Recall 17V742 affects 773 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans for unsecured spare tire holders. Repair is free at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 773 2017 Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans because the underbody spare tire holder has a securing defect. A loose holder can let the spare tire separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, which increases crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The spare tire holder on the 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 is the underbody carrier that keeps the spare wheel tucked below the van. It is supposed to hold the wheel tight against the vehicle so the spare stays secured during normal driving, bumps, and vibration.
On affected vans, the holder was not secured as intended during production. The issue came from a production training problem, which left individual vehicles with a spare wheel holder that was not fastened correctly. When the van is driven, the holder can sit in a lowered position instead of staying locked up under the body.
Owners would notice recognizable noise from underneath the van if the spare wheel holder is lowered while driving. That noise is the warning sign to treat the spare tire carrier as unsecured and have the van checked.
Who's affected?
Covers two Sprinter van classes, the 2500 and 3500, under the same temporary spare tire component.
| 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | tire |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | tire |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | tire |
| 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | tire |
| Units affected | 773 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
An unsecured spare tire holder creates a risk that the spare tire separates from the vehicle and becomes a road hazard, increasing crash risk. A lowered spare wheel holder should make recognizable noise while driving, so treat new noise from that area as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free spare-tire-holder repair that secures the holder under the van.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V742 when you call.
- Check under the van for a loose or hanging spare tire holder before driving to the appointment, and stop driving if the spare tire or holder is not secure.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-854-888-3214 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician lifts the spare tire holder fully and tightens the securing screws if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered at the dealer. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 21, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 5, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 19, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 19, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V742?
Recall 17V742 covers 773 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans with a spare tire holder that is not properly secured. The spare tire can separate from the van and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 17V742. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free spare tire holder inspection and screw tightening. Reference recall 17V742 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be completed at no cost. Freightliner dealers will lift the spare tire holder completely and tighten the securing screws as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The spare tire can separate from the van if the holder is not properly secured. A loose spare tire on the road creates a hazard for other drivers and increases crash risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your van is included.
What if I bought this Sprinter used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included, then contact a franchised Freightliner dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V742000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-854-888-3214 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V742 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V742000 |
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 →