Recall 20V426 affects 26 2019 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) vehicles for incorrect rear leaf spring shims. Repair is free at franchised Freightliner dealers.
Freightliner is recalling 26 2019 Sprinter (VS30) vans because incorrect leaf spring shims were installed between the rear axle and leaf springs. The shims can affect handling and increase the risk of a crash, and Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The leaf spring shim on the 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) sits between the rear axle and the rear leaf spring. The leaf spring carries vehicle weight and helps keep the rear axle positioned as the van rides over bumps, turns, and braking loads. The shim sets the correct spacing and angle between those parts.
On included Sprinter vans, the wrong shim was installed during production. That changes how the rear axle sits against the leaf spring, which affects the suspension geometry the stability-control system expects. When that geometry is wrong, the van's handling does not match the required setup for the electronic stability control standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not rely on a noise, dashboard light, or visible lean to confirm this issue, because the problem is the installed suspension hardware, not a part that announces failure first.
Who's affected?
The scope includes Sprinter (VS30) vans sold under both Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz badges, with the same rear suspension part listed for each.
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 26 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect leaf spring shims can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the repair soon, and drive cautiously until the dealer replaces the shims and checks the related spring hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free leaf-spring-shim repair that corrects the rear-axle setup affecting handling.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 20V426 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance because the recall involves vehicle handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the leaf spring shims on both sides, renews the spring brackets, checks the rubber buffers for wear, renews worn buffers, and adjusts the headlamps. Parts and labor are covered 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 vehicles were covered by warranty at the time of the reimbursement decision. Ask the Freightliner service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 7, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V426?
Recall 20V426 covers 26 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) vans with incorrect rear leaf spring shims. The shims can affect handling and fail to meet the electronic stability control standard, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the shims and related parts for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V426. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the leaf spring shim repair. Reference recall number 20V426 and DVUSA recall number VS3LEFSPRI when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V426, the dealer replaces the leaf spring shims on both sides, renews the spring brackets, checks the rubber buffers, and adjusts the headlamps for free.
Is it safe to drive my Sprinter before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The incorrect leaf spring shims can affect handling, so confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer repair. If the van feels unstable or handles unusually, call the dealer service desk before driving it.
When were owners notified about recall 20V426?
DVUSA sent interim owner notices on September 18, 2020, and the recall began October 1, 2020. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 20V426 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V426000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V426 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V426000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →