Recall 23V849 affects 33 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for an unsecured front left suspension strut bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 33 2023 Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 1500 vans because the recall concerns an improperly secured front left suspension strut bolt. A loose strut bolt can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The front left suspension strut on affected 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans helps hold the wheel assembly in position against the vehicle body. The strut is part of the front suspension, which supports the van, keeps the tire planted, and helps steering inputs reach the road in a controlled way. Its upper connection depends on bolts clamping clean metal surfaces together.
On these vans, underbody sealant was applied where the front left strut bolt connection meets the body. That coating belongs on underbody areas for protection, but not on the contact surface for this joint. As the coating compresses, the bolt connection can settle and lose clamp force. If the remaining bolts do not hold the strut securely under driving loads, the driver can lose steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not get a light, sound, or handling clue that reliably shows the connection is loosening.
Who's affected?
Covers four Sprinter weight classes in the 2023 model year, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | front suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | front suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | front suspension |
| Units affected | 33 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the front left suspension strut bolt connection fails, the driver can lose steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so do not wait for a light, noise, or steering change before scheduling service. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free front-left suspension strut bolt inspection and body-contact-surface repair for the steering-control risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or reference recall number 23V849 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and avoid unnecessary trips because loss of steering control increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the front left suspension strut bolt connection and repairs the body contact surface if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid for a related repair, submit documentation through Mercedes-Benz's reimbursement process. Reimbursement can include parts, labor, fees, and taxes, up to the amount the repair would have cost at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 15, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 29, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| December 29, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 9, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 9, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V849?
Recall 23V849 covers 33 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with a front left suspension strut bolt connection that was not secured properly. The defect can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the connection and repair the body contact surface for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 23V849. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the front left suspension strut bolt inspection. Reference recall 23V849 or Mercedes-Benz recall number VS3FEDDOR when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz says dealers will inspect the front left suspension strut bolt connection and repair the body contact surface free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall says the front left suspension strut bolt connection was not secured properly, and that defect can increase the risk of a crash. If you feel steering looseness or abnormal suspension behavior, contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer before further driving.
When were owners notified about recall 23V849?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on January 31, 2024. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies to your specific 2023 Sprinter.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V849000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V849 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V849000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →