Service bulletin LI14.20-N-073867_5
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
| Type | Service bulletin |
|---|---|
| NHTSA id | 11005573 |
| Published by NHTSA | 2024-08-03 |
| Manufacturer's number | LI14.20-N-073867_5 |
| Manufacturer's date | 2024-07-04 |
| NHTSA component | ENGINE |
NHTSA's summary
Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. NOTE: This LI supersedes LI14.20-N-073813, which is no longer valid. Cause Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the desired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function.
The document
The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.
Components
Engine
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 1500 | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
|---|---|
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 | 2007 to 2009 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.
| 2020059 | 2020-02-13. Engine |
|---|---|
| 2020058 | 2020-02-13. Engine |
| 20V079000 | 2020-02-12. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM |
| 20V078000 | 2020-02-12. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM |
| 15V261000 | 2015-05-05. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL |
| 2014546 | 2014-12-03. Engine |
| 14V764000 | 2014-12-01. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL |
| 2010234 | 2010-07-15. Engine |
| 07V594000 | 2007-12-21. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL |
A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.
| Exhaust System | 2026-09-04. Warranty extension. Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-18 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, the diesel particulate filter may crack due to an insufficient weld. MBAG also determined that specific environmental influences in the form of corrosion could have a negative effect on the long-term durability of the diesel particulate filter. This can lead to stresses within the exhaust system which could cause the diesel particulate filter to crack. In addition, in individual cases, it is possible that during repairs to the exhaust system that were unrelated to a defect of the diesel particulate filter, the exhaust system was not replaced in accordance with the MBAG specifications. Specifically, the issue might have arisen where it was necessary for the workshop to replace the exhaust system (including the diesel particulate filter) but that the replacement system was not fitted according to MBAG specifications. This could lead to stresses within the exhaust system which may also cause the diesel particulate filter to crack. In both cases, a fault code is stored in the engine control unit software and the engine diagnostics warning lamp (MIL) is activated. The driver would become aware of the issue due to noise from the exhaust system. |
|---|---|
| Exhaust System | 2026-09-04. Warranty extension. Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-18 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, the diesel particulate filter may crack due to an insufficient weld. MBAG also determined that specific environmental influences in the form of corrosion could have a negative effect on the long-term durability of the diesel particulate filter. This can lead to stresses within the exhaust system which could cause the diesel particulate filter to crack. In addition, in individual cases, it is possible that during repairs to the exhaust system that were unrelated to a defect of the diesel particulate filter, the exhaust system was not replaced in accordance with the MBAG specifications. Specifically, the issue might have arisen where it was necessary for the workshop to replace the exhaust system (including the diesel particulate filter) but that the replacement system was not fitted according to MBAG specifications. This could lead to stresses within the exhaust system which may also cause the diesel particulate filter to crack. In both cases, a fault code is stored in the engine control unit software and the engine diagnostics warning lamp (MIL) is activated. The driver would become aware of the issue due to noise from the exhaust system. |
| LI4910-N-060969 | 2026-05-02. Service bulletin. Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is cracked or broken. • See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmission bell housing cracked or broken at the exhaust mounting area. • See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. 3. Exhaust bracket from DPF to engine (cylinder crankcase) cracked or broken. • See EPC OM651 #217 for bracket location. 4. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) pipe cracked at a weld joint. • Cracking may be present at bracket welds or along the DPF housing seams. • This can cause rattling noises and secondary exhaust bracket stress. • Perform a visual inspection of the DPF pipe and weld joints. Remedy Inspect all related components and repair or replace as required. Inspection and Repair 1. Inspect the exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission. • Check the bracket for cracks or complete separation. • See Pic. 1 for a failed example. • See EPC OM651 #550 and Pic. 3 for bracket location. • If damaged, replace the bracket. • See Pic. 4, Pic. 5, and Pic. 6 for the updated bracket design and identification. 2. Inspect the transmission bell housing. • Inspect the bell housing at the exhaust mounting point for cracks or structural damage. • See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. • Replace the transmission if damage is confirmed. 3. Inspect the exhaust bracket from the DPF to the engine (cylinder crankcase). • Inspect the bracket for cracks or broken mounting points. • See EPC OM651 #217 for bracket location. • Replace the bracket if damaged. 4. Inspect the DPF pipe. • Inspect the DPF for cracks at weld joints, especially near mounting points. • If cracking is found, replace per current aftertreatment guidelines. Correct positioning and tightening of the exhaust system are critical to prevent repeat failures. Positioning the Exhaust System 1. Position and align the exhaust system before tightening. • Support and fit the exhaust system in its installed position. • Push the exhaust system forward. • Install the DPF‑to‑transmission bracket and lightly tighten the mounting bolt. • Install the engine mount and V‑mount bolts by hand, approximately two turns. • See “Positioning of the exhaust system” image. Tightening Sequence 1. Tighten the exhaust system in the correct sequence. • Tighten engine mounting bolts to 25 Nm. • Tighten V‑mount bolts to 25 Nm. • Tighten exhaust bracket bolts to 15 Nm. • See “Tightening sequence of the exhaust system” image. 2. Verify mounting bolt locations. • Confirm correct mounting screw positions at the transmission bracket. • See Pic. 7 and Pic. 8 for mounting screw locations. |
| LI4920N078838 | 2026-03-03. Service bulletin. Check engine light or Adblue warning with fault codes P206B31, P203B31, or P300494 present in AdBlue (SCR) control unit (N118/5) Complaint The check engine light or AdBlue warning is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes related to the AdBlue tank: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction of the AdBlue fill level sensor; the signal is absent. P300494: The quality of the AdBlue is insufficient. Cause A. The software for the AdBlue (SCR) control unit (N118/5) is outdated. B. The concentration of AdBlue is either above or below the Mercedes-Benz specifications, which can lead to premature freezing. C. Frozen or partially frozen AdBlue can cause the AdBlue level sensor to misread levels. D. The AdBlue level sensor is damaged. |
| LI4920N075995 | 2026-03-03. Service bulletin. Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset with fault code P13DF00 or P300685 Complaint Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset. Information: All fault codes in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit have been processed and corrected; however, fault codes P13DF00 and P300685 remain active and stored in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit. Cause The procedure for resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message with XENTRY Diagnosis has not been carried out. Information: Before resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message for SCR Generation 4, the AdBlue® system must be in proper working condition and tested. |
| LI49.20-N-075995 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. Complaint Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset. Information: All fault codes in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit have been processed and corrected; however, fault codes P13DF00 and P300685 remain active and stored in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit. Cause The procedure for resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message with XENTRY Diagnosis has not been carried out. Information: Before resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message for SCR Generation 4, the AdBlue® system must be in proper working condition and tested. |
| LI14.20-N-073867 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the desired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function. |
| LI54.21-N-069524_7 | 2025-12-03. Service bulletin. Diverse messages in the instrument cluster, vehicle will not start, gears cannot be engaged Complaint Vehicle cannot be started, various messages in instrument cluster, gears cannot be engaged, ignition cannot be switched on, central locking has malfunction. Cause Water entry or condensation on vehicle, resulting possibly in oxidation at plug and/or water/moisture entry in control unit N73/8 for Electronic Ignition Lock (EIS) and/or N127 Powertrain Control unit (CPC). Remedy Check control unit N73/8 for Electronic Ignition Lock (EIS) and N127 Powertrain Control unit (CPC) for water entry/moisture traces. If water entry / moisture traces are visible on control unit N73/8 for Electronic Ignition Lock (EIS) and/or N127 Powertrain Control unit (CPC), please localize the leaky area and rectify the leak. |
| LI49.00-N-080010 | 2025-12-03. Service bulletin. Exhaust Gas Flap Noise Complaint Customers may report a high-pitched squealing or squeaking noise originating from the exhaust system, specifically near the exhaust gas flap. Cause The noise occurs during actuation of the exhaust gas flap. Internal movement within the flap mechanism, primarily the flap shaft and return spring, can generate friction-induced squeal. Remedy If a squealing noise is present at the exhaust gas flap, do not replace the entire exhaust gas flap assembly or exhaust system. Perform the following corrective action: 1. Confirm the noise originates from the exhaust gas flap actuator area. The squeal typically occurs when the actuator moves the flap during engine operation. 2. Solution: •Remove the Exhaust Gas Flap Controller (AR49.10-D-5507TSM - Remove/install exhaust gas flap controller). •Remove the original spring (Picture 1). •Install the new damping element in place of the spring (Picture 2 and Picture 3). -This damping element absorbs vibration and prevents squealing, eliminating the need for costly component replacements. •Reinstall the Exhaust Gas Flap Controller. •Perform initialization of Exhaust Gas Flap Controller (AD00.00-D-2000-06TS - Connect/disconnect diagnostic unit). |
| LI01.10-N-079275 | 2025-10-07. Service bulletin. Internal Diesel Engine Damage or Oil Sludge Formation Complaint Customer reports that the vehicle will not start, is difficult to start, or is making unusual noises. Inspection Findings: Upon inspection, engine bearings—including crankshaft, connection rod, and camshafts—exhibit significant signs of wear. Engine oil shows evidence of sludging, characterized by the presence of thick, gel-like, or semi-solid deposits within the engine. This condition is indicative of oil degradation and/or contamination. Cause Internal engine wear and starting issues are a result of oil sludging. This sludging occurs due to oil degradation and/or contamination. Common contributing factors include: •Failure to perform maintenance on time as indicated by the ASSYST PLUS system •Use of non-OEM (aftermarket) parts or fluids •Addition of incorrect fluids (e.g., AdBlue, washer fluid, coolant) to the engine oil, which can severely compromise lub- rication and engine operation Important: Under no circumstances should any non-engine fluids—such as AdBlue, washer fluid, or coolant—be ad- ded to the engine oil or crankcase. The introduction of these fluids, even in small amounts, can cause severe engine damage. This damage is not covered under warranty. Always verify that only approved engine oil and additives are used during service. |