Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2001/016: Brake Imbalance, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 8 Dec 2000
- Launched
- 739
- vehicles in the UK
- 1639
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles built between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2000. The rear axle load sensing valve may become defective resulting in uneven braking effort between the left and right hand rear wheels. The dealer will check and if required replace the load sensing (ALB) valve. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The rear axle load sensing valve may become defective resulting in uneven braking effort between the left and right hand rear wheels.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKE IMBALANCE Defect: The rear axle load sensing valve may become defective resulting in uneven braking effort between the left and right hand rear wheels. Remedy: Recall vehicles check and if required replace the load sensing (ALB) valve.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in uneven braking effort between the left and right hand rear wheels.
The Fix
The dealer will check and if required replace the load sensing (ALB) valve.
Are You Affected?
Sprinter built between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2000 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 739 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code 1639 or the DVSA reference R/2001/016. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SprinterWeld seam on rear axle brake mounting flange | Urgent | R/2025/428 | |
| Sprinter, Sprinter 906On affected vehicles the fuel filter heater may be deactivated. If this happens a fuel gelling may occur at low temperatures and an unexpected loss of propulsion cannot be ruled out | Urgent | R/2023/348 | |
| SprinterMercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Sprinter 907 910 model vehicles the software of the instrument cluster control unit does not correspond with the latest series production configuration | Low | R/2023/119 | |
| SprinterThe engagement hooks of the cable duct of the starter-generator wiring harnessmay not be fully latched in the battery case | Book soon | R/2021/420 | |
| SprinterThe actual installation condition of the communication module and its correct commissioning cannot be traced due to an error in production | Low | R/2021/419 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2000/088 on 13 Oct 2000, for potential loss of pas oil. The one launched after it was R/2000/102 on 27 Apr 2001, for exhaust pipe may break. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2000 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2001/016, launched 8 December 2000. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.