Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2009/061: Fire May Occur, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 3 Jul 2009
- Launched
- 132
- vehicles in the UK
- C186
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles built between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007. Due to a fault with the previous recall to perform an engine ECU flash upgrade engine damage could occur as a result of piston cracking. The dealer will modify the subject ECU loaded with software. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to a fault with the previous recall to perform an engine ECU flash upgrade engine damage could occur as a result of piston cracking. As a consequence and in the worst case oil may enter the engine compartment where it could come into contact with hot engine parts which may result in a fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: FIRE MAY OCCUR Defect: It has been identified that due to a fault with the previous recall to perform an engine ECU flash upgrade engine damage could occur as a result of piston cracking. As a consequence and in the worst case oil may enter the engine compartment where it could come into contact with hot engine parts which may result in a fire. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the subject ECU loaded with modified software.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: fire may occur.
The Fix
The dealer will modify the subject ECU loaded with software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Sprinter built between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 132 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 C186 or the DVSA reference R/2009/061. 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/2009/031 on 29 May 2009, for automatic liftgate may open inadvertently. The one launched after it was R/2009/151 on 12 Jan 2010, for risk of fire. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2009 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2009/061, launched 3 July 2009. 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.