2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

Routine

Owners filed 9 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 38 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System3
000
Power Train2
100
Vehicle Speed Control1
000
Structure › Body1
010
Lane Departure › Assist1
000
Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer1
000

38 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 38 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › BodyFire
Filed May 19, 2025FL

I was driving and the vehicle began to smoke through the air conditioning vent and within 30 seconds flames of fire entered the vehicle and the vehicle was completely burned. I never received any recall regarding that malfunction and never saw any signal that this would happen. I almost caught in fire due to the imminent flames. That's was my vehicle for work and I lost everything, materials, tools, merchandise and everything. I am struggling financially due to this situation. I tried to open the side door to take my belongings but it was locked. There's were not any previous symbols or indicators of the malfunction.

Power Train
Filed Jan 4, 2025CA

At high altitudes (it's happened over 5000ft and not under that) while in 4x4 mode, the car occasionally just simply does not respond to throttle input while in drive. This is usually from a start while shifting from park or reverse into drive, but there is zero power which has now been dangerous a few times for us while on inclines or near traffic. It eventually goes away after shifting back and forth to park/reverse/neutral and trying to rev the engine. But it's inconsitent, infrequent and not particularly easy to reproduce.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 2024OR

The active distance assist inoperative appears when using the cruise control. This comes on when no traffic in front of the vehicle for 1 hour or less. Also Active Brake Assist functions limited - see operators Manual To reset: follow another vehicle for 5 minutes. This is Very Very Very frustrating and UNSAFE. This function should not automatically shut off. I paid a lot of money to try and figure out the problem. This is VERY UNSAFE for this feature of instantly shut off for no reason and is dangerous. Please fix this with a software update and allow me to download it at my dealer for no charge. Not happy as I use my cruise control on long trips in the USA.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 3, 2023MI

Cruse control will sometimes disengage and display these error messages: "Active Distance Assist Inoperative" "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" Cruse control kicks out and the power cuts off abruptly. After some variable time the cruise control function will work again. This is an intermittent problem that occurs without warning. When cruise control set to 65-70 mph, the deceleration is very pronounced, as if brakes are applied. This can be very starling to the driver, passengers, and any vehicles tailing behind. I reported this to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, and they stated a released software update addressed this problem. However, after the dealer servicing, it still happens several times a day when traveling in our RV.

Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
Filed Sep 28, 2022FL

Awning operation and lights are controlled by switchs in vehicle and/or app. Intermittently switchs will not work. Awing sometimes stutters when deployed. So far we have been able to fully retract. We have not taken to dealer since the symptoms are very sporadic.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2021CA

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 repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect. Please help? Thank you You can also refer to this thread from other Sprinter owners with the same issue: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/83054/

Lane Departure › Assist
Filed Jun 23, 2021OR

The Lane Assist and Crosswind Assist do not work properly. When a gust of wind hits you or when you're passing a semi, the van immediately forces your vehicle off the road or into the other lane where there is another vehicle or a concrete barrier. It's very difficult to hold onto the steering wheel and try to maneuver the vehicle to stay in your lane. The only way to turn off these features are to turn off them off every time you start your vehicle. Mercedes Benz has told me there is no way to turn it off completely and they have had numerous complaints of unsafe vehicle responses from the assist features.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Mar 25, 202124,262 milesPA

ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLISION AT RIGHT FRONT.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 202143,000 milesCO

TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE WHEELS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, AND WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST COMPLETELY FAILED. IT TOOK EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. MERCEDES-BENZ IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR ON THE 15-MONTH OLD VAN THAT HAS 43000 MILES ON IT. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FAILED ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.

9 of 9 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20240200Routine
20230600Routine
20220600Routine
202101600Routine
202012200Routine
2019 — this page93810Routine
20180700Routine
20170100Routine
20161100Routine
20150100Routine

Compare every Sprinter 4500 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.