2020030007 – Steering Spindle Bearing – 2019 Freightliner Sprinter

February 25, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V109000

Loose Connection at Steering Spindle

If the screws detach, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V109

Manufacturer Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 8,595

 

Summary

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screws that secure the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the screws to loosen and detach.

 

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace and properly tighten the steering spindle intermediate bearing screws, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

 

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 Spindle Bearing	DATE:  March 10, 2020

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

 

Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Steering Spindle Bearing
2020030007	PDGSCHLENK
This is to notify you of the upcoming Recall Campaign concerning the steering spindle bearing on approximately 8,895 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 screws for the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been torqued sufficiently. If the screws were not torqued to specification, they could loosen over time and cause the bearing to move back and forth during vehicle operation. The vehicle would remain steerable, but over time, as the bearing continues to move, the screws could continue to loosen and eventually detach which could impair the operator’s ability to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will replace the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing and apply the required tightening torque.
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	8,595
Dealer Inventory	759
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 Spindle Bearing	DATE:  April 13, 2020

 

IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

 

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Campaign	Campaign Desc. :	Steering Spindle Bearing
2020030013	VS3SCHLENK
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign concerning the steering spindle bearing on approximately 8,595 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 Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
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 screws for the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been torqued sufficiently. If the screws were not torqued to specification, they could loosen over time and cause the bearing to move back and forth during vehicle operation. The vehicle would remain steerable, but over time, as the bearing continues to move, the screws could continue to loosen and eventually detach which could impair the operator’s ability to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing	An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will replace the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing and apply the required tightening torque.
Parts	Parts are available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)	Model Year 2019
Vehicle Model	Sprinter, VS30 / Platform 907
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall	8,595
Dealer Inventory	739
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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Campaign No. 2020030013, April 2020

 

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

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans, has determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles of platform 907 (VS30), the screws for the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been torqued sufficiently. If the screws were not torqued to specification, they could loosen over time and cause the bearing to move back and forth during vehicle operation. The vehicle would remain steerable, but over time, as the bearing continues to move, the screws could continue to loosen and eventually detach which could impair the operator’s ability to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer will replace the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing and apply the required tightening torque.

 

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 8,595 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. V-RC-2020030013

 

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

Op. no.	Operation text	Time	Damage Code
02 1733	Operations: Check threaded connection of steering shaft to firewall	0.2 h	46 922 51 7
02 1765	Operations: Replace threaded connection of steering shaft to firewall (after check)	0.1 h	46 922 51 7

 

1 Bolts

2 Steering shaft

D46.10-A003-05

 

Topical note	Notes on carrying out repair work in the vehicle interior		AH68.00-N-0001-01S
Topical note	Notes on self-locking nuts and bolts		AH00.00-N-0001-01A
	Check
1	Check, whether the vehicle is affected by the measure.	For authorized Mercedes‑Benz service partners, only the entry in the “Extended VEGA Application” (EVA) 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.
2	Check whether steering shaft (2) is correctly fastened to firewall.	Check whether all screws (1) are present and fully contact retaining plate of steering shaft bearing. The retaining plate must fully rest against the firewall. Replace loose screws (1). If a screw (1) is missing. ↓ Screw in new screw (1). If a screw (1) is not fully seated: ↓ Replace affected screw (1). If retaining plate of steering shaft bearing does not correctly rest against firewall: ↓ Remove existing screws (1), realign steering shaft bearing, screw in new screws (1).
	Install
3	Tighten all screws (1) to torque.	Screw/nut, steering shaft bearing to firewall	BA46.10-N-1003-05TS

 

Steering wheel, steering column tube, steering shaft

Number	Description	Model 907
BA46.10-N-1003-05TS	Screw/nut, steering shaft bearing to firewall	Nm 23

 

Parts ordering note

Part no.	Description	Expected Replacement Rate of Affected Population	Quantity
N 910143 008002 64	Screw	2 %	As needed

 

2020030013

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL #2020030013
This notice applies to your vehicle VIN: WD3PE7CC0
Steering Spindle Bearing
NHTSA Recall #20V109

April, 2020

2020030013

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.

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 determined that on certain Sprinter vehicles of platform 907 (VS30), the screws for the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been torqued sufficiently. If the screws were not torqued to specification, they could loosen over time and cause the bearing to move back and forth during vehicle operation. The vehicle would remain steerable, but over time, as the bearing continues to move, the screws could continue to loosen and eventually detach which could impair the operator’s ability to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

What will your DEALER DO?

An authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealer will replace the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing and apply the required tightening torque.  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 replace the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing under Recall Campaign # 2020030013.  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 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: 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:

Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG) initially became aware of a potential issue concerning the torqueing of the screws of the steering spindle intermediate bearing in May 2019 in the course of a single vehicle inspection prior to releasing the vehicle to the MB dealer organization.  During the inspection, it was observed that while all screws on the bearing were present, they did not appear to be sufficiently torqued.  MBAG repaired the vehicle by sufficiently torqueing the screws. There were no indications that the issue existed beyond an isolated case at the time. According to the initial technical assessment, there was also no indication that the installation of the screws had an impact on the operation of the vehicle.

In September 2019, MBAG became aware of an individual customer complaint, which reported hearing a clicking noise when the steering wheel was turned. The customer vehicle had approximately 7,000 miles and it was found that the screws of the intermediate bearing were loose. MBAG launched a further investigation related to the customer’s report.

In October 2019, MBAG conducted a manual review of all VS30 vehicles that remained at the plant.  The plant reviewed the torque levels of the screws of the intermediate bearing and ensured they were fastened according to specifications.

Simultaneously MBAG conducted various analyses as to the effect of the intermediate bearing not being tightened according to specifications.

The analysis continued into early 2020 and considered in detail the process by which any insufficiently torqued screws could loosen and the consequences if the condition did occur. The analysis included a review of the necessary forces to loosen the screws, whether one or multiple screws need to be loosened and the effects of one or more loose or detached screws on the ability to maintain steering effect and whether the operator would receive any advance warning about the condition. The analysis indicated that while the condition was progressive in nature, the time for the condition to arise to a level that it could affect vehicle operation would depend on the operator’s individual driving style and frequency of extent of movement of the steering wheel.

Simultaneously in February 2020 MBAG conducted comprehensive real driving tests on its closed facilities where drivers operated a vehicle with a sufficiently torqued steering spindle bearing and one with a fully loosened bearing.

While the results of the testing indicated that all test subjects identified an issue related to the performance of the steering via the audible signals (even while the radio was on) and a nonuniform steering feeling, on February 19, 2020, MBAG determined a safety risk could not be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall.

To date MBAG is not aware of additional field complaints beyond the individual customer report from September 2019.

 

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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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10 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V109-0506.PDF 211.146KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V109-2207.pdf 1519.259KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V109-3182.pdf 101.755KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V109-6135.pdf 190.999KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V109-8514.pdf 244.861KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology

RMISC-20V109-3266.pdf 105.04KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V109-7994.pdf 673.434KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V109-4474.PDF 213.783KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V109-8811.PDF 211.241KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V109-9481.PDF 211.327KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V109&docType=RCL

 

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