Recall 21V360 affects 168 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) vans with camper upfits for outdated ESP software. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 168 2019 Sprinter (VS30) vehicles with the camper upfit option because the Electronic Stability Control software was not updated for the higher center of gravity. The system can fail to respond as intended in certain driving scenarios, increasing crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ESP control unit on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) runs the Electronic Stability Program software. That software watches vehicle motion and helps the van stay more controlled during abrupt steering or traction changes. Camper upfits raise the center of gravity, so Mercedes-Benz uses a customized ESP software version for those Sprinters.
On the recalled Sprinter camper vehicles, the control unit received the standard ESP software instead of the version customized for the higher center of gravity. The standard software still met federal requirements, but Mercedes-Benz found that the customized version responded better during extreme maneuvers, including sudden lane changes. The issue is a software setup problem, not a broken mechanical part.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get an advance alert that the ESP software is the non-customized version, so the VIN check and dealer software update are the practical ways to confirm and correct it.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) | Software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 168 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) van is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If ESP does not respond as intended in certain driving scenarios, the vehicle has a higher crash risk. There is no warning sign before the problem occurs, so drive cautiously 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ESP software update for the camper-upfit stability-control calibration.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V360 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. Avoid abrupt steering or lane changes when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the Electronic Stability Control software so it matches the camper upfit's higher center of gravity. The recall repair is free, and dealer service labor is covered. If you already paid for the same software update before the owner notice, the general reimbursement plan on file gives you a path to claim documented expenses. Bring the prior repair invoice or payment paperwork to the service desk, or contact Mercedes-Benz customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 14, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V360?
Recall 21V360 covers 168 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) vehicles with the camper upfit option. The Electronic Stability Control software was not updated for the higher center of gravity, so stability control response is not as intended in certain driving scenarios, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 21V360. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the Electronic Stability Control software update. Reference recall 21V360 or Mercedes-Benz recall number VS3HOLAPLI when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the Electronic Stability Control software free of charge for vehicles included in recall 21V360.
Is it safe to drive my Sprinter before the software update?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is that the Electronic Stability Control response is not as intended during certain driving scenarios, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V360?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on July 2, 2021. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 Sprinter (VS30) is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V360000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V360 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V360000 |
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 →