Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2008/137: Potential Failure Of Rear Axle, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 10 Nov 2008
- Launched
- 53
- vehicles in the UK
- C163
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles. The rear axle left hand side half shaft may develop cracks. The dealer will inspect the rear axle and replaced if necessary. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The rear axle left hand side half shaft may develop cracks. Should this occur breakage of the rear axle might ensue.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POTENTIAL FAILURE OF REAR AXLE Defect: It has been identified that the rear axle left hand side half shaft may develop cracks. Should this occur breakage of the rear axle might ensue. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the rear axle inspected and replaced if necessary.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: potential failure of rear axle.
The Fix
The dealer will inspect the rear axle and replaced if necessary.
Are You Affected?
Sprinter may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 53 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 C163 or the DVSA reference R/2008/137. 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/2008/130 on 14 Oct 2008, for increased brake pedal TRAVEL. The one launched after it was R/2008/147 on 10 Nov 2008, for engine emergency shut off on board diagnosis or tank/speedo signal may be affected. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2008 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2008/137, launched 10 November 2008. 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.