Recall 16V351 affects 3 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles for missing crash pads. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 3 2015-2016 Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans with super-high roofs because the required crash pads need to be checked. If those pads are missing, an unbelted front passenger has a higher risk of injury in a crash, and Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The crash pads in the 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 are padding pieces installed in the super-high roof structure. Their job is to add protection where an occupant's head or body can contact the roof or upper pillar area during a crash. The pads are part of the body structure, not a part an owner handles during normal driving.
On these Sprinter vans, the issue is not that the crash pads wear out or break. The vans were configured with super-high roofs, but a documentation process change led to them being built and delivered without the required crash pads. That leaves the roof area missing a safety part that was supposed to be installed at the factory.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the pads are hidden inside the roof structure, an owner will not hear, feel, or see a driving symptom that confirms the part is missing.
Who's affected?
Covers Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans from the 2015 and 2016 model years, all involving the body structure.
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2015 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2015 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | body structure |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | body structure |
| Units affected | 3 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and badge narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the required crash pads are missing, an unbelted front passenger has a higher risk of injury during a crash. Make sure front passengers wear seat belts and schedule the recall repair with a dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free crash-pad installation that adds the required padding for the super-high-roof cab.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V351 when you call.
- Keep every front passenger belted until the crash-pad repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician installs the required crash pads in the super high roof area. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Prior repair costs are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V351?
Recall 16V351 covers 3 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans with super-high roofs that lack the required crash pads. Missing crash pads increase injury risk for an unbelted front passenger. Dealers will install the required crash pads for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 16V351. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the crash-pad installation. Reference recall number 16V351 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
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 install the required crash pads free of charge. Use a franchised Freightliner dealer for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V351?
The safety risk is higher injury risk for an unbelted front passenger if the required crash pads are missing. This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free crash-pad installation with a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What if I bought my Freightliner Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received the 2016 owner notice, check your VIN, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall number 16V351.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V351000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V351 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V351000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →