Recall 19V591 covers 8,243 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with taillights that can dim or switch off. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,243 2019 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because quick movement of the manual light switch can dim the taillights or turn them off. Reduced rear visibility raises crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The taillight system on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 is controlled through the body controller, an electronic module that tells exterior lights when and how brightly to turn on. When the manual lighting switch is moved between settings, that controller is supposed to keep the rear lights visible and stable.
On these Sprinter vehicles, the body controller has software release 11 with an error in how it reacts to a quick switch movement. If the manual turn-switch is moved from one lighting position to another within 0.5 seconds, the taillights can become much dimmer or turn off completely. Vehicles outside the recall use different software.
If the taillights turn off, a warning indicator will appear in the instrument cluster. That is the warning sign owners are told to watch for before the lighting problem is noticed from outside the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans, with tail-light and switch components listed.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Switch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Switch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Switch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Switch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Tail lights |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Switch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 8,243 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced taillight visibility makes the van harder for other drivers to see and increases the risk of a crash. If the taillights turn off, a warning indicator appears in the instrument cluster. Treat that warning as a reason to slow down, avoid low-visibility driving, 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 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer to schedule the free body-control-unit software update that fixes reduced taillight brightness after quick light-switch changes.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V591 when you call.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete, especially at night or in low visibility, because reduced taillight visibility increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the body control unit software that controls exterior lighting behavior. The software update, parts, and labor are free under recall 19V591. The recall filing handles prior out-of-pocket repairs through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for this lighting issue.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 12, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 13, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 13, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 20, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 30, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V591?
Recall 19V591 covers 8,243 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans with a taillight control issue. If the manual light switch is turned quickly, the taillights can dim sharply or switch off, reducing visibility.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 19V591. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the body control unit software update. Reference recall number 19V591000 and MBUSA recall number VS3HELI when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and MBUSA says dealers will update the body control unit software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at the dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V591?
The safety risk is reduced taillight visibility. When the manual light switch is moved quickly between lighting positions, the taillights can become much dimmer or turn off. Other drivers have less warning from behind, which increases crash risk.
What if I bought my Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 Sprinter is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 19V591000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V591000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V591 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V591000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →