Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Introduced in 1995, the Sprinter light commercial vehicle is marketed under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner marques in the United States. According to Daimler AG, 48,400 units are called back for a software error that may allow the vehicle to move after placing the gear selector in park.
VS30 and Platform 907 vehicles with the seven-speed transmission are affected. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between June 5th, 2018, and November 30th, 2020, whereas the automatic transmissions were made at the Hedelfingen plant from May 1st, 2018, through October 31st, 2019.
“The defect is a rare and temporary park lock system error that could increase the risk of vehicle rollaway.” Daimler AG further mentions that the issue occurs when the driver doesn’t follow the proper steps for safe parking emphasized in the operator’s manual. The German automaker became aware of the issue after a handful of complaints, primarily from package delivery services in the United States. During extensive testing, the Three-Pointed Star couldn’t identify a clear root cause for the rare phenomenon.
Be that as it may, Daimler AG does highlight a curious tidbit. “A separate factor may contribute to the rare occurrence of a park lock function error or enhanced the related rollaway risk.” The German automaker is referring to the PLS, which stands for Park Lock Support. As expected, the fix comes in the form of new software for the ESP control unit that governs the PLS.
The company also states that the defect miraculously ceased to exist after October 2019. Customers will be notified by snail mail on January 31st.
Recalled Sprinters range from the 1500 to the 4500, numbers that signify the van’s capability. For instance, the 1500 hauls up to 3,920 pounds (1,778 kilograms) while the 4500 is boasting 6,823 pounds (3,095 kilograms).
If you’re in the market for a Sprinter, prepare to pony up $36,355 for the panel van. A crew van, passenger van, and cab chassis are also available.
“The defect is a rare and temporary park lock system error that could increase the risk of vehicle rollaway.” Daimler AG further mentions that the issue occurs when the driver doesn’t follow the proper steps for safe parking emphasized in the operator’s manual. The German automaker became aware of the issue after a handful of complaints, primarily from package delivery services in the United States. During extensive testing, the Three-Pointed Star couldn’t identify a clear root cause for the rare phenomenon.
Be that as it may, Daimler AG does highlight a curious tidbit. “A separate factor may contribute to the rare occurrence of a park lock function error or enhanced the related rollaway risk.” The German automaker is referring to the PLS, which stands for Park Lock Support. As expected, the fix comes in the form of new software for the ESP control unit that governs the PLS.
The company also states that the defect miraculously ceased to exist after October 2019. Customers will be notified by snail mail on January 31st.
Recalled Sprinters range from the 1500 to the 4500, numbers that signify the van’s capability. For instance, the 1500 hauls up to 3,920 pounds (1,778 kilograms) while the 4500 is boasting 6,823 pounds (3,095 kilograms).
If you’re in the market for a Sprinter, prepare to pony up $36,355 for the panel van. A crew van, passenger van, and cab chassis are also available.
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