Owners filed 28 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 15 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
9
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes
2
0
0
0
Engine
2
0
0
0
Electrical System
2
0
1
0
Wheels
1
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
1
0
0
0
Structure › Body › Door
1
0
0
0
Structure › Body
1
0
0
0
Steering
1
0
0
0
15 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V004000
Filed Jan 8, 201988,388 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V003000
Filed Jan 8, 201971,301 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Equipment › Other › Labels18V113000
Filed Feb 15, 201817 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.
Risk. The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed. A vehicle that exceeds its maximum weight has an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the UVW label and inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is not overloaded, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Equipment17V786000
Filed Dec 8, 2017550 vehiclesMidwest Automotive Designs, Llc
Defect. Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy. Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Equipment › Other › Labels17V650000
Filed Oct 16, 20172 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the label and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft17V592000
Filed Sep 22, 2017109 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
Risk. A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing catch strap for the driveshaft, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on November 17, 2017. The recall began on December 21, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Equipment › Other › Labels17V364000
Filed Jun 5, 20171,257 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.
Risk. Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and replace the tire label, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft17V149000
Filed Mar 7, 2017892 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
Risk. If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Air Bags17V093000
Filed Feb 10, 201715,338 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Risk. If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Showing 10 of 15 campaigns, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 14, 2026CA
The door latch and or roller failed which prevents the door from closing properly. Since the door does not close all the way, there is the risk that it opens while driving. This is a recurring issue I have on this vehicle and triggered a lemon-law buyback.
Steering
Filed Jun 16, 2025TX
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 29, 2024FL
The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.
Wheels
Filed Jan 23, 2024NY
Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully
Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2023OH
The check engine light came on in the Sprinter van. There is a Hissing noise coming from the engine when accelerating. The Sprinter van loses speed when on the highway. The vehicle could not keep up with traffic on the road. The Mercedes Benz dealer, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky has inspected the vehicle and stated that it has a defective intake manifold. This vehicle has 140,000 miles at this time. At this time the van has not been repaired, the cost is $3132.77
Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2023HI
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 2021SD
There is a known issue and recall for wheel speed sensors on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 models. However, this same issue applied to 2500 models also. Along with other RV owners, I have just experienced this problem. I was in city traffic when all the sudden multiple warning lights came on: "ESP, visit workshop", "Brake force distribution, visit workshop", ABS warning light, ESP, warning light, collision prevention malfunction warning light, check engine light with fault code U0416. The presence of all these errors, beeping, red messages sounds extremely scary to any driver. The fact that it says brake force distribution isn't working properly suggests a hazardous condition that could lead to a crash if brakes are not working properly. Since this is being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor, these should all be replaced and the recall expanded to include other models like mine.
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2021SD
My 2016 Sprinter is suffering from a failing EGR valve that's causing intermittent power loss. The issue started after only 25000mi on the odometer. No errors are shown, nothing indicates malfunction. The problem is quite severe and presenting itself through random power loss. When accelerating the car will jerk and lose acceleration force suddenly. Driving uphill is the worst and producing constant jerking. Once moving at a good speed it's less notable but still present. The main safety concern is that the behavior is unpredictable and in situations where it's necessary to accelerate into a road with traffic, this can lead to a hazardous when the car doesn't accelerate as intended. In multiple occasions I was unable to properly speed up and get moving and thus blocking traffic behind me and forcing them to slow down or change lanes. The Mercedes dealer diagnosed a malfunctioning EGR valve on the edge of failing completely which would put the Sprinter in "limp home mode" which has limited power output to prevent further damage. Since this is a known issue and the EGR valves have been failing frequently with various Sprinter models, these should be recalled and replaced! Currently, it's not even possible to get this issue addressed. The EGR valves are back-ordered and not available for 6 MONTHS! That's 6 months of limping through traffic with the potential of the valve failing completely. Unacceptable!
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Wheel Speed Sensor
Filed Jul 15, 202150,600 milesVA
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 2500. The contact stated while driving 21 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was not able to control the vehicle however, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was relating the failure to faulty wheel speed sensors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,600.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 2021OH
MY ROOF IS LEAKING. I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHERE THE STAINS ARE COMING FROM ON MY CEILING. TODAY IS A RAINY DAY IN CINCINNATI. I GO TO PUT MY GROCERY IN THE VAN THE CEILING IS SOAK AND WET. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY MY DISABLED CHILD AND I STAY SICK AND WHY ITS RUSTING OUT.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 18, 2021OK
I'VE OWNED THIS CAR 2 YEARS. IN THE SUMMER TIME WHEN WE TURN ON THE A/C THERE IS A BAD ODOR COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ONLY IN THE SUMMER IT'S NOT A PLEASANT SMELL. DURING THE WINTER TIME LAST YEAR WAS A GASOLINE SMELL BUT THAT GOT FIXED. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO LOOK INTO IT PLEASE IT'S A MOLDY SMELL.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 22, 202035,000 milesWA
THE WHEEL SENSORS ON THIS VEHICLE ROUTINELY FAIL. WHEN THEY FAIL AT HIGH SPEEDS(FREEWAY DRIVING) THE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, STABILITY CONTROL, 4WD IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. IF IT FAILS AT START UP, ALL THE SAME SYSTEMS ARE EFFECTED IN ADDITION YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE OVER 30MPH, IT WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN, IT WILL SURGE ALSO. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES TWICE A YEAR. EACH WHEEL SENSOR HAS FAILED, SOME TWICE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 24, 202011,000 milesFL
RV TRANSFER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SLEEPING. 5100 SERIES TRANSFER SWITCH.*DT CONSUMER STATED DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED BUT COULD OF BEEN THE VIBRATION WHICH MAY HAVE LOOSEN THE SCREWS.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 202014,000 milesKS
WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSDA #19V004) INDICATING THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ("TAKATA"). AT THE TIME WE WERE BATTLING CANCER AND THE CORONA VIRUS, SO WE DID NOT GET IT SERVICED AND IT REMAINED IN THE STORAGE. IN THE MEANTIME WE RECEIVED NUMEROUS CALLS TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE TIME TO GET IT OUT OF STORAGE AND DRIVE 400 MILES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED. NOW THAT WE HAVE THE TIME, WE CALLED MERCEDES DEALER AND MAIN COMPANY, BUT THEY INDICATE THE RECALL DISAPPEARED EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A LETTER AND RECEIVED MANY CALLS PRIOR TO GET IT CHANGED OUT. THE LETTER INDICATES "THE DEFECT IN YOUR PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR HOUSING TO RUPTURE.A PASSENGER-SIDE INFLATOR RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH." SO WE ARE CONCERNED. HOW DID MERCEDES MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR WITHOUT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM?
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 20, 202024,000 milesFL
MY 2016 2500 SPRINTER CONTINUES TO HAVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURES EVERY 2K-3K MILES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION ACTS ERRATICALLY, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM STARTS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SPORADICALLY AND THE VAN SOMETIME ACCELERATES AND PREVENTS STOPPING. THIS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN THE RAIN OR EVEN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EVNTUALLY ONCE THE SYSTEM DETECTS THE FAILURE IT LIGHTS UP THREE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND DISABLES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, ESP, AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY AT TIMES EVEN AFTER LIGHTS COME ON.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 20, 202024,000 milesFL
AT 24,000 MILES TWO WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAILED CAUSING ESP, ABS, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO THIS DISABLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT AND UPON STARTING NO ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THESE ISSUES REOCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE TO MB DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH CONFIRMED THE SPEED SENSOR FAILURES. COST OF REPAIR $1,100. UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH SPRINTERS BETWEEN 2013 - 2016. MB SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLS AND THE COST OF REPAIRS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 4, 202035,000 milesNJ
THE ROOF TOP AIR CONDITIONER SEAL HAS FAILED. DURING THE RAIN IT'S AN INDOOR SHOWER. THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THIS ISSUE WITH MERCEDES. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Dec 25, 201925,000 milesPA
MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES FOR OVER A YEAR TO FIX MY AIRBAGS PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. JUST DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR IT EMPLOYED AT OF NOW NOWHERE BUT AIRBAG DIDN'T COME OUT
Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 2019WA
TO LONG OF A WAITING FROM DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. BEEN WAITING FOR 3 YEARS FOR A NEW AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. REDICULOUSLY URGENT 1 2/5/2019 REMEDY: DAIMLER VANS USA LLC WILL CONDUCT A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIRBAG MODULES IN THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED DAIMLER VANS VEHICLES. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE
Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2019FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE (10231 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (866) 955-5901) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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: Oct 28, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.