2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

Routine

Owners filed 67 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 42 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
20,000 milesMedian miles at failure

36 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train13
202
Steering11
000
Unknown or Other8
030
Electrical System5
100
Service Brakes4
300
Engine4
010
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control3
000
Vehicle Speed Control2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2
000
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel2
000

42 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.

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.

Showing 10 of 42 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jun 15, 2026SC

While taking off from a traffic light the rear end came apart on the inside of the differential. Has someone been in a dangerous area or remote areas like where I have to work it could have been a serious issue

EngineFire
Filed Mar 18, 2026CA

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 High Roof caught fire suddenly and without warning. The vehicle was in its original condition and had not been modified in any way. The fire escalated quickly and resulted in a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. This incident raises serious safety concerns.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Sep 17, 202558,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s seat belt message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the seat belt buckle was faulty. The seat belt assembly was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (SEAT BELTS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 202522,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose had detached and had lost power steering fluid. The vehicle was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that there were metal shavings found in the power steering pump. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be flushed and refilled. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the power steering pump. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 2025CA

When driving on a cold rainy day, I turned on defrost heat to clear my windscreen. No heat came out. AC, fans and zone select worked fine, but no heat. So I had to stop repeatedly on a narrow road to wipe windshield. After reviewing user forums, some pointed to a known problem with these Sprinter vans. Apparently the actuator servo motor that controls the heater flap can get stuck at limit positions and fail. This explains why my heater is stuck on cold. Also mentioned in forum, there is also a manufacturer software update that prevents this issue by keeping the actuator servo motor from moving to the very last position (cold or hot). This simple preventive fix was never offered to us during our warranty period. Some forum users went further with a modification to servo motor shaft - apparently this fixed the undesirable flexing on heater flap. Now that the servo motor has failed and I no longer have any heat, I do recognize that there were warning signs. I now recall there were occasional instances where my temperature select did not have any effect until I drove the temperature all the way up or down. I believe this was the servo motor getting stuck briefly but it became unstuck before it completely failed. I feel this can be a grave safety issue because of individual circumstance. Most times it may be an annoyance. But in certain conditions (as I experienced) it will be a significant impediment to driver visibility. It also exposed me to roadside risk when I stopped to wip

Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2024CO

The engine seized at 37,500 miles. It is available for inspection. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. There has been no inspections by manufacturer or any other representative. There were no warning signs. Manufacturer offered no warranties.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Sep 11, 20248,149 milesMI

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the message "Distance Assistance Currently Unavailable" was displayed. The contact also stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the cruise control was activated, but the option failed to appear on the screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,149.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 8, 2024CO

Depressing accelerator while in 'D'rive or 'R'everse does not increase RPM or power and vehicle does not move. While keeping the pedal pressed to the floor it will then slowly RPMs will increase and it will creep forward. It will rev. while in park or neutral.

Lane Departure › Assist
Filed Jul 1, 2024CO

The Crosswind Assist feature of this van has caused near-accidents for me several times over the last few years, and especially last week while on vacation. It is a KNOWN problem with owners with no known recall as far as I am aware. It is an extremely abrupt maneuver that has pushed me halfway into the other lane during just moderate winds. I am a professional driver, having pulled double 45' tractor trailers and am very skilled in my driving. This crosswind assist feature is DANGEROUS, and I can barely retain control when it kicks in. It applies the brakes on the side that is getting pushed by the wind and tries to correct the steering all at the same time. It is way too abrupt. The tendency of the driver at that point may be to correct this as it is happening. If this was on icy roads the results would be catastrophic. It is hazardous even on dry roads. This is not a feature that Mercedes allows to be disabled. How can NHTSA allow this hazardous feature to not be included in a recall? I am scared for my safety and for that of my family. I have discussed this with the dealership with no affirmation that there is a problem. I am putting this in your hands with a Certified letter to go out to both your Executive Director Jack Danielson as well as Mercedes US CEO, Dimitris Psillakis requesting action for all Sprinter van owners that have this Crosswind Assist feature. Thank you.

Seat Belts
Filed May 15, 2024NC

Front Left Malfunction Warning Light came on randomly one day. There was an airbag symbol that appeared on the dash as well. The vehicle has not been in any collisions. Mercedes USA says seatbelt components are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for 10 years, regardless of mileage. I called Mercedes USA and now they say it is not covered because we are past mileage limit and because we are past 3 years and don't have an extended warranty, they won't cover repair. Others have had this issue too listed on Sprinter-Forum where they have diagnosed it's from a cheap connector on the seats and unplugging the harness, adding dielectric grease, reset light, replace seatbelt solves the problem. This fix takes 30 minutes and they charge over $800 to repair. This seatbelt is original to the vehicle and if it's malfunctioning, this is a safety issue that should be addressed and covered for replacement or reimbursement if repairs have already been made. Some have noted that the shape of the seatbelt connector connection is causing this issue. Please keep me informed of progress with this. We will be paying $800 to fix this issue.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 14, 202491,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the instrument panel failed to display properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was hazardous to drive and could be severely injured if the instrument panel failed to display warning features as needed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Tires
Filed Apr 29, 2024CA

Tire size: 245/75 R16 LT 120/116Q Tire: Kumho Crugen HT51 I was driving on [XXX] and had only been driving about 30 minutes. I heard a sound and could see rubber from rear passenger side tire separating from the tire. I assumed I had a flat tire and immediately pulled over to the right shoulder of highway. When I stepped out I was surprised to see a lot of damage due to the tire tread separating and thrashing around on rear passenger side of vehicle. A small section of the rear corner bumper that included a small door panel to get to propane tank was completely gone. There was a jagged hole in another section of bumper as well. A small section of the body panel had been torn off and was laying by tire. Also, tire tread had damaged side of RV with black rubber markings and scratches. There are some small dents too. The tire was NOT flat, but the tread was almost entirely gone leaving the tire without any rubber tread. This is a 2020 Mercedes Benz Airstream Interstate 19. So this is an RV Camper Van. Had this been the front tire, I believe it would’ve resulted in an accident or injury. Vehicle & tires were inspected by Mercedes Dealership just last June 2023. I’m very concerned that the remaining tires will have the tire tread separate as well. These are the factory tires that were on my vehicle when purchased new. I purchased this vehicle with only 17,500 miles. Vehicle only has 27,473 miles on it now and has only been driven on streets or highways. Tires do NOT show any signs

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 23, 2024TX

Exhaust smells started coming through the air vents while driving, after the catalytic converter was changed. I discovered through my own inspection, that exhaust was leaking at the connection point between the catalytic converter and the turbocharger. The fumes were entering the airflow for the passenger cabin through the cabin air intake drain valve because it is in the engine compartment. I realized that this is pouring carbon monoxide into the cabin ventilation system.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 4, 202480,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the stability crosswinds feature engaged in windy weather, the brakes independently activated without driver input, and the vehicle swerved and was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 27, 2024WA

My EIS module rendered my vehicle inoperable and left me stranded in the winter and left me stranded 54 miles away from the closest repair shop. Only because this is a know issue (see below) AND I had cell phone service enough to research this problem AND I had an air compressor to blow the wet/corroded connector out AND I was lucky enough it worked was I not left in a potentially life threatening situation. The weather was below freezing and this situation could have ended up requiring rescue, or worse. The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repa

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 2, 2023CA

The locking mechanism on the sliding door of our 2019 15-passenger Mercedes Sprinter seems to be defective at best, and at worst, may be a safety hazard. The hand-locking part has been broken twice during our less than three-year stint with this vehicle. Twice we’ve had the lock looked at when we’ve had the van serviced or in for repairs. Once it was put back together by our local Mercedes dealership. The second time, we were informed that we would need to pay over $300+ to repair the lock, even though the van is still under the three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and has approximately 12,000 miles on it. We were also told to not use the locking mechanism to lock/unlock the door from the inside, as it’s not really designed for such usage. And since it had been broken by such usage, repairs would not be covered under the warranty. Anyone looking at the locking mechanism would find it reasonable to think that the locking mechanism should be able to be used to unlock the door from the inside. Furthermore, the fact that the door cannot be easily unlocked from the inside provides a significant safety concern should passengers need to quickly exit the van for any reason. Finally, the ease of breaking the locking mechanism, without any unreasonable force used, is an insult to the Mercedes brand and certainly not up to par with the quality of the vehicle we thought we were purchasing. And we found it additionally disappointing for the dealership to then inform us that Mercedes would

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2023FL

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact purchased the vehicle with open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed May 30, 2023NM

A fire started in the engine compartment our our vehicle while driving home. I was unable to put out the fire and the entire van burned

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Mar 16, 202347,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer determined that the rear driver's side brake caliper was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Mar 12, 2023TX

The adaptive distance assist system shuts down if no vehicle is sensed for approximately 1.5 hours. The system typically will not re-engage until the vehicle is restarted with an object in front of the vehicle enabling the system to self confirm that the sensors are functioning properly. This is a defect as the system should never turn off due to lack of vehicle detection. A typical drive across west Texas or SW New Mexico makes this happen all the time.

20 of 67 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20252100Routine
202412410Routine
202317710Routine
202240700Routine
2021451800Routine
2020802210Routine
2019 — this page674240Routine
201814900Routine
201713700Routine
2016281510Routine
2015231400Routine
201438640Routine
201321300Routine
20128200Routine
201114400Routine
201014600Routine
20091000Routine
20071100Routine

Compare every Sprinter 2500 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.