Mercedes Sprinter Vans Recalled Because of Roll Away Risk

Whether you are behind the wheel of a sporty coupe or a utility van, it is usually helpful to have a parking brake that works.

Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it is recalling nearly 125,000 Sprinter vans. Defective parking brakes could cause the vehicles to roll away while parked, the auto manufacturer told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a notice.

“Due to specific driver parking practices in combination with the threshold speed parameter (maximum speed up to which the parking lock function can be requested), there could be increased wear on the guide bushing of the park pawl,” Mercedes said. “As a result, the parking pawl might not engage temporarily.”

“Thus, the risk of an accident could increase,” the company told NHTSA.

The recall covers certain 2019-2022 Sprinter vans that were built between March 2018 and October 2022. 

Mercedes told NHTSA that it plans to notify owners of recalled vans by Dec. 19. The company “will update the software of various control units,” it said.

While Mercedes is known for its high-end vehicles and precision manufacturing, the German automaker has had its fair share of safety issues.

Mercedes announced in July that it was recalling some 1 million ML and GL sport utility vehicles, as well as R-class minivans built between 2004 and 2015. The company said at the time that the vehicles’ brakes might fail because of corrosion.

Mercedes said four months earlier that it was recalling some 2022 EQS electric vehicles because of a defect that posed a fire risk. 

Know Your Lemon Law Rights

Mercedes is not alone: The world’s largest auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing serious defects that pose real safety risks. The recalls often come long after the cars have left factories and dealerships and are sold to unsuspecting owners.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have some valuable protections under the state’s lemon law. They do not have to wait around for a recall to get a malfunctioning vehicle fixed.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that a person must make before the buyback requirement kicks in. That is one of several reasons why it is important to consult a seasoned attorney who has experience assisting people in lemon law cases.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.