Recall 16V261 covers 55 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles for window separation risk. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 55 2015-2016 Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans because extra paint layers can let windows separate during a crash. If that happens, occupants face a greater risk of injury, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The body paint on the 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 is more than a finish layer. Around fixed windows, the painted body surface helps provide the surface that window adhesive depends on. In normal use, the paint stays bonded to the body underneath it, so the window remains attached to the vehicle structure.
On affected Sprinters, multiple paint layers were applied during production. A paint supplier issue left the top layer without enough adhesion to the layer below it. In a crash, that outer paint layer can peel away from the lower layer, taking the window bond with it and allowing the window to separate from the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The paint defect is hidden between layers, so an owner is not expected to see, hear, or feel the problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 across 2015 and 2016, all tied to the same body-structure component.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2015 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2015 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| Units affected | 55 |
| 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?
If a window separates from the vehicle in a crash, occupants face a greater risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the problem appears, so confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 or Sprinter 2500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free window removal, paint inspection, and repainting needed to keep the windows attached in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V261 when you call.
- Drive normally, but complete the repair before delaying any body or glass work around the affected windows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician removes the affected windows, inspects the paintwork around the window openings, and repaints the vehicle areas that need repainting. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because DVUSA said the involved vehicles were covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 29, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 2, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V261?
Recall 16V261 covers 55 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles with paintwork that can let windows separate from the vehicle during a crash. Mercedes-Benz dealers remove the windows, inspect the paint, and repaint affected areas for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 16V261. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the window removal, paint inspection, and any needed repainting. Reference recall number 16V261 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will remove the windows, inspect the paintwork, and repaint the vehicle as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is window separation during a crash. If a window separates from the vehicle, occupants face a greater risk of injury. The free dealer repair addresses the paint-layer problem tied to that window retention issue.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on August 4, 2016. That means affected owners can contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer now for the free inspection and repainting work tied to recall 16V261.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V261000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-770-705-2070 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →