Model year

2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Van, diesel, 4x2, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Sep 17, 2020 to Sep 9, 2023.

Recall campaigns covering this model year756k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Close to the median 2018 van
Severity index0.02018 vans average 8.4
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 peaked in 2020, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.75120201202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 name driver assistance

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Driver assistance
1
Brakes
1
Steering
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

7 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
20V-663Oct 28, 2020Hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leakSteering47,667Not stated
20V-156Mar 18, 2020Spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tireEquipment332Label or owner notice
20V-155Mar 18, 2020Spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph)Equipment289Part replacement
19V-695Oct 2, 2019Airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle productionAirbags1,232Inspection
19V-665Sep 18, 2019Screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightenedLatches and locks5,626Repair or modification
19V-507Jul 2, 2019Rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glassVisibility and wipers1,079Part replacement
18V-743Oct 24, 2018Right side door latches may have been built with incorrect componentsLatches and locks76Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 9, 2023Failure Jun 10, 2021Homer, AKWarnings, Service brakes

    Multiple Episodes of vigorous Sudden Application of Active Brake Assist, sometimes with a sudden dip, occasionally without a noticeable inciting issue. Often Occurs at Hiway speeds, on a narrow bridge with car slowing to 5 mph. At low speeds break assist may turn off and able to resume driving, sometimes requires restart of engine to clear brake assist. Drivers following behind are not happy when this unexpectedly happens, very unsafe. Atteeempts to deal with it through dealer have been unsuccessful or dis,issued.

    NHTSA complaint 11543624
  2. Filed Sep 17, 2020Failure Sep 7, 202014,704 milesPortland, ORSteering

    WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VAN NEW FROM THE DEALER, I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE KNOWN POWER STEERING HOSE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS THAT ONE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSES IS TOO SHORT & IT WORKS ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION UNTIL IT POPS OFF & FLUID SPRAYS OUT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I KNEW ABOUT IT BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ON THE INTERNET OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. I WENT BACK FOR SERVICE A YEAR LATER & SHOWED THEM THE HOSE SLIPPING OFF, THEY DID NOT CARE & DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. DESPITE ME DILIGENTLY CHECKING & REPOSITIONING THE HOSE WHENEVER IT STARTED TO SLIP OUT OF PLACE, WHICH WAS VERY FREQUENTLY, IT FINALLY POPPED OFF ON US WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON A NARROW TWISTY HIGHWAY & WE LOST STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, TAKEN AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, YOU CAN SEE THE LOWER HOSE OUT OF POSITION, IT SHOULD BE WHERE THE UPPER HOSE IS RELATIVE TO THE METAL PIPE.

    NHTSA complaint 11355666
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • EA21002 Engineering analysis, Airbags
    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
    Opened Sep 17, 2021, still open
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

23 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • Exhaust System Aug 12, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-18 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, the diesel particulate filter may crack due to an insufficient weld. MBAG also determined that specific env…
  • LI28_00-N-079097_1_en Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force distribution AWD, rather force is only applied to the front axle according to ESP calcul…
  • LI54_30-N-080701 Jul 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint The ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected. The customer or dealer may report that the vehicle did not reach the starting maintenan…
  • LI49.10-N-080528 Jun 3, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OM642 DPF Filter Cracked or Broken Complaint Vehicle will not start or exhibits noisy exhaust. Check Engine Lamp (CEL) is on. Multiple control unit communication and system faults may be present, including but not limited to: 134800, 134900, 11B300, 11EC0…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Jun 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in tab…
  • LI49-20-N-080376 Mar 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to AdBlue quality or concentration. Complaint Customer reports an illuminated check engine light and or an AdBlue system warning indicating AdBlue quality …
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with p…
  • LI54.30-N-079757 Sep 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Level Cannot Be Checked via Instrument Cluster Service Menu Complaint Sometimes the engine oil level cannot be determined using the instrument cluster's service menu. The following mes- sages may be displayed: •Engine oil level currently inopera…
  • LI27.19-N-079793 Sep 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54…
  • FTL_V-SC-2025070001 Aug 12, 2025 · Emissions
    Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Model Years 2017-2021 Sprinter vehicles, the In Use Monitor Performance Ratio (“IUMPR”) function of the OBD system might not perform as intended under certain c…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 May 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in tabl…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Apr 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve s…
  • LI82.35-N-078930 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with d…
  • LI47.10-N-079010 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type Complaint: Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type (e.g., gasoline, water, biodiesel, AdBlue/DEF) Cause: The incorrect fuel type, such as gasoline, water, …
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list …
  • LI49.20-N-078838 Feb 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The check engine light or AdBlue warning is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes rela- ted to the AdBlue tank: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction …
  • LI07.70-N-078824 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Fault code P06DA00 is found current or stored in engine control unit. Check engine light may be activated. Cause Various causes Remedy Up to Model year 2018: Fault code P06DA00 can be disregarded if not activating the check engine light, unless ot…
  • LI49.00-N-078608 Nov 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SMOG/Emissions Test fail due to one or more Readiness Monitors not set Complaint: The vehicle has failed the State Emissions Certification because one or more of the OBDII readiness monitors are not completely set. Cause: One or more of the following Readi…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 May 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. N…
  • NCU-2019040009 9 Apr 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles without Final Inspection
  • sbh0002 Jun 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Publications Ordering
  • sbh00022 Feb 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Reminder: Paper Service Bulletin Mailings Are Discontinued
  • sb00044 Feb 25, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Reminder: Paper Service Bulletin Mailings Are Discontinued
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.