2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

Routine

Owners filed 9 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 10 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes3
000
Wheels1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Steering1
000
Fuel System, Diesel1
000
Engine1
000
Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)1
000

10 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels20V156000
Filed Mar 18, 2020332 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.

Risk. Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.

Equipment › Other › Labels20V155000
Filed Mar 18, 2020289 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).

Risk. With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed at higher speeds than the tire can withstand, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace it with the label with the correct maximum speed information indicated in miles per hour, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGRESS.

Unknown or Other19V693000
Filed Oct 2, 201919 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

Risk. Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and vehicles will be returned to the reassembly plant for comprehensive inspection and, if necessary, corrective action, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module19V695000
Filed Oct 2, 20191,232 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the airbag systems have been activated, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 22, 2019. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3AIRIGEL.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch19V665000
Filed Sep 18, 20195,626 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened. As a result, factors such as the vehicle's speed, wind resistance and road conditions may cause the hood to open while the vehicle is being driven.

Risk. A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the screw connection, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HAUBOSS.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear19V507000
Filed Jul 2, 20191,079 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vehicles. The rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass.

Risk. In the event of a side impact crash or vehicle rollover, the fitted side windows may not adequately protect the rear occupants from being ejected, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealers will replace the single-pane safety glass with laminated safety glass., free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on August 16, 2019. The recall began January 21, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VERGLAS.

Unknown or Other19V222000
Filed Mar 20, 20197 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The affected vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

Risk. Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will complete the final quality inspection, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch18V743000
Filed Oct 24, 201876 vehiclesDaimler Vans Usa, Llc

Defect. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The right side door latches may have been built with incorrect components. As a result, when the doors are electronically unlocked, the right-side doors may not be able to be opened from inside or outside of the vehicle.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the right side doors cannot be opened, it could increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the locks if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Feb 12, 202515,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 23, 2023FL

We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and the braking distance is increased which can cause an accident. The cruise control is also affected and could increase speed on its own. The ESP can also be affected and can increase the risk of skidding and accidents. We have spoken to many other motorhome owners with the same chassis and they have also had problems with the sensors. Mercedes is aware of this problem and we feel they should replace all the sensors before they fail and cause a serious accident and injury or death. We would like to travel to remote areas of our country but haven't done so because there is no place to get the sensor replaced if it fails. We have spoken to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota FL and Mercedes Corporate and they are unwilling to do anything to replace the 4th sensor.

Engine
Filed May 25, 20227,400 milesNH

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)
Filed Nov 18, 202118,000 milesLA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the failure occurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

Wheels
Filed Nov 10, 2021CA

This vehicle was sold to us new with the manufacturer's window sticker stating it was equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a Standard Accessory - Safety/Cargo Protection. The provided owner's manual describes the TPMS system and the low tire pressure warning lamp indicator on the dash. It was not until our first flat tire after 2.5 years and 24000 miles, that we learned our vehicle does NOT have TPMS OR a low tire pressure warning lamp. Another motorist flagged us down as it was the inside dually tire that deflated and delaminated. Luckily we learned of the deflated inner tire before the outer tire also had issues because of the extra load placed on it. We have since learned that vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and dual-wheel rear axles are not required to have TPMS. The owner's manual does not state this and does not exclude our model as having this safety equipment. As far as we know, this exclusion is not standard public knowledge. Many heavy duty trucks with dual wheels do have such a system, so why should we question our window sticker? Our issue and safety concern is that we were lead to believe our van did have a TPMS by both our window sticker and our owners manual. Many of these vehicles are being converted to RVs (like ours but has seat belts for 6 passengers) and may be being driven unsafely due to this miscommunication. Owners/drivers of van conversions and RVs need to be fully aware of the lack of this safety feature. The dealership w

Steering
Filed Sep 28, 2021CO

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted Mercedes-Benz of Westminster (10391 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) confirmed the first dealer’s information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 14, 2021CA

On or about April 27, 2021 the driver's side rear taillight assembly randomly fell off between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Interstate 10. The assembly is large, containing the taillight, brake light, turn signal light and back-up light. It could have (and may have) hit another vehicle or at least caused it/them to engage in a dangerous turning maneuver to avoid hitting the large assembly while on the freeway. In addition, the RV was then rendered unsafe and in violation of the laws of virtually every state, as well as federal regulations, due to lacking the required lighting assembly. This has also happened to another RV unit from the same manufacturer (Regency). The driver's side taillight assembly fell off this RV during windy conditions on Interstate 40 while traveling through Arkansas on April 2, 2021. There are photos of the missing assembly for both RV's. My RV was inspected by a collision repair facility in California and their determination was two fold: 1) the RV body was molded in way that would not permit the taillight assembly to properly fit in the cavity. The tolerance was off by up to 1/4 of an inch. 2) the taillight is a stock mercedes sprinter taillight assembly which has three hard point connections (top middle, and bottom. However, the body of the RV only has two points to connect the taillight assembly (top and bottom) thereby leaving the middle area open to intrusion by wind and other elements. As a result it was very difficult to find a facility to re

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 26, 202119,800 milesFL

WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITION.MB SHOULD RE ENGINEER THE PART AND INSTALL IN AFFECTED VEHICLES.DEALER CONTINUES TO INSTALL DEFECTIVE PARTS.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 11, 20194,366 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USUAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA (40910 TEMECULA CENTER DR, TEMECULA, CA 92591,(951) 216-7800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO "GET USED TO IT". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,366. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

9 of 9 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20243300Routine
202317600Routine
20228600Routine
202181600Routine
2020132200Routine
2019274110Routine
2018 — this page91000Routine
201728900Routine
2016621620Routine
2015371500Routine
201454710Routine
201345500Routine
201221411Fatalities reported
20118400Routine
20104600Routine
20091110Routine
20081000Routine
20070100Routine

Compare every Sprinter 3500 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: Feb 3, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.