How is it possible for my wheels to fall off?

I bought a new 2016 Winnebago View, on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 yesterday. I drove it less then 10 miles from the Dealer, and while I was driving on the HWY it started to shake and then the 2 rear passenger side wheels flew off and I skidded to the side of the road on the axle, luckily no one was hurt. How could that happen? All I can think is that the Wheels lug nuts were not properly fastened?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If you have had wheels fall off then the only thing is the lug nuts were not tightened to specifications.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The regular 1500 and 2500 as well as the heavy-duty 3500 and 4500 are available with 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase as well as a choice of a high or standard roof. Rear-wheel drive is standard across all models and configurations, while four-wheel drive is optional on the 2500 & 3500 models.
Their high roof, excellent gas mileage, mechanical reliability, and customizable interior make them top-of-the-line vans. All of those great features, combined with a 4×4 option, also leads the Sprinter to be one of the best vans on the market for off-roading adventures.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes standard with RWD. 4×4 Sprinter vans employ both 2WD and 4×4 modes for maximum adaptability. In the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 mode, power is split between the front and rear axles at a ratio of 35 to 65.
Sprinter 2500 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while 3500 models can tow up to 7,500. As with the payload, it`s best to avoid maxing out the limit. There`s always the risk of breaking your trailer jack and sending your load flying.
Rejoice, influencers who live in a van down by the river! Your hashtag van life just got a little bit easier, because the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 is all-wheel drive, rather than four-wheel drive.
If the light blinks on and off intermittently, it can mean that the system is “hard coded” or beginning to deteriorate. This issue can be caused by faulty wheel-speed sensors — which alert your car`s computer to a potential loss of traction — or there could be a problem with the traction-control system`s computer.
The button for the stability and traction control system is on the instrument panel. Press and release the button to switch traction control off. The stability control system remains fully active, to switch it off, press and hold the button for a few seconds, then release.
With Mercedes Sprinter Vans, you will likely put 240,000 kms on your vehicle before any major repairs need to be made. A lifetime in a Sprinter Van can get you well over 450,000 kms if proper maintenance and service is performed.
The One Vehicle to Rule Them All

At ADF Sprinters, we have helped families of all sizes, couples, and individuals build their dream campervan while still providing them with a cutting-edge daily driver.

Standing height: 67.7 inches – 79.1 inches. Cargo bed length: 132.9 inches – 173.6 inches. Load floor height: 27.9 inches.
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (“MBV”) is a plant in Ladson, South Carolina that assembles Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian market. The midsize Mercedes-Benz Metris vans are also reassembled at this location.
used for saying that things start to fail or go wrong, especially after a period of success. They were leading 3–1 at half-time, but then the wheels came off and they ended up losing the game. Synonyms and related words. To fail, or to stop being successful. fail.
Cost of Conversion

Some are built within the body of the van itself, and some are built on a cutaway chassis that involves cutting off the majority of the van body. The high price reflects the cost of the conversion.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every Sprinter van.
On a 2015-2022 Sprinter, pushing the 4×4 button engages the front driveline, but does not lock the front driveline to the rear. This is called an open differential. This means that power will take the path of least resistance. In this case, power is sent to the wheels with the least traction.
If you plan to do a lot of long-distance travel or frequently tow items, then a diesel engine will give you the power and efficiency you need. If you`re mostly sticking close to home or using your Sprinter for weekend getaways, a gasoline engine will likely suffice (and save you a few bucks at the pump).
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Models, Generations & Redesigns | Cars.com.
For 2023, the Sprinter van gets a new all-wheel-drive system, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more powerful diesel engine. Yep, the selectable 4×4 system, with low range, will no longer be available next year on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The Sprinter gets a six-speed manual transmission, whereas the rear-wheel drive model has the option of a 7Gtronic automatic transmission. The new FWD model gets a new nine-speed torque converter automatic to improve performance and efficiency, an all-electric Sprinter will join the range in 2019!
A failing wheel speed sensor will turn off your vehicle`s traction control, stability control, or any other driver assist feature. Sometimes, a damaged wire could also prevent the sensor from sending data to the control module.
A wheel speed sensor, also called an “ABS sensor,” is part of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). It is located on the tires (near the brake rotors for the front tires and in the rear end housing for the rear tires).
When turned off, you may notice that your vehicle handles differently than you are used to when driving on slippery surfaces. This is why you should leave your traction control on at all times.
It`s safer to keep your car`s traction control system on 99% of the time when driving. However, there are some cases where the safety feature could do more harm than good. For example, keeping it off is better if you get stuck in the mud, sand, or sometimes snow, especially if you find yourself spinning wheels.
The traction control system light should illuminate for 1 to 2 seconds and then go out as the vehicle starts and begins to run. If the light stays on, it either means that the system is deactivated, or there is a problem in the traction control system.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.

I hear an abnormal noise from front driver’s side wheel. It sounds like a wheel bearing but not sure.
ANSWER : A wheel bearing noise can be different between vehicles as some designs may vary a little. The most common is a roaring noise that may change when going around turns. It may be louder going in one direction or the other or just make a loud noise all of the time. The wheel hub presses into the wheel bearing. The hub is where the studs are for the wheel to be bolted onto the steering knuckle and the bearing provides the support for the wheel and weight of the vehicle. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your wheel bearing noise to offer a more personal diagnosis.

Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.

4 wheel high wont work, 2 wheel and 4 wheel low will. 1997 GMC Sierra Electronic shift (of course). Replaced the front axel actuat
ANSWER : You are correct to think that the transfer case itself or the control module for it could be causing this issue. The only other possibility would be a wiring issue directly behind the switch preventing the four wheel drive high setting from working properly. I would enlist in the assistance of a qualified professional to check your four wheel drive circuit with a wiring diagram and digital multimeter to determine if the issue is electrical or mechanical. Once this has been done, the correct repair procedure can be identified.

How to make front wheel drive car to a rare wheel or all wheel drive
ANSWER : You would be better off trading the vehicle out for a vehicle that has all wheel drive. There is no way to add the additional drive you want.

All wheels are slightly bent and one wheel is cracked
ANSWER : When the vehicle’s rims develop these type of cracks, they should be replaced immediately. The cracks can make the wheel unstable and should not be driven on until it is repaired. The most common causes of trims cracking in this manner is due to potholes or other impact damage. The wheels may have a fault, if they have all failed at once. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to inspect your steering, suspension, and wheels in order to diagnose this fault.

hi, im having a problem with my steering wheel it keeps on shaking when im like 55 to 60 mph I’vegot my wheels balance and a wheel
ANSWER : If a tire is defective (belt separation, uneven wear, even design defects such as unusual or uneven stiffness) no amount of balancing will eliminate a vibration. So, among the first things to confirm is the condition of the tires (and wheels…wheels can get bent or have excessive runout). All of the other causes of the vibration you are describing are relatively limited: loose lug nuts, worn or inoperative shocks, defective drive shafts, loose tie rod ends and any other loose component in the front suspension including wheel bearings. There is always also a possibility of an issue with other components such as worn, loose or broken motor mounts which might transmit a vibration through the body including the steering wheel. All of the possibilities have to be systematically checked out.

Popping noise, wheels won’t turn
ANSWER : For your 2001 Chrysler LHS, the inner tie rods are attached to the steering gear with a retaining bolt and a lock tab. If the bolts are not torqued enough and the lock tab engaged, the bolts can back out and fall off. Have the bolts replaced with new lock tabs. Make sure the new bolts are tightened to specified torque of 75 ft lbs. following technical bulletin 19-001-01. I would also recommend having all the steering components checked for damaged.