Recall 19V665 covers 5,626 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vehicles for a loose hood catch. Repair is free at franchised Freightliner dealers.
Freightliner is recalling 5,626 2018-2019 Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 1500, and Sprinter 2500 vans because an improperly tightened upper hood catch screw connection can let the hood open while the van is moving. If that happens, driver visibility is reduced and crash risk rises; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The hood latch system on 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles holds the hood closed while the van is moving. The upper hood catch is the fixed part the latch grabs when the hood is shut. Its screws need the correct torque, which means they are tightened to the specified force.
On affected Sprinters, the screw connection on the upper hood catch was not backed by consistent manual torque-check documentation during production. If that connection is not tightened correctly, the catch does not hold the hood as securely as designed. Vehicle speed, wind resistance, and road conditions can then pull the hood open while the vehicle is being driven.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in how the hood catch was fastened at the factory, so an owner should not count on noise, looseness, or a dashboard warning before the hood opens.
Who's affected?
Covers four Sprinter variants from the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same hood latch.
| 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Latch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Latch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Latch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Latch |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Latch |
| 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Latch |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Latch |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Latch |
| 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Latch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Latch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Latch |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Latch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Latch |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Latch |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Latch |
| Units affected | 5,626 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific van.
What's the safety risk?
A hood that opens while driving can block the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash. Until the repair is complete, avoid driving if the hood does not sit securely or the latch area looks loose. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 1500, or Sprinter 2500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free hood-catch screw inspection and tightening that helps keep the hood from opening while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if DVUSA mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V665 and DVUSA recall VS3HAUBOSS when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the hood opens while the vehicle is moving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the screw connection on the upper hood catch and tightens it as needed. Parts 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 notice or program, because the involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior paperwork for this hood-catch repair.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 18, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 30, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 1, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 1, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 1, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V665?
Recall 19V665 covers 5,626 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with an upper hood catch screw connection that was not tightened correctly. The hood can open while driving and block the driver's view.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Freightliner Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sprinter is included in recall 19V665. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for the hood-catch screw connection inspection. The dealer will tighten the connection as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost, and the filed remedy for 19V665 states dealers will inspect the upper hood catch screw connection and tighten it as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is blocked visibility while driving. If the upper hood catch screw connection is loose, the hood can open on the road and reduce the driver's view, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection.
What if I bought my Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sprinter is included, then reference recall 19V665 when you call a franchised Freightliner dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V665000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V665 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V665000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →