Recall 21V241 affects 4,444 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles for power-steering return-line hose detachment. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4,444 2019-2020 Sprinter (VS30), Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 1500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because hydraulic power steering return line hoses can detach and leak fluid. A leak can cause sudden loss of power steering assist and raise crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic power steering system on 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans uses a pump, fluid, hoses, and a steering gear to reduce steering effort. When you turn the wheel, pressurized fluid helps move the steering gear so the van is easier to control at low speeds and during tight turns. The return line sends used fluid back toward the reservoir so the pump stays supplied.
The problem is at the power steering return line hose connections. A clamp at a connection point can fail to keep the hose seated, allowing the hose to detach and leak hydraulic fluid. As fluid leaks out, the pump has less fluid to move through the system, and the steering assist drops.
An owner can notice the steering wheel taking more effort to turn as the fluid level falls. Noise from the power steering pump is another warning sign because the pump is running low on fluid.
Who's affected?
Spans Sprinter (VS30), 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 variants from the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter (VS30) | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | power steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | power steering system |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 4,444 |
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?
Hydraulic fluid loss can remove power steering assist suddenly, which increases crash risk. As fluid leaks, steering effort can rise gradually and the power steering pump can make noise from low fluid. Treat either sign as a reason to schedule service soon and use extra care while steering. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free screw-type clamp installation for the hydraulic power-steering return line hose.
- Reference recall number 21V241 and Mercedes-Benz recall NV3LETULPX when you call.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. The dealer can still look up the recall by VIN if the letter is missing.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Be ready for heavier steering if power steering assist is lost.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician installs a screw-type clamp on the hydraulic power steering return line hose to secure the hose and prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking at that connection. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Daimler Vans USA customer service about the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 7, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 7, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V241?
Recall 21V241 covers 4,444 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles with hydraulic power steering return line hoses that can detach and leak fluid. A leak can cause sudden loss of power steering assist and increase crash risk. Dealers install a screw-type clamp 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 21V241. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for recall NV3LETULPX. The dealer installs a screw-type clamp on the hydraulic power steering return line hose for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost, and DVUSA's remedy says dealers will install the screw-type clamp free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Is it safe to drive with recall 21V241 open?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects steering assist. A detached return line hose can leak hydraulic fluid and cause sudden loss of power steering assist, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free clamp repair.
What if I bought my Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sprinter is included, then reference recall 21V241 or NV3LETULPX when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V241000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V241 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V241000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →