Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito van
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito van
- In February 2005, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans due to the seat base attachment screws potentially not having been tightened sufficiently during production. As a result, the seat may move during a collision (PRA 2005/7542).
- In August 2006, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans due to a possible software fault in the SRS control unit which could prevent the generation of a crash signal in the event of a rear end collision (PRA 2006/8684).
- In September 2007, a recall was issued for W639 Vito vans due to possible leaking from the fuel tank in the event of a sever accident (PRA 2007/9496).
- In March 2008, a recall was issued for W639 Vito vans with the 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine due to a potential fuel leak or hose detachment at the connection points between the fuel supply line from the tank and the engine (PRA 2008/9911).
- In June 2008, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito van models manufactured between May 2006 and October 2007 and fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. In these vehicles, an open circuit in the chip housing of the crankshaft position sensor could occur due to contamination of the silicone during the chip manufacturing process. As a result, the engine may lower power and not restart (PRA 2008/10088).
- In August 2008, a recall was issued for certain Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans which were serviced from 15-17 April 2008 and 5-10 June 2008 – these vehicles may have received an incorrect software update affecting some electronic control units (ECUs). This update affected engine cut-off in the event of a collision, the on-board diagnosis function, the fuel sensor and speedometer signal (PRA 2008/10212).
- In October 2008, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans due to the hose fitting on the left rear park brake cable potentially detaching and canceling the holding effect of the handbrake; this could also occur after the vehicle had been parked (PRA 2008/10344).
- In August 2009, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans manufactured up to 15 April 2008. In these vehicles, the retaining mechanism for the underslung spare wheel could fail and allow the wheel to detach from the vehicle and pose a hazard to other road users (PRA 2009/10963).
- In February 2010, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans manufactured from October 2005 and December 2005 and from March 2006 to April 2006. In these vehicles, the adhesive between the left and right rear vent windows and their forward mounting hinges may be insufficient. As a result, the window pane could unexpectedly detach from its mounting point and pose a hazard to other road users (PRA 2010/11456).
- In October 2010, a recall was issued for W639 Vito vans because the air conditioning fan relay could fail in extreme weather conditions due to localised overheating; the chassis numbers for the affected vehicles were in the range of 378470 to 562988 (PRA 2010/12073).
- In November 2010, a recall was issued for W639 Vito vans fitted with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (OM642) engine and with chassis identification numbers in range 545124 to 569599. In these vehicles, the oil filler neck may deform or break, resulting in an oil leakage which could present a hazard to road users (PRA 2010/12104).
- In November 2010, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans with serial/chassis numbers in the range 177393 to 257781. In these vehicles, the adhesive between the left and right rear vent windows and their forward mounting hinges may have been insufficient, as per the February 2010 recall (PRA 2010/12120).
- In December 2010, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans fitted with the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel (OM651) engine and manufactured between December 2009 and October 2010. In these vehicles, the fuel filter may leak diesel fuel, creating a hazard for other road users (PRA 2010/12194).
- In June 2011, a recall was issued for models fitted with the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel (OM646) engine and manufactured between June 2007 and October 2010. In these vehicles, the alternator wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed and could contact other components – at worst, this could result in a short circuit (PRA 2011/12660).
- In February 2012, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito vans fitted with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (OM642) V6 engine and manufactured from August 2010 to May 2011. In these vehicles, the fuel filter could leak and the fuel could a fire or skid hazard (PRA 2012/13036).
- In March 2012, a recall was issued for W639 Vito vans produced between 1 February 2011 and 31 July 2011. In these vehicles, the ‘A’ pillar trims may dislodge from their mountings if the window airbags were deployed during an accident, potentially striking the occupants (PRA 2012/13070).
- In January 2015, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the OM651 turbo-diesel engine that were available for sale during 2014. In these vehicles, the seal ring between the timing chain tensioner and the engine may leak oil – this could result in a hazard for other road users and, in extreme cases, a fire risk (PRA 2015/14509).
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz W639 Vito Van
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
OM651 timing chain and tensioner wear
For the OM651 turbo-diesel engine, there have been reports of wear of the simplex timing chain and/or chain tensioner at higher mileages. Since the chain is installed on the transmission side of the engine, access is restricted and replacement is expensive.
