Recall 21V972 affects 48,400 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles for park-lock software that lets vehicles move in Park. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 48,400 2019-2020 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because a park lock software error can let the vehicle move after Park is selected if the parking brake is not applied. Unintentional movement increases crash risk, and Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ESP control unit software in the 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 helps manage stability functions and the park lock system. In normal use, when the gear selector is moved to Park, the park lock system helps hold the van in place. The manual parking brake is a separate mechanical backup that keeps the vehicle from rolling.
On included Sprinter vans, a software error in the park lock system allows the vehicle to move after the selector is placed in Park if the parking brake is not applied. The issue is tied to vans with a manual parking brake and a 7-speed automatic transmission from the specified production range. The dealer repair updates the ESP control unit with revised parameters that deactivate the PLS function.
There is no warning sign before failure. The van can look and feel parked, then move if the parking brake is not set.
Who's affected?
Covers 4 Sprinter weight classes across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to ESP control unit software.
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 48,400 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the defect occurs, so confirm the vehicle is fully secured before exiting and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 1500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the electronic stability program software update that fixes the park-lock error, which can let the van move after the gear selector is placed in Park without the parking brake applied.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V972 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician updates the electronic stability program control unit software. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered by Freightliner. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles are covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork tied to the park lock or electronic stability program software issue.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 24, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 24, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 11, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V972?
Recall 21V972 covers 48,400 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with a park lock software error. The vehicle can move after the gear selector is placed in Park without the parking brake applied, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sprinter is included in recall 21V972. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the electronic stability program control unit software update. Reference recall number 21V972 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022.
Is it safe to drive before the repair?
Use the parking brake every time you park until the software update is complete. The recall involves unintended vehicle movement after Park is selected without the parking brake applied. That movement can increase crash risk, so schedule the free dealer update once your VIN is confirmed.
Who do I call about Freightliner recall 21V972?
Call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 21V972 or Daimler Vans recall number VS3PA27 ERI/ERO. You can also contact Daimler Vans customer service at 1-877-762-8267 for recall support, but the dealer performs the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V972000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V972 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V972000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →