Recall 22V281 covers 12,086 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vehicles for rearview-camera display failure. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 12,086 2019-2021 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because a software error can keep the rearview camera image from appearing. Without that image, the driver's rear view is reduced, increasing crash risk, and Freightliner dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rearview camera software on 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, and Sprinter 3500 vans controls what the driver sees on the central display when backing up. The camera is supposed to send a live rear view to that screen so the driver can see the area behind the van before and during a backing maneuver.
On affected vans, a supplier software deviation leaves the rearview camera program outside current product specifications. When reverse is selected, the system can fail to show the rearview image. Instead of the camera view, the central display can stay on the screen it was already showing or switch to a black screen with a message that the rearview camera is not able to display an image.
There is no warning sign before failure. When the issue appears, the missing camera image, unchanged display, or black screen message is what the driver notices.
Who's affected?
Covers Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 vans across 2019-2021, all tied to the same rear-view camera display function.
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Display function |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Display function |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Display function |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500 | Display function |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500 | Display function |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Display function |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | Display function |
| 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | Display function |
| Units affected | 12,086 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, badge, 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 inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash while backing up. There is no warning before the failure; the center display can freeze on the existing image or show a black screen message instead. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free rearview camera software update that restores the rearview image display.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V281 when you call.
- Use mirrors and a spotter when backing up until the software update is complete.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician updates the rearview camera software so the display shows the rearview image when the vehicle is backing up. The software update and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to correct this rearview camera condition before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan provides a path to submit documentation. Contact DVUSA customer service or bring the repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to file the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 6, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 13, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 13, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 20, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V281?
Recall 22V281 covers 12,086 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with rearview camera software that can stop the rear image from displaying. That reduces the driver's rear view and increases crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 22V281. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the rearview camera software update. Reference recall number 22V281 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. For recall 22V281, dealers update the rearview camera software free of charge at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The rearview camera image can fail to display because of a software error. When that happens, the driver has reduced rear visibility while backing up, which increases crash risk. Use mirrors and direct visual checks, then schedule the free software update if your VIN is included.
When were owner letters mailed for recall 22V281?
Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer with recall number 22V281.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V281000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V281 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V281000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →