Recall 15V261 covers 1,335 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles for oil leaks. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,335 2015 Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vehicles because oil can leak around the chain tensioner gasket. Oil on a hot engine surface raises the risk of fire, and oil on the road raises crash risk for other drivers; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The chain tensioner on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 diesel engine keeps the timing chain tight as the engine runs. The timing chain keeps internal engine parts moving in the correct order. The gasket around the chain tensioner seals that mounting area so engine oil stays inside the engine block.
On affected Sprinter vehicles, the gasket material was produced with tolerance variations during the affected production period. That means the gasket does not seal the chain tensioner area as designed. Oil can leak from around the tensioner, especially as engine temperature and normal operating conditions put pressure on the seal.
The warning sign is engine oil leaking onto the road or collecting under the engine area. If enough oil leaks out, the engine can stall as a result of this defect.
Who's affected?
The Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 share the same diesel-engine scope, so model alone does not confirm inclusion.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Diesel |
| Units affected | 1,335 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Engine oil leaking onto a hot surface increases the risk of a fire. Oil on the road also creates a hazard for other drivers and increases crash risk. Treat any visible oil leak or engine stall as a reason to stop the trip, park safely, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 or Sprinter 2500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free chain tensioner gasket replacement that addresses the oil leak.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V261 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you notice an oil leak or burning-oil smell.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the chain tensioner gasket in the engine area identified by the recall for oil leakage. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Mercedes-Benz is not running a separate reimbursement program before the recall notice because the involved 2014 and 2015 vehicles remain covered by the new vehicle warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork for this oil leak or gasket repair, ask the service desk how the warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 5, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 18, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V261?
Recall 15V261 covers 1,335 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles with a chain tensioner gasket that can leak oil. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the gasket free of charge.
What should I do if my 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 15V261. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the chain tensioner gasket replacement. Reference recall number 15V261 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the chain tensioner gasket free of charge under recall 15V261. Ask the dealer to reference the campaign number when scheduling service.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V261?
The safety risk is fire and crash risk from leaking oil. Under recall 15V261, oil can drip onto a hot engine surface and increase fire risk. Leaking oil can also create a road hazard for other vehicles.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 15V261.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V261000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →