Recall 21V235 affects 1,285 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vehicles for a too-bright display. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,285 2019-2020 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because the instrument cluster display is not adjustable and can stay too bright in certain lighting. The glare can hinder the driver's vision and raise crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument cluster in the 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans is the display area behind the steering wheel. It shows driving information and warning messages, and its multifunction display is supposed to adjust brightness so the driver can read it without glare. On these Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans, the affected setup uses a Highline instrument cluster with an entry radio or no infotainment system.
The problem starts inside the instrument cluster software. When the photo diode, the light sensor inside the cluster, reads certain very dark conditions, the software sets the wrong brightness value for the multifunction display. The driver then cannot manually lower the brightness. That leaves the display too bright in certain lighting conditions, which is why the recall is tied to the federal controls and displays standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner first notices the issue when the multifunction display stays too bright and does not respond to the normal brightness adjustment.
Who's affected?
Covers Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the same instrument panel.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | instrument panel |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 1,285 |
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?
An instrument display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision and increase crash risk. There is no advance warning before the brightness problem appears. If it happens, slow down, pull over when safe, and schedule the software update. 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 a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free instrument-cluster software update that fixes the overly bright display.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V235 when you call.
- Avoid driving in lighting conditions where the bright display hinders your vision until the software update is complete.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the instrument cluster software so the multifunction display brightness can be adjusted as required. The recall repair is free, including the software update and labor. DVUSA has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related instrument cluster software repair before the recall work, ask Mercedes-Benz customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V235?
Recall 21V235 covers 1,285 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans with instrument cluster software that leaves the multifunction display too bright in certain lighting. That glare can hinder the driver's vision and increase crash risk. Dealers update the instrument cluster software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 21V235. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the instrument cluster software update. Reference recall number 21V235 and Daimler Vans recall number VS3DISPKI when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Daimler Vans says dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge, with parts and labor covered at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility from an overly bright multifunction display. In certain lighting, the display can hinder the driver's vision and increase crash risk. The repair updates the instrument cluster software so the display adjustment works as required.
When were owners notified about recall 21V235?
Daimler Vans mailed owner notification letters on May 28, 2021. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 21V235.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V235000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V235 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V235000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →