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Campaign 20V663 Posted October 28, 2020 47,667 units

2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter Recall 20V663: Hose

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 20V663 covers 47,667 2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 for leaking power steering hoses. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

Freightliner is recalling 47,667 2015-2020 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because hydraulic power steering return line hoses can detach and leak fluid. A sudden loss of power steering assist and fluid on the roadway can increase crash risk, and Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The hydraulic power steering system on 2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans uses pressurized fluid to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. A return line hose carries that fluid back through the system after it has helped move the steering gear. The spring-type clamp at the cooler connection is supposed to keep that hose seated and sealed.

On included vans, the hydraulic power steering return line hose can detach at its connection point under certain operating conditions. When that happens, power steering fluid leaks out instead of circulating through the system. As fluid level and pressure drop, the steering assist weakens and the pump works with less fluid than intended.

A driver can notice the steering wheel taking more effort to turn. The power steering pump can also make noise as the hydraulic fluid leaks.

Who's affected?

Covers four Sprinter classes across the 2015-2020 model years, all tied to the power steering system.

2018 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 power steering system
2017 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 power steering system
2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 power steering system
2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 power steering system
2015 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 power steering system
Units affected47,667

The year, badge, and Sprinter model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.

What's the safety risk?

Power steering assist can disappear suddenly, and leaking hydraulic fluid can reach the roadway. Steering effort can climb as fluid leaks, with pump noise as a warning sign. If steering feels heavier or the pump sounds unusual, stop in a safe place and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free power-steering return-line inspection and correction for hose connections that can detach and leak hydraulic fluid.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Freightliner sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V663 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and be alert for changes in steering assist.
  5. Call Freightliner customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions before your dealer visit.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Freightliner technician checks the power steering return line connections and corrects any loose or detached connection as needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid for a related power steering return line repair before the recall notice, Freightliner's reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask the service desk or Freightliner customer service how to submit repair paperwork.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

October 28, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
November 16, 2020 Dealer notification began
November 16, 2020 Dealer notification ended
November 23, 2020 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
November 23, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
December 23, 2020 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V663?

Recall 20V663 covers 47,667 2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with hydraulic power steering return line hoses that can detach and leak fluid. Dealers will check the connections and correct them for free.

What should I do if my 2015-2020 Freightliner Sprinter is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V663. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the power steering return line inspection and correction. Reference recall number 20V663 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 the remedy for recall 20V663 is free. The dealer will check the hydraulic power steering return line connections and correct them as needed.

Is it safe to drive a Freightliner Sprinter with this recall?

The recall concerns a steering fluid leak and sudden loss of power steering assist, which can increase crash risk. Check your VIN first. If your van is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask the dealer what to do if steering feels heavy or fluid is leaking.

What if I bought this Freightliner Sprinter used?

The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sprinter is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 20V663.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V663000
Freightliner customer service1-877-762-8267
NHTSA recall #20V663
NHTSA recall # (full)20V663000

Source documents

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 →