Recall 21V055 affects 84,345 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and Sprinter vans for incorrect eCall location data. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 84,345 2016-2020 Metris, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans under recall 21V055 because the eCall communication module can send the wrong vehicle location after a crash. That failure can send emergency responders to the wrong place and increase injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The communication module in the 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 supports the emergency call system, also called eCall. After a crash, that system is supposed to contact emergency services and send the vehicle location so responders know where to go.
On affected vans, the communication module software has a design problem. In a crash, it can fail to send the correct vehicle location for the eCall system. The emergency call still involves the vehicle's electrical software, but the location data sent from the module is wrong or unreliable. Mercedes-Benz identifies the corrected condition as software with improved function.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner will not get an advance message, warning light, or other signal that the emergency call location function is wrong before a crash triggers the system.
Who's affected?
Covers the Metris and four Sprinter weight classes across the 2016-2020 model years, all tied to electrical system software.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | electrical system software |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 84,345 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed eCall system can send emergency responders to the wrong location after a crash, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris, 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 software communication module update that corrects the eCall location sent after a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V055 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions and reference Mercedes-Benz recall VSXHERMPOS.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system. The update is free under recall 21V055, with parts and labor covered. This repair addresses the eCall software design that can send the wrong vehicle location after a crash. After the update, ask the service desk to confirm the campaign is closed on your vehicle's service record.
Timeline
| February 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 6, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 6, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 5, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V055?
Recall 21V055 covers 84,345 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with eCall software that can send the wrong crash location to emergency responders. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the communication module software for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V055. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the eCall communication module software update. Reference recall number 21V055 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 Mercedes-Benz dealers update the automatic emergency call system communication module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V055.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is delayed or misdirected emergency response after a crash. If the eCall system sends the wrong vehicle location, responders can be dispatched to the wrong place, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. The dealer software update corrects the eCall location communication issue.
When did the Mercedes-Benz recall repair start?
The recall repair began on May 5, 2021. Mercedes-Benz owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised dealer for the free software update. Owners can also call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 and reference recall number VSXHERMPOS.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V055000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V055 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V055000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →