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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Recall 18V032: Passenger Airbag May Explode in a Crash, Sending Metal Shrapnel

NHTSA campaign 18V032, reported January 9, 2018, 17,413 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vans may rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. The propellant inside can degrade over long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes, which can cause the inflator to explode.

An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants, which may cause serious injury or death.

Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag module free of charge. Owners can contact Daimler Vans USA customer service at 1-877-762-8267, and you can check your VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 18V032Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Problem
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on March 13, 2018. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Freightliner Sprinter 25002013
Freightliner Sprinter 35002013
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 25002013
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 35002013