2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED SUCH THAT A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 11V210000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS
Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THREE-SEAT BENCH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED SUCH THAT A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.
Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS L17. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. SOME OF THESE VANS MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE CORRECT BRAKE COMPONENTS INSTALLED.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIRS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-800-992-1997.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V110000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-992-1997.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 34 MY 2007-2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500 CARGO VANS. SOME OF THESE VANS MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE CORRECT BRAKE COMPONENTS INSTALLED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIRS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-800-992-1997.
Notes: SPRINTER RECALL NO. H10. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. SOME OF THE LEFT DRIVE SHAFTS ON THE REAR AXLE WHICH WERE LABELED WITH THE CHARGE INDICATOR "S," MAY CONTAIN CRACKS AT THE RADIUS BETWEEN THE SHAFT AND THE FLANGE.
What could happen: THESE CRACKS MAY CAUSE A BREAKAGE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE LEFT REAR DRIVE SHAFT FOR CHARGE INDICATOR "S" AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5000.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V352000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-843-695-5000.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 79 MY 2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER 3500 TRUCKS. SOME OF THE LEFT DRIVE SHAFTS ON THE REAR AXLE WHICH WERE LABELED WITH THE CHARGE INDICATOR "S," MAY CONTAIN CRACKS AT THE RADIUS BETWEEN THE SHAFT AND THE FLANGE.
Consequence: THESE CRACKS MAY CAUSE A BREAKAGE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE LEFT REAR DRIVE SHAFT FOR CHARGE INDICATOR "S" AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5000.
Notes: SPRINTER RECALL NO. H27. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
What could happen: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V456000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-584-7059.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Summary: CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
Consequence: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
5. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What could happen: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall fully supersedes recall 15V-354 and partially supersedes recalls 16V-379 and 17V-025.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V478000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2007-2009 Freightliner and Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall fully supersedes recall 15V-354 and partially supersedes recalls 16V-379 and 17V-025.
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.
6. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, exces…
What could happen: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer servic…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V077000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Airbags (4), Wheels / tires (2), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
11/19/2019 · Airbags
2008 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BUT, WAS UNABLE TO GET AN UNDERSTANDING IF THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL AND WHAT DEALER WOULD BE WILLING TO COMPLETE. *JS *DT*DT *JS *JS *JS
10/23/2017 · Airbags
TAKATA RECALL FOR DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AIRBAG NOTIFIED ME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND THEN NOTIFIED ME TO CONTACT THE LOCAL MERCEDES-BENZ/DAIMLER DEALER, WHICH I DID, BUT THEY SAY THEY HAVE NOT GOT A REPLACEMENT TO INSTALL IN MY VEHICLE. I HAD ALREADY HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACED ON A SIMILAR RECALL. I HAVE HAD NO ACTUAL INCIDENT YET WITH MY ALREADY REC…
05/03/2016 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V354000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTA…
02/16/2016 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V354000 (AIR BAGS) SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER RECEIVING A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V077000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WITH NO RESPONSE ON WHEN THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURE…
09/01/2015 · Wheels / tires
APPROX. 6:00AM MONDAY MORNING JULY 6TH OF 2015 I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN I WENT TO GET IN MY TRUCK FOR WORK. UPON INSPECTION THE LEAK WAS SEEPING THRU THE STEEL INNER SURFACE OF THE RIM. APPROX. 2 INCHES AWAY FROM VALVE STEM AREA. FOR THE TIME BEING I DECIDED TO HAVE THE LIKE NEW TIRE JUST PUT ONTO MY OEM SPARE (WHEEL & TIRE) AND JUST USE…
08/16/2011 · Wheels / tires
2010 SOLERA FOREST RIVER MOTORHOME BUILT ON A2008 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER CHASSIS. CONSUMER STATES FAILURE RELATED TO RIVETS WHICH HOLD THE FRICTION LOCKING DEVICES ON THE CHROME ARTIFICIAL WHEEL COVERS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A DEFECT ON THE RV WHICH CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN BOTH OR ALL FOUR DUAL REAR WHEELS SIMULTANEOUSLY. FAILURE OF T…
01/05/2011 · Steering
2008 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ORIGINAL POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PRACTICALLY NEW WITH 9,741 MILES. THE PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW WITH LESS THAN 13,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE NEW PUMP HAS ALSO FAILED. *JB