Mercedes-Benz Vario Range Recall R/2003/080: Possible Movement Of Brake Pads Within Caliper, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 19 Jun 2003
- Launched
- 280
- vehicles in the UK
- 1669
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Vario Range vehicles. The front brake pad anti-rattle spring mounting bolts may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The dealer will check and if required re-torque the anti-rattle spring mounting bolts. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The front brake pad anti-rattle spring mounting bolts may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This could result in the brake pads moving about in the caliper.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE MOVEMENT OF BRAKE PADS WITHIN CALIPER Defect: The front brake pad anti-rattle spring mounting bolts may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This could result in the brake pads moving about in the caliper. Remedy: Check and if required re-torque the anti-rattle spring mounting bolts.
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The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in the brake pads moving about in the caliper.
The Fix
The dealer will check and if required re-torque the anti-rattle spring mounting bolts.
Are You Affected?
Vario Range may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 280 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 1669 or the DVSA reference R/2003/080. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vario RangeDirectional control may be lost | Low | R/2010/113 | |
| Vario RangeBrake pedal stop bracket concern | Urgent | R/2002/069 | |
| SprinterWeld seam on rear axle brake mounting flange | Urgent | R/2025/428 | |
| A Class, CLAVariant of rear axle brake hose | Urgent | R/2025/131 | |
| Esprinter 907Check axle drive module of rear axle | Book soon | R/2025/079 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2003/046 on 7 Apr 2003, for rear side lights and number plate light may fail. The one launched after it was R/2003/100 on 4 Aug 2003, for possible fault in air bag control module. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/080, launched 19 June 2003. 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.