Recall 20V631 covers 463 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with production-damaged brake hoses. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 463 2020 Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 4500, and Sprinter 3500 vans because front and rear brake hoses need inspection for production damage. Over time, a damaged hose can leak brake fluid, reduce braking performance, and cause loss of directional stability when braking; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The brake hose on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 4500, and Sprinter 3500 is a flexible line that carries brake fluid to the wheel brakes. When you press the brake pedal, fluid pressure moves through these hoses so the brakes can clamp down. The hoses on the front and rear axles have to stay sealed while they flex with normal suspension and wheel movement.
On the recalled vans, the outside of the hose was damaged during production. If the hose fitting was not positioned correctly on the first assembly attempt, the installation tool was reset and the hose contacted a sharp edge. That contact left cuts in the outer layer of the multilayer hose. The hose was still able to handle a maximum braking event when new, but the damaged outer area can age and weaken until braking performance is affected. In the worst case, the hose ruptures or bursts.
There is no warning sign before failure. A dealer inspection is needed to find the damage and replace the brake hose when needed.
Who's affected?
Covers four Sprinter variants for the 2020 model year, all tied to the same rear-axle hydraulic brake hose.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 463 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The model name narrows the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake hose leak reduces braking performance and can affect directional stability while braking, increasing the risk of a crash. If braking feels unstable or you see brake fluid near a wheel, schedule service promptly and drive cautiously until the vehicle is checked. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 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 brake-hose inspection and replacement that fixes damaged hoses that can leak brake fluid and reduce braking performance.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V631 and Mercedes-Benz recall VS3MONTLAU when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the brake hoses are inspected and repaired. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the brake hoses on the front and rear axles for production damage and replaces any damaged hoses. Parts and labor are covered by the recall, so the dealer repair is free. Out-of-pocket hose repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 23, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 23, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 24, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V631?
Recall 20V631 covers 463 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans with front and rear brake hoses that were damaged during production. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the hoses and replace damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V631. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the brake-hose inspection. Reference recall number 20V631 when you call. The dealer will replace damaged hoses for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V631, a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer will inspect the front and rear brake hoses and replace damaged hoses free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Damaged brake hoses can leak brake fluid over time. That can affect braking performance and lead to loss of directional stability while braking, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and hose replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V631000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V631 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V631000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →