Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2008/157: Short Circuit May Occur, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 15 Apr 2008
- Launched
- 9
- vehicles in the UK
- C136
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles. Fire may occur in vehicles fitted with rear air conditioning as a result of the rear interior lamp deforming because of its position in continuous heat.The deformation in combination with moisture may trigger a short circuit of the connecting contacts and thereby cause an isolated cable fire. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to replace the interior lamps in the rear passenger compartment. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Fire may occur in vehicles fitted with rear air conditioning as a result of the rear interior lamp deforming because of its position in continuous heat.The deformation in combination with moisture may trigger a short circuit of the connecting contacts and thereby cause an isolated cable fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR Defect: Fire may occur in vehicles fitted with rear air conditioning as a result of the rear interior lamp deforming because of its position in continuous heat.The deformation in combination with moisture may trigger a short circuit of the connecting contacts and thereby cause an isolated cable fire. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the interior lamps in the rear passenger compartment.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: short circuit may occur.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to replace the interior lamps in the rear passenger compartment.
Are You Affected?
Sprinter may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 9 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 C136 or the DVSA reference R/2008/157. 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/2008/020 on 30 Nov 2007, for potential leak of brake line. The one launched after it was R/2008/154 on 28 Apr 2008, for windshield may detach. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2008 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2008/157, launched 15 April 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.