Recall 20V078 affects 4,424 2019 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles for loose EGR pipe screws. Free repair at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 4,424 2019 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because the EGR pipe connecting screws were not correctly tightened. Loose screws can let hot exhaust gases leak from the EGR pipe and increase fire risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust gas recirculation pipe on the 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 is part of the emissions system. It carries a measured portion of exhaust gas back toward the engine intake, which helps the engine control combustion temperature and emissions.
On these vans, the connecting screws on that EGR pipe were not tightened to specification during production. A loose or damaged screw connection does not clamp the pipe and flange seals the way it should. That leaves the joint less secure, so exhaust gas can escape around the connection instead of staying sealed inside the exhaust system.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is found by inspecting the EGR pipe screw connections and flange seals, then reinstalling them to the correct specification when needed.
Who's affected?
Covers four 2019 Sprinter weight classes, with both EGR valve and exhaust system components listed.
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 4,424 |
A matching Sprinter year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the EGR pipe screw connection is loose, hot exhaust gases can leak from the pipe and increase the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and use the vehicle with caution until it is fixed. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free EGR pipe screw connection and flange seal repair that fixes the loose exhaust connection.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 20V078 when you call.
- Use the van only as needed until the repair is complete, because loose EGR pipe screws can let hot exhaust gases leak.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician renews the screw connection and replaces the flange seals on the exhaust gas recirculation pipe. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Bring any prior repair paperwork to the service desk so they can review warranty coverage.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 12, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 27, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 27, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 4, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V078?
Recall 20V078 covers 4,424 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans with EGR pipe connecting screws that were not tightened correctly. Hot exhaust gas can leak from the pipe and increase fire risk. Freightliner dealers will renew the screw connection and flange seals for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Freightliner 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 20V078. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and schedule the EGR pipe repair. Reference recall number 20V078 or Freightliner's recall number VS3AGROHR 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 this recall remedy says dealers will renew the EGR pipe screw connection and flange seals free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Loose EGR pipe connecting screws can let hot exhaust gas leak from the pipe, increasing the risk of a fire. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your van is included.
What if I bought my Freightliner Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 Freightliner Sprinter is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer with recall number 20V078 or VS3AGROHR.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V078000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V078 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V078000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →