Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Recall R/2016/306: Trailer Hitch May Detach, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2016/306, campaign code SRV1700. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Low
How serious
26 Jan 2017
Launched
1
vehicles in the UK
SRV1700
Manufacturer’s campaign code

Mercedes-Benz recalled Sprinter vehicles built between 12 November 2014 and 12 November 2014. Two out of the four screws/bolts of the trailer hitch may not have been tightened correctly resulting in excessive stress to the other bolts. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the fixing bolts/screws for the towing attachment. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

Two out of the four screws/bolts of the trailer hitch may not have been tightened correctly resulting in excessive stress to the other bolts. It is therefore possible that over time the connection could fail and the trailer detach from the towing vehicle increasing the risk of incident.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: TRAILER HITCH MAY DETACH Defect: Two out of the four screws/bolts of the trailer hitch may not have been tightened correctly resulting in excessive stress to the other bolts. It is therefore possible that over time the connection could fail and the trailer detach from the towing vehicle increasing the risk of incident. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fixing bolts/screws for the towing attachment.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in excessive stress to the other bolts.

The Fix

The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the fixing bolts/screws for the towing attachment.

Are You Affected?

Sprinter built between 12 November 2014 and 12 November 2014 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 1 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.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
  2. Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code SRV1700 or the DVSA reference R/2016/306. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
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This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2016/275 on 15 Dec 2016, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2016/298 on 30 Jan 2017, for flammable vapour may ignite. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall and all recalls launched in 2017.


Source: DVSA recall R/2016/306, launched 26 January 2017. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. 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.