Recall 20V802 covers 9,094 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans for leaking rear brake calipers. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 9,094 2019-2020 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans with electric parking brakes because rear brake calipers can leak brake fluid into the electric parking brake housing. Air can enter the hydraulic brake system, causing longer brake pedal travel and increasing crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will repair it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On affected 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans, the rear brake caliper is the clamp at the rear wheel that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. It also connects to the rear axle service brake system, while the electric parking brake uses a housing tied into that rear brake area.
The problem is a leak path at the rear brake caliper. Brake fluid can leak into the electric parking brake housing, and that leak can let air enter the hydraulic brake system. Brake fluid is supposed to transmit pressure cleanly from the pedal to the brakes. Air in that system compresses, so the pedal travels farther before the brakes respond.
The warning sign is a brake pedal that gradually travels farther than normal and feels soft under your foot. Treat that change as a brake-system warning, not as normal pedal wear.
Who's affected?
Covers Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the rear brake caliper.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 9,094 |
A matching year and Sprinter model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Air in the brake system can make the brake pedal travel farther before the van slows, which increases the risk of a crash. A soft pedal or gradually longer pedal travel is a warning sign to stop, avoid further trips, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear brake caliper replacement that stops brake fluid from entering the electric parking brake housing.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 20V802 and Mercedes-Benz recall VS3BREPB when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra braking distance and stop driving if the brake pedal travel becomes extended.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rear brake calipers covered by recall 20V802. The repair addresses brake fluid leaking into the electric parking brake housing and air entering the hydraulic brake system. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 21, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 5, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V802?
Recall 20V802 covers 9,094 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers can leak brake fluid into the electric parking brake housing, allowing air into the hydraulic brake system and increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz will replace the rear brake calipers for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V802. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear brake caliper replacement. Reference recall number 20V802 and DVUSA recall number VS3BREPB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and DVUSA says the rear brake calipers will be replaced free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
Air in the brake system can cause extended brake pedal travel. That means the brake pedal travels farther before the van slows as expected, increasing crash risk. If your brake pedal feels abnormal, avoid driving and call the dealer for service guidance.
When were owners notified about recall 20V802?
DVUSA mailed owner notification letters on January 4, 2022. Used-vehicle owners and owners who moved still need to check the VIN, because the letter follows registration records and does not prove whether your specific van still has an open recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V802000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V802 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V802000 |
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 →