NHTSA Complaint #11580600 — 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

Safety Concerns Regarding Eberspächer Diesel Heaters in My 2010 Sprinter This complaint outlines critical safety concerns identified with the two Eberspächer diesel heaters in my 2010 Sprinter van, originally installed / imported from Germany. 1. Potential Non-Compliance with Emission Standards: A recent inspection suggests that both heaters might not meet EPA/CARB emission regulations due to the absence of a required CARB sticker. While I've obtained and verified CARB compliance documentation directly from Eberspächer through a local MBUSA dealer, the lack of the sticker raises concerns. 2. Fume Intrusion into Driver Compartment: The current heater installation, positioned directly below the driver's cabin, poses a significant safety hazard. Fumes can enter the compartment in various scenarios: (a) Opening or closing the driver's door (b) Rolling down windows for activities like toll payments (c) Vehicle stopping, causing fumes to roll underneath and enter the front air intake (d) Parking between cars or in restricted airflow environments, allowing fumes to reach the front air intake 3. Improper Heater Installation: There's evidence that the heater installation deviates from the manufacturer's instructions. Specifically, the exhaust pipe might be pointed downwards, enabling debris from the road to directly enter the heater. This can lead to blockages and potentially cause a fire hazard. 4. Urgency of Addressing the Issues Given the potential violation of emission regulations and the serious safety risks associated with fume intrusion and improper installation, I urge immediate attention to this matter. Please advise on the necessary steps to ensure my Sprinter's heaters comply with regulations and are installed safely. I am attaching photos of the installation as well as notice of CARB compliance (non-compliance in my case) it is my understanding, that Daimler has shipped significant number of similar trucks across USA. thank you.