2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500

Routine

Owners filed 5 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 22 times.

Most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 problems

1 of the 5 complaints (20%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system1
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · automatic emergency braking1
000
Engine1
010

22 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel24V930000
Filed Dec 13, 2024697 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk. A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.

Structure › Critical Fasteners23V875000
Filed Dec 21, 20233,739 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.

Risk. Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.

Structure › Critical Fasteners23V876000
Filed Dec 21, 2023387 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.

Risk. A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.

Structure › Body23V874000
Filed Dec 21, 20239 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control.

Risk. Reduced vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the propeller shaft may damage the fuel tank during a crash, causing a leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the crossmember as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3QUERTR.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel23V204000
Filed Mar 24, 20236,857 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.

Risk. A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Park Pawl22V796000
Filed Oct 21, 2022124,305 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.

Risk. Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V360000
Filed May 20, 202219,937 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.

Back Over Prevention › Display Function22V281000
Filed Apr 27, 202212,086 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.

Electrical System › Software21V972000
Filed Dec 15, 202148,400 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. A software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the parking brake applied.

Risk. Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3PA27 ERI/ERO.

Electrical System › Software21V411000
Filed Jun 2, 202133,437 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.

Air Bags › Passenger Side Frontal › Cushion21V410000
Filed Jun 2, 20214,078 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.

Risk. Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments21V359000
Filed May 17, 20212,016 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The screws for the front door hinges may not have been tightened properly.

Risk. Loose door hinge screws could change the gap between the door and vehicle body, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will check the screws and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TURSCHA.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections21V241000
Filed Apr 6, 20214,444 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.

Risk. A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel21V235000
Filed Apr 5, 20211,285 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk. A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock21V153000
Filed Mar 10, 202156 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles equipped with an optional electric sliding door. The auxiliary lock on the sliding door may be the incorrect type for an electric sliding door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk. In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will convert the sliding door from electric to manual function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHIEBT.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages21V152000
Filed Mar 10, 202156,534 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach. This could cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

Risk. Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will secure a bearing bracket to brake pedal by retrofitting an additional retaining ring (with PNR A 907 994 01 00) at the bearing bracket of brake pedal, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREBOL.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera21V077000
Filed Feb 17, 2021198 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with the multimedia system "Connect 5" and a rearview camera. The rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event. In addition, the rearview image may be obscured or covered by the visual display of the Emergency Call (eCall) pop-up window if the eCall system is activated while the reverse gear is engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update on the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RUECON.

Electrical System › Software21V055000
Filed Feb 5, 202184,345 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper20V802000
Filed Dec 21, 20209,094 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.

Risk. Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections20V663000
Filed Oct 28, 202047,667 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.

Risk. The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings20V631000
Filed Oct 14, 2020463 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production.

Risk. Over time, the hose could begin to leak brake fluid, affecting the braking performance of the vehicle, including the potential loss of directional stability when braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the condition of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles and replace them as needed, free of charge. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3MONTLAU.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings20V595000
Filed Sep 29, 20204,010 vehiclesDaimler Vans USA, LLC

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters. The fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak.

Risk. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the fuel hose clamp connections and tighten or replace the components as needed, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 9, 2020. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHELLE.

All 22 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Aug 22, 2023NJ

On 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Aug 23, 20227,000 milesUN

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 3, 2022CA

On occasion the vehicle will loose almost all power. It occurs at random times. It could be deadly if merging into traffic or crossing an intersection where the other drivers don’t have to stop. I have no idea why it does this. It seems to happen more in the cold and maybe at altitude. It has happened at sea level and 70 degrees though too. By cold I mean 32 F and 5000’

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 3, 2022OR

My complaint is regarding Mercedes Benz of Eugene, my disservice started May 20,2021, I will leave that story at the end of current complaint. On November 17,2021 I contacted Jason Cowdry, service specialist for Sprinter Vans. Two issues, the one that is consistent and no resolution is the radio. The other is documented and recorded for future evidence for repair. The van has an AM FM radio stock, came with my new purchase of this van. I reported that when tuned into a station be it on AM or FM, it begins to broadcast another radio station for about 3-10 seconds and then switch back. This occurred on any station, at any time, any location. Portland, Oregon coast, Ontario Oregon etc. Recommend repair was to replace radio. After receipt of new radio and installed the problem continued in the shop. Jason mentioned that he would need to request another radio, that is was the same issue. At that time of my revisit, Jason mentioned that another customer complained about the same issue. The radio was replaced again. I was told any issues please contact with concerns.(third radio) I drove 2 minutes away, I was on the phone to Jason stating the issue is the same and has changed broadcast 3 times in the very short time. I asked if he would like for me to return. No will set up appointment for further review. Jason went on to mention that he and the repair representative listened to the radio for 30 minutes and no issue. The first of many colorful non-truths, I was scheduled for another

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 28, 2021IL

CONSTITUENT WRITES SEEKING A WAIVER TO COLLECT THEIR VEHICLE WHICH IS BEING HELD BY THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A VOLUNTARY RECALL.

All 5 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2021
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20241200Routine
20232600Routine
20221700Routine
202191700Routine
2020 — this page52210Routine
201983800Routine
20182700Routine
20170100Routine
20161100Routine
20150100Routine

Compare every Sprinter 1500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 13, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.