Owners filed 28 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electronic stability control (esc). It has been recalled 9 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes
5
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
5
0
0
0
Wheels
4
0
0
0
Wheels › Rim
2
0
0
0
Structure › Body
2
0
0
0
Fuel System, Diesel
2
0
0
0
Electrical System
2
0
0
0
Air Bags
2
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
1
0
0
0
Tires
1
0
0
0
9 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Electronic Stability Control (esc) › Control Module21V042000
Filed Feb 3, 202148,667 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Risk. If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
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.
Structure › Body18V288000
Filed May 3, 2018153 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on the front side wall, connecting the door portal to the hinge reinforcements in the A-pillar area, possibly affecting vehicle strength in a crash.
Risk. If the missing welds affect body strength, there may be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and add any missing spot welds, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 2018. 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.
Lane Departure › Assist17V804000
Filed Dec 14, 20172,177 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles equipped with the Crosswind Assist function. In the event of strong crosswind, automatic brake interventions by the vehicle dynamics control system (ADAPTIVE ESP) might not be activated.
Risk. If Crosswind Assist system does not activate the automatic braking system as expected in the event of a strong crosswind, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP control unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-854-888-3214.
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.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire17V742000
Filed Nov 21, 2017773 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc
Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. The spare tire holder under the vehicle may not be properly secured.
Risk. If the spare tire holder is not properly secured, the spare tire may separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will lift the spare tire holder completely and tighten the securing screws as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact DVUSA custom service at 1-854-888-3214.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Wheels › Rim
Filed Aug 20, 202615,000 milesNM
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side tire became deflated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front driver's side rim was cracked. The contact was informed that the front driver's side rim needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure had reoccurred due to potholes in the road. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became a persistent failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger's rim and both rear rims were all cracked. In addition, the driver's side rear tire was damaged because of the failure. The contact stated that parts were unavailable at the dealer. The contact stated that during the failure, the contact had to search around for replacement rims. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 15, 2026CO
The vehicle has swivel seats. When the driver’s seat swivel, it’s severed the wires, the control the SRS system.
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Dec 23, 2024325,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz M3CA76 Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the diesel purifier, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, DEF system, warning illuminated. The contact stated that the failure of the DEF system had occurred before the recent failure. The contact stated that the first failure had occurred several years ago. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the DEF system again needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 325,000.
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Dec 19, 202444,000 milesDE
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes- Benz Sprinter 350. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds the warning message "DEF Is Low" had suddenly displayed and the vehicle went into "Limp Mode" causing the speed to suddenly reduce to 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the DEF tank was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Structure
Filed Aug 25, 202349,500 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, he had to brake abruptly, due to an animal crossing the roadway. Then he heard a loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle, when he took his foot off the brake. . The contact pulled over to the side of the road and saw the water tank had fallen to the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water tank was firmly re-attached to the RV. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but has to date denied responsibility for inadequately attaching the water tank to its RVs. The failure mileage was 49,500.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 2023CA
The ESP and ABS warning lights went on suddenly after what sounded like a thud. The car had not run over anything. There was some initial brief chattering of the break pedal, and that subsided. The car was not near a suitable and available repair shop at the time. It was driven to complete a trip. There were several instances of break pedal chattering that led concern about the controllability of the vehicle. During the trip, it was taken to a brake shop, and the technicians felt it was likely safe to drive. Eventually after the servicing dealer first replaced the front speed sensors, the ESP unit was found to be shorted. This event is of concern because the speed sensors on the rear have been replaced on recall and the front speed sensors have been granted an extended warrantee. Both feed into the ESP unit that failed. It seems possible the previously suspect parts may have damaged the ESP unit. There appears to be a safety issue with faulty break performance in this situation. The vehicle only had about 13,000 miles on the odometer. at the time of the event. Service an repair records are available upon request
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 3, 2023OR
The front left wheel cover shifted and nearly sheared off the tire valve stem. Had this happened while we were on the road, the tire would have had a very fast deflate/explosion. This would have put the 24ft. RV into an uncontrollable nose-dive and possible crash situation. The nearly-sheared valve stem was discovered by technicians while we were having routine maintenance done at the authorized Mercedes dealership. They removed the tire and replaced the valve stem. We were told by the Service Manager that this usually happens to the rear dual wheels, not the front. We have had zip ties put on to keep the wheel "hubcaps" (beauty rings) on the wheels because they are notorious for flying off. There are no warning lights etc. to indicate any wheel issues. This RV (Sprinter) has been in to authorized Mercedes Sprinter dealership for regular service over the past 4 years and only this time (June 26, 2023) was the problem discovered. The Mercedes Service Dept. in Eugene is the only technicians this RV has been in contact with. They seem to be aware that this "sheering" of valve stems is a reoccurring problem with Sprinters.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 28, 2023TX
I'm getting wheel sensor errors and the vehicle goes into limp mode and disables the cruise control, even after replacing the sensors. Very frustrated with this dangerous situation!
Tires
Filed May 23, 202326,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started shaking and the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact veered off the roadway and noticed that the hub cap had detached from the wheel. The contact stated that he was not aware that the inside tire had deflated. The contact then stated that he removed the hubcap from the road and continued driving to the nearest tire shop where it was diagnosed that rear driver’s side inside tire was deflated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, where the two rear passenger’s side tires were rotated, and the contact retrieved the vehicle however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The contact pulled over to the nearest service station where it was inspected and the contact was informed that the two rear passenger’s side valve stem were entangled in the hub caps and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Steering
Filed Aug 24, 2021CO
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V663000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 29, 2021CA
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Wheels › Rim
Filed Jul 27, 20218,100 milesTX
The contact's parents own a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that his parents had experienced multiple flat tire failures with various tires on the vehicle. An independent mechanic discovered that there were multiple cracks on three of the rims on the vehicle. Due to that discovery, his parents had all six tires and rims replaced on the vehicle. Recently, the contact discovered that the driver’s side inner tire had blown out after parking the RV. The contact called for emergency assistance and had the tire replaced. On a separate occasion, the contact noticed after parking the vehicle, the rear passenger’s side outer tire was flat. The contact again called for emergency assistance and while the tire was being replaced, it was discovered that the sidewalls had all fallen apart inside the tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact believed that the cause of the tire failures was related to the rims on the vehicle. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,100.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 7, 2021OR
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but was unable to provide a date when parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 1, 20215,500 milesGA
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the cruise control disengaged as the ABS and ESP warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and read the owner's manual to get information on the failure. Upon restart, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 5,500. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 24, 2021TX
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2021TX
SIDE ENTRY DOOR OPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING. 1ST WE THOUGHT WE DIDN'T CLOSE IT RIGHT, BUT I CHECKED AND DOOR HAD LOCKS ENGAGED. THE 2ND TIME THAT DOOR OPENED UP, I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED AND ENGAGED ALL LOCKS ON DOOR AND THEN PUSHED IT A BIT AND TO MY SURPRISE THE DOOR OPENED UP! IT TURNS OUT THE SCREWS WERE LOSE SO THE LOCKS WERE NOT ENGAGING. SO I TIGHTENED THEM UP WITH THE DRILL AND PROBLEM SOLVED. THIS IS AN RV AND IT IS DRIVEN MANY MILES AND ON BUMPY ROADS SO THE SCREWS WILL LOOSEN UP CAUSING THE DEADBOLT LOCKS NOT TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. 2ND ISSUE, HOLES UNDERNEATH BED DESIGNED TO ALLOW SLIDEOUT ROLLERS TO EXTEND BED IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS GAS FUMES ENTER THE RV.*DT
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 12, 2021CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN JOSE SERVICE CENTER LOCATED AT 3000 E. CAPITOL EXPY SUITE A, SAN JOSE, CA 95148, (408) 214-3009) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Wheels
Filed Mar 16, 202118,000 milesAZ
WE ARRIVED HOME AFTER A SHORT TRIP, PARKED THE VEHICLE AND DIDN'T SEE IT UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. WE THEN FOUND THAT BOTH LEFT REAR TIRES WERE FLAT. AIRED THEM UP AND DROVE TO DISCOUNT TIRE WHERE WE WERE INFORMED THAT BOTH RIMS WERE CRACKED AT THE EXACT SAME WELD. THE TIRES WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION: NO BLESS, BUBBLES, OR MARKS. MERCEDES BENZ REFUSED TO WARRANTY OR REPLACE THE RIMS. WE NOW SEE THERE IS A RECALL PENDING ON AN ESP FOR THE REAR TIRES - WE BELIEVE THAT ARE CONNECTED ISSUES.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 14, 202017,380 milesSC
OUR 2018 CLASS C TIFFIN WAYFARER IS BUILT ON THE 2017 MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS. AT 17,380 MILES, WITH NO WARNING, WHILE MOVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN BANGING, LURCHING AND SPED UP. ALL THIS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GO THROUGH A CITY STREET INTERSECTION. TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM THIS ERRATIC MOTION, I IMMEDIATELY SWITCHED IT OFF AND COASTED TO THE SIDE. HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE OR PERSON DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT I UNFORTUNATELY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM AS THE VEHICLE SPED UP EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND MOVED IT OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. MULTIPLE ERROR AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. WITH ONLY THREE MONTHS REMAINING ON THE WARRANTY, MERCEDES HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHO HAS JUST INFORMED ME THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WHICH THEY REPLACED. THERE ARE FOUR OF THESE SENSORS NONE OF WHICH SHOULD HAVE FAILED WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. WHEN WILL THE OTHER THREE FAIL? WHAT RISK OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY WILL THEIR POTENTIAL FAILURE CAUSE? THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN. APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS WELL AWARE OF THESE SENSOR FAILURES AS THE SERVICE AGENT SUGGESTED THIS AS A PROBABLE CAUSE WHEN I DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AND REASON FOR HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED IN. I DO NOT BELIEVE MERCEDES HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS. IN MY OPINION, MERCEDES SHOULD DEFINITELY REMEDY THESE FAILURES WITH BETTER PARTS AND WARRANTY SO AS NOT TO CAUSE RISK OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY. I AS
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 1, 202021,000 milesFL
RMP SENSOR FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE ANTI LOCK BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL. PLUS FORCED VEHICLE INTO LIMP MODE SO IT WOULD BARELY MOVE TO REST AREA TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. I'VE BEEN TO THREE DEALERSHIPS WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE ALL VERY AWARE THAT THESE FAULTY SENSORS EXIST. THEY HAVE BEEN AND ISSUE FOR YEARS PUTTING 100S IF NOT THOUSANDS OF SPRINTER OWNERS AT EXTREME RISK WITH LOSS OF ANTI LOCK BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL AT THE SAME TIME. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS FAULTY PART AND RECALL ALL VEHICLES AND FIX
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: Feb 3, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.