Recall 19V121 affects 1,197 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) vehicles for rear fog lights that fail to illuminate. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,197 2019 Sprinter (VS30) vans because the LED rear fog lights do not illuminate when switched on. Without working rear fog lamps, the van is less visible to other drivers, which increases the risk of a crash; Mercedes-Benz dealers will repair the lights free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear fog lights on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) are bright red lamps built into the rear lighting system. They are meant to make the van easier to see from behind in fog or other low-visibility conditions. When the driver turns on the rear fog light switch, the body controller, the electronic module that commands exterior lights, sends the signal that turns those LEDs on.
On recalled Sprinter (VS30) vans with LED rear lamps, the body controller software sends a signal that is too short for the rear fog lamp to switch on when the vehicle electrical system is above 14.1 volts. The switch can be on, but the lamp stays dark because the LED rear light does not receive the minimum pulse length it needs. The issue comes from the controller setup used for the NAFTA-market configuration before updated software was installed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver sees the rear fog light switch turned on, but the rear fog lamp does not illuminate.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) | Fog lights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,197 |
| 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?
Reduced rear visibility makes the Sprinter (VS30) harder for other drivers to see and increases the risk of a crash. There is no advance warning before the rear fog lamps lose the added visibility they are meant to provide. Drive cautiously, especially in low-visibility conditions, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free body-controller software update that restores rear fog light operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V121 when you call.
- Use extra care in fog or poor visibility until the update is complete, because this recall involves rear fog lamps that can fail to illuminate when switched on.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the software settings for the control unit body controller so the LED rear fog lights illuminate when the switch is turned on. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the vehicles in this recall remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 22, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 12, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 18, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 19, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V121?
Recall 19V121 covers 1,197 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) vehicles equipped with LED rear fog lights that do not illuminate when the rear fog light switch is turned on. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the body controller software settings for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 19V121. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the body controller software update. Reference recall number 19V121 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software settings of the control unit body controller free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility to other drivers when the LED rear fog lamps do not illuminate. Rear fog lamps help make the van easier to see in poor visibility, and the failed lights increase crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V121000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V121 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V121000 |
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 →