Recall 17V804 affects 2,177 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles for Crosswind Assist braking that fails in strong wind. Free software update at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 2,177 2017 Sprinter 3500 vans because Crosswind Assist can fail to trigger automatic brake interventions during a strong crosswind. Without that expected ADAPTIVE ESP response, crash risk increases; the Freightliner dealer repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The Crosswind Assist system on the 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 works through the vehicle's ADAPTIVE ESP stability control. In a strong side wind, the system is supposed to use selective braking at individual wheels to help the van stay on its intended path. It does not replace steering, but it supports the driver when wind pushes against the side of the vehicle.
On affected Sprinter 3500 vans, the ESP software for the 5 t weight version was not configured correctly during production. Because of that programming error, Crosswind Assist does not activate its automatic brake intervention in a relevant crosswind situation. The hardware is not described as the issue; the affected vehicles need the correct ESP software version for this function.
The driver does not get an advance warning that Crosswind Assist is unavailable. You would not see a warning sign before the system fails to assist in a strong crosswind.
Who's affected?
This recall includes Sprinter 3500 vans under the Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz makes for the same lane departure assist component.
| 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Assist |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Assist |
| Units affected | 2,177 |
| 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 Crosswind Assist is unavailable during a strong crosswind, the system does not apply automatic braking as expected and crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before Crosswind Assist is unavailable, so schedule the software update soon and use extra care in strong wind. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free ADAPTIVE ESP software update that restores Crosswind Assist brake intervention in strong crosswinds.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V804 when you call.
- Drive cautiously in strong crosswinds until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician updates the ESP control unit with corrected software for the Crosswind Assist and ADAPTIVE ESP system. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all affected vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V804?
Recall 17V804 covers 2,177 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vans equipped with Crosswind Assist. In strong crosswinds, the ADAPTIVE ESP system does not activate automatic brake intervention as expected, increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers will update the ESP control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 17V804. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the ESP control unit software update. Reference recall number 17V804 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Freightliner dealer will update the ESP control unit with corrected software free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced crosswind assistance during strong wind. If the system does not activate automatic brake intervention as expected, the van has an increased risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What if I bought this Sprinter 3500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 is included, then give recall number 17V804 to the dealer service desk when scheduling.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V804000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-854-888-3214 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V804 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V804000 |
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 →