Recall 17V650 affects 2 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles for an incorrect load-capacity label. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2 2016 Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans because the B-pillar label can list a load capacity higher than the vehicle was built to carry. An overstated capacity label can lead an owner to overload the van and raise crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The B-pillar label on these 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans is supposed to tell an owner the maximum load the vehicle is designed to carry. That label works with the identification plate and operator's manual so the driver has weight and axle-load limits before loading passengers or cargo.
On affected vans, the label was created after the vehicle was weighed at the end of the production line, but the seat benches were not installed during that weighing. That made the measured curb weight too low. When the label used that lower weight, it stated a maximum vehicle load capacity higher than the van was designed to carry.
There is no mechanical warning sign before this label problem affects how the van is loaded. Owners can compare the B-pillar label with the vehicle identification plate and the operator's manual, which list the correct total permissible weight and axle-load capacities.
Who's affected?
Covers two Sprinter weight classes from the same model year, both tied to the vehicle label.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and Sprinter model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect load-capacity label can lead an owner to overload the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. Use the vehicle identification plate and operator's manual for the correct weight and axle-load information, and schedule the label check soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 or Sprinter 2500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free B-pillar load-label inspection and replacement if the label overstates the van's load capacity.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V650 when you call.
- Avoid loading the van near its stated maximum until the dealer confirms the B-pillar label is correct.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the B-pillar certification label and replaces it if the label lists a load capacity higher than the vehicle is designed to carry. The replacement label and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket label repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V650?
Recall 17V650 covers 2 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles with a B-pillar certification label that can overstate the vehicle's load capacity. Mercedes-Benz dealers will check the label and replace it if needed for free.
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 17V650. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the label inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 17V650 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair recall defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check the B-pillar certification label and replace it if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is overloading the van because the B-pillar label lists a higher load capacity than the vehicle was built to carry. Overloading raises crash risk. Until the label is checked, use the lower load limit shown in your owner's materials or ask the dealer for guidance.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on December 15, 2017, so the dealer label inspection and replacement are available now. Check your VIN first, then schedule service with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 17V650.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V650000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V650 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V650000 |
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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →