Recall 17V149 covers 892 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles for a driveshaft bracket weld. Free repair at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz recall 17V149 covers 892 2016 Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans because the drive shaft center support bearing bracket was not properly welded. In a crash, the bracket can detach and the drive shaft can damage the fuel system, which raises the risk of fire; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drive shaft on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 carries power from the transmission toward the rear axle. A center support bearing helps hold that long rotating shaft in position under the van, and its bracket anchors the bearing to the body structure. When the bracket is secure, the shaft stays aligned as it spins.
On affected vans, the weld points fastening that bracket to the fourth traverse were not completed correctly during production. The welding control program was set incorrectly for these vehicles, so the bracket was not attached as designed. If the weld lets go, the drive shaft loses its normal support and is held by the catch straps instead of the bearing bracket.
The warning sign is loud banging from under the van after the weld fails. That noise means the drive shaft is no longer supported in the intended position.
Who's affected?
Covers Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans in the 2016 model year, all tied to the driveline.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | driveline |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | driveline |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | driveline |
| Units affected | 892 |
| 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?
In a crash, the bracket can detach and let the drive shaft damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire. If the weld fails and the catch straps hold the drive shaft, loud banging noises are the warning sign. Schedule the repair soon and avoid ignoring that noise. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rivet repair that secures the drive-shaft center support bearing bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V149 when you call.
- Drive with care until the repair is complete, and get the van inspected after any crash before driving it again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician secures the center support bearing bracket for the drive shaft by installing 3 additional rivets. 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 the involved vehicles were under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 7, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 7, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V149?
Recall 17V149 covers 892 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans with a driveshaft center-support-bearing bracket that was not welded properly. In a crash, the bracket can detach and the driveshaft can damage the fuel system, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 17V149. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the bracket repair. The dealer will install 3 additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 17V149, a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer will install 3 additional rivets to secure the driveshaft center-support-bearing bracket free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V149?
The risk is fire after a crash. If the center-support-bearing bracket detaches during a crash, the driveshaft can damage the fuel system. Mercedes-Benz addressed the defect by adding 3 rivets to secure the bracket.
When did Mercedes-Benz notify owners about recall 17V149?
Mercedes-Benz mailed interim safety notices on May 5, 2017, and the recall began on July 7, 2017. If you own a 2016 Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 17V149 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V149000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V149000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →