Recall 24V166 affects 828 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for a main wiring harness that can short. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 828 2023 Sprinter vans, including Sprinter 4500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 1500 models, because the main wiring harness can chafe against the drive shaft and short circuit. That short circuit can raise the risk of a fire or cause loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The main wiring harness on 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans is the bundled set of electrical wires that carries power and signals between major vehicle systems. It helps those systems communicate and stay powered while the van is running, including systems tied to propulsion, steering assist, and brake control.
On affected vans, the harness was not routed as specified during production. That placement leaves it close enough to the drive shaft for the shaft to rub against the wiring insulation. Over time, that rubbing can wear through the insulation and create a short circuit. If the harness shorts, the van can lose drive power, power steering, and brake system control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not receive an advance alert because the problem is the harness location and the short happens when the damaged wiring fails.
Who's affected?
Covers four Sprinter variants in the 2023 model year, all tied to the main wiring harness.
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | wiring |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | wiring |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | wiring |
| Units affected | 828 |
A matching year and Sprinter model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit raises the risk of fire. It can also cause loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure. Until the harness is inspected and corrected, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500, or 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free main wiring harness routing inspection and correction that keeps the harness from chafing against the drive shaft and shorting.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 24V166 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop in a safe place if you notice loss of drive power, power steering, or brake system control.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the routing of the main wiring harness and corrects the routing so it no longer chafes against the drive shaft. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a wiring harness repair tied to this recall, Mercedes-Benz's general reimbursement plan is on file for documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 1, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 8, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 5, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 29, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V166?
Recall 24V166 covers 828 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles. The main wiring harness can chafe against the drive shaft and short circuit, increasing fire risk, crash risk, and loss of drive power, power steering, or brake system control.
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 24V166. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the wiring harness inspection and routing correction. Reference recall number 24V166 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the main wiring harness routing and correct it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a wiring short circuit near the drive shaft. A short circuit increases the risk of fire, and loss of drive power, power steering, or brake system control increases crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the wiring harness routing for free.
When were owners notified about recall 24V166?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on April 5, 2024. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 24V166.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V166000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V166 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V166000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →