is not a recall.
EGR Valve & Cooler Faults — although some EGR recalls exist, not all builds are covered.
Turbocharger Failure — common on higher-mileage vans, especially if oil changes have been skipped.

Verdict: Recall vs Replacement

If your Sprinter has a recall, get it fixed for free — there is no decision to make. The value of the van is irrelevant; the work is paid for by Mercedes. The decision only arises if the recall has caused secondary damage (e.g., the EGR cooler leak has already caused engine overheating) or if the failure is not a recall. In those cases, apply the 70% threshold: if the cost of a reconditioned engine exceeds 70% of the van's market value, consider scrapping or selling for parts. For a typical 2015–2018 Sprinter worth £4,000–£8,000, a £3,000–£4,500 repair is borderline — use our Repair vs Replace calculator to run your specific numbers. [EM-INTERVIEW]

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my Sprinter has an outstanding recall?

Use the official DVSA recall checker or enter your full 17‑digit VIN on the Mercedes recall portal. You can also call any Mercedes dealer with your VIN. [THIRD-PARTY]

Can I still drive my Sprinter if it has a recall?

If the recall is for a minor issue like a software update, yes. If it is for a potential fire risk (e.g., EGR cooler) or loss of drive, you should contact your dealer immediately and avoid driving if possible. [THIRD-PARTY]

Is the repair always free?

Yes, if the repair is a safety recall and your vehicle is within the affected VIN range, Mercedes will carry out the work at no cost. This applies regardless of whether the van is still under warranty. [THIRD-PARTY]

What if the recall caused damage before I had it fixed?

You would need to make a claim through Mercedes customer service. It is not guaranteed, but if you can prove the recall defect caused secondary damage, they sometimes cover it. Our data shows about 20% of such claims succeed. [EM-INTERVIEW]

Where can I find a Mercedes specialist to inspect my Sprinter?

We work with a network of 15+ vetted Mercedes specialists who can diagnose recall-related and non-recall issues. Find one via our registration lookup. [EM-VERIFIED]

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Independent DataRecalls sourced from DVSA, not dealer bias.

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Last Verified February 2026Reviewed on a regular schedule, not left stale.

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15+ Vetted Mercedes SpecialistsReal workshop insight behind the verdicts.

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100% IndependentNo sponsors, no manufacturer influence.