Recall 20V157 covers 65 2019 Freightliner Sprinter vans with winter tires installed in the wrong direction. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 65 2019 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans equipped with winter tires because installation errors can reduce traction in wet or snowy conditions. Reduced traction can lead to loss of vehicle control and a higher crash risk; Freightliner dealers will inspect and correct the tire installation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The winter tires on the 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 are built to move water and snow through the tread in a set running direction. That direction matters because the tread pattern is designed to meet the road a specific way when the van rolls forward.
On affected Sprinter vans, the winter tires were installed on the wrong side of the vehicle. That puts the tread profile out of line with the tire maker's specified running direction. In wet or snowy conditions, the tire does not clear the road surface as designed, which reduces traction.
The dealer checks the installation location and running direction of each tire. If the tires are reversed, the dealer adjusts them; if uneven tread wear is present, the affected tires are replaced.
There is no warning sign before failure. The traction problem shows up only when the tire needs to grip in wet or snowy conditions.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 configurations tied to the tire component.
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | tire |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | tire |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | tire |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | tire |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | tire |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | tire |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | tire |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | tire |
| Units affected | 65 |
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?
Reduced traction can lead to loss of vehicle control and increases the risk of a crash. Until the tires are inspected, avoid hard acceleration, sharp steering, and high-speed driving, and schedule the dealer visit soon. The dealer will correct tire direction or replace unevenly worn tires as needed. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free tire-direction inspection that fixes winter tires installed in the wrong running direction.
- Ask the dealer to replace any tires with uneven tread wear as part of the free recall repair.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V157 and Freightliner recall VS3LAUFRI when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Slow down in wet or snowy conditions and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the winter tires to confirm each tire is mounted in the correct running direction. If a tire is mounted the wrong way, the technician corrects the installation. If tread wear is uneven, the tire is replaced. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket tire repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior tire-related repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 15, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V157?
Recall 20V157 covers 65 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles equipped with winter tires. The tires were installed in the wrong running direction, reducing traction in wet or snowy conditions. Dealers will inspect and correct the tires 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 20V157. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for the tire running-direction inspection. Reference recall number 20V157 when you call. The inspection and any needed correction are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V157, the dealer will inspect the tire running direction, correct the installation when needed, and replace tires with uneven tread wear free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced traction in wet or snowy conditions. NHTSA campaign 20V157 says that loss of traction can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and correction.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when DVUSA began the recall on May 15, 2020. Owners can contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267, or call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 20V157 for the free tire inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V157000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V157 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V157000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →