The problem
Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2002- 2003 sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans sold as dodge and freightliner vehicles. The intake manifolds may have corroded. A chemical reaction involving sulfur in the diesel fuel that takes place under certain conditions can lead to the formation of sulfuric acid in the exhaust channel of the intake manifold.
The risk
Intake manifold corrosion may lead to an exhaust gas leak, damage to the fuel return line which could cause a fuel leak, and heat damage to the insulation at the fire wall. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the intake manifold free of charge. Chrysler, llc will notify owners of dodge sprinters and mbusa will notify owners freightliner sprinters. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall (please see recall campaign 09v-418). The safety recall began on october 11, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or sprinter at 1-843-695-5031.
Contacts
Mbusa's safety recall number is 2010040002. 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> .
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Dodge, Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 11V410000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.