Recall 24V517 affects 1,232 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for weak rear-axle U-bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,232 2023-2024 Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans because rear axle spring U-bolts have reduced strength from improper heat treatment. If the axle shifts out of position, the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
Spring U-bolts clamp the rear leaf spring assembly to the axle on 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vans. The leaf springs carry the rear of the van and help keep the axle located under the body. The U-bolts are the heavy clamps that hold that axle and spring pack together.
On affected Sprinter vans, certain U-bolts were not made to the required hardness specification during supplier production. That means the metal does not have the intended strength after heat treatment. If the U-bolts lose clamping force, the rear axle can shift out of position instead of staying square under the van.
There is no warning sign before the U-bolt begins to lose its hold. Once the axle shifts, the driver can notice the steering wheel tilting progressively while driving straight. A visual check can also show the rear wheels no longer centered in the wheel cutout.
Who's affected?
Covers four Sprinter weight classes across the 2023 and 2024 model years, all tied to the rear suspension spring U-bolt.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | rear suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | rear suspension |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 | rear suspension |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | rear suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | rear suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | rear suspension |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 1,232 |
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?
An axle that moves out of position can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the axle shifts. If the steering wheel tilts while driving straight, or the rear wheels sit off-center in the wheel cutout, schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, or Sprinter 4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free spring U-bolt replacement that secures the rear axle in position.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, or reference recall number 24V517 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, because a shifted rear axle can cause loss of vehicle control.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about recall number 24V517.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rear axle spring U-bolts covered by recall 24V517. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free. Mercedes-Benz is not running a separate reimbursement program for this campaign because the involved vans remain covered by the new vehicle warranty and were not previously subject to this condition. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how the warranty applies to that work.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 9, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| July 15, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 9, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 9, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V517?
Recall 24V517 covers 1,232 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, and Sprinter 4500 vehicles with rear axle spring U-bolts that have reduced strength from improper heat treatment. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the spring U-bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 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 24V517. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear axle spring U-bolt replacement. Reference recall number 24V517 or Mercedes-Benz recall VS3FEDERB 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 replace the rear axle spring U-bolts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The rear axle can shift out of position if the weakened spring U-bolts fail. That can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free U-bolt replacement with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 24V517?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on August 23, 2024. 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 Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V517000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V517 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V517000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →