Recall 20V109 covers 8,595 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans for loose steering-spindle screws. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,595 2019 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because screws securing the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle were not tightened correctly. If those screws loosen and detach, steering becomes harder and crash risk rises; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering spindle is part of the link between the steering wheel and the steering gear on 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans. The intermediate bearing supports that spindle, keeping it aligned as it turns so steering input reaches the front wheels.
On affected Sprinters, the screws that secure the intermediate bearing were not tightened correctly during production. Normal steering movement can let those screws loosen and detach. Once the bearing is no longer held in place as designed, the steering spindle no longer has the support it needs, and steering operation can be affected.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is in the fasteners that hold the bearing, an owner is not expected to feel or hear a clear symptom before the screws loosen.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans, all involving the steering system.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | steering system |
| Units affected | 8,595 |
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?
Detached steering spindle intermediate bearing screws can make the 2019 Sprinter harder to steer and increase the risk of a crash. If steering feels abnormal, pull over safely and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer before continuing. 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 dealer to schedule the free steering-spindle intermediate-bearing screw replacement and tightening that addresses loose screws that can make steering difficult.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V109 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the van if steering feels loose or hard to control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the screws that secure the steering spindle intermediate bearing and tightens them to the proper specification. The replacement 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 program, because the involved vans remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| April 3, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 13, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V109?
Recall 20V109 covers 8,595 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with steering spindle intermediate bearing screws that were not properly tightened. If the screws detach, the driver can have difficulty steering, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace and properly tighten the screws for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V109. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering spindle screw replacement and tightening. Reference recall number 20V109 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 recall remedy says dealers will replace and properly tighten the steering spindle intermediate bearing screws free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of normal steering control. If the steering spindle intermediate bearing screws loosen and detach, the driver can have difficulty steering the van, which increases crash risk. The dealer repair fixes the loose-screw condition for free.
What if I bought my 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 Sprinter is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 20V109.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V109000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V109 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V109000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →