Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2012/044: Incorrect Cross-member Bolts Fitted, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 1 May 2012
- Launched
- 15
- vehicles in the UK
- C289
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles. The screws/bolts used for fastening the towing eyes the cross-member of the trailer hitch and the rear step for the support of the cross-member on 5 ton vehicles may be the wrong type. The dealer will replace as a precautionary measure the screw/bolts on affected vehicles. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The screws/bolts used for fastening the towing eyes the cross-member of the trailer hitch and the rear step for the support of the cross-member on 5 ton vehicles may be the wrong type. This could cause the bolts to work loose and in a worst case snap.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: INCORRECT CROSS-MEMBER BOLTS FITTED Defect: The screws/bolts used for fastening the towing eyes the cross-member of the trailer hitch and the rear step for the support of the cross-member on 5 ton vehicles may be the wrong type. This could cause the bolts to work loose and in a worst case snap. Remedy: As a precautionary measure the screw/bolts will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the bolts to work loose and in a worst case snap.
The Fix
The dealer will replace as a precautionary measure the screw/bolts on affected vehicles.
Are You Affected?
Sprinter may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 15 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 C289 or the DVSA reference R/2012/044. 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/2012/007 on 29 Feb 2012, for a pillar check strap may detach. The one launched after it was R/2012/063 on 18 May 2012, for transmission may not operate correctly. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall and all recalls launched in 2012.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/044, launched 1 May 2012. 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.