Recall 19V309 affects 1,517 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles for high beams that stay on. Repair is free at franchised Freightliner dealers.
Freightliner is recalling 1,517 2019 Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans with high-beam assist because a control-unit software error can keep the driver from switching off the high beams. Oncoming traffic can be blinded by the lights, increasing crash risk, and Freightliner dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The high-beam assist system on 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles uses a camera and a body controller to manage the headlights. The body controller is the lighting control unit that takes driver commands and sensor input, then switches the headlamps between high and low beam. When it works normally, the driver can still use the stalk to turn the high beams off.
On these Sprinters, a software error in the body controller interferes with that command path after a camera malfunction. If the camera fault occurs, the lever does not turn the high beams off as intended. That leaves the lights stuck in high beam until the fault is addressed, so the exterior lighting no longer follows the driver's command.
The warning sign is a message in the instrument cluster. It alerts the driver to a failure of the automatic high-beam function and the camera malfunction.
Who's affected?
Both Sprinter models share the same high/low beam dimmer switch named in the recall.
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | High/low beam dimmer switch |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | High/low beam dimmer switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | High/low beam dimmer switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | High/low beam dimmer switch |
| Units affected | 1,517 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Sprinter model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the high beams stay on, oncoming drivers can be blinded by the vehicle's lights, which increases the risk of a crash. A warning message about automatic high-beam failure and camera malfunction appears in the instrument cluster when the fault occurs. Drive cautiously at night and schedule the software update. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free control-unit software update that fixes the high beams not switching off.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V309 and DVUSA recall VS3FERNLI when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete, and pull over safely if the high beams will not switch off.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician updates the high-beam assist control unit software so the high beams can switch off as intended. The dealer work is 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 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
| April 18, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 13, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 14, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V309?
Recall 19V309 covers 1,517 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles equipped with high-beam assist. A control unit software error can keep the driver from switching off the high beams, increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 19V309. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the control unit software update. Reference recall number 19V309 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, and the remedy for recall 19V309 is a free control unit software update at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is glare for oncoming drivers. If the software keeps the high beams on after you try to switch them off, oncoming traffic can be blinded, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free software update at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V309000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V309 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V309000 |
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 →