Daimler Vans USA is recalling more than 71,000 model year 2015-2017 Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. The explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 29. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. The NHTSA Campaign Number for the recall is 19V003000.