Model year

2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500

Van, diesel, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Mar 1, 2021 to Mar 1, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year11275k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2016 van
Severity index0.02016 vans average 5.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 peaked in 2021, with 1 filed

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

00.250.50.7512021120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

100% of complaints about the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 name powertrain

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

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

11 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500

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 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-042Feb 3, 2021Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehiclesStability and traction control48,667Part replacement
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
19V-140Feb 27, 2019Wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor heightAdaptive equipment1Part replacement
19V-004Jan 8, 2019These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment…Airbags88,388Part replacement
19V-003Jan 8, 2019These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or…Airbags71,301Part replacement
17V-149Mar 7, 2017Bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly weldedPowertrain892Repair or modification
17V-093Feb 10, 2017These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unitAirbags15,338Repair or modification
16V-670Sep 15, 2016Bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightenedSeat belts271Repair or modification
16V-351May 24, 2016Affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash padsStructure3Repair or modification
16V-261Apr 29, 2016Affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the…Structure55Inspection
16V-093Feb 18, 2016Affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed forEquipment2,278Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500

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.

1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 1, 2021Failure Sep 15, 201940,400 milesStetsonville, WIPower train, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control

    WHILE DRIVING USING CRUISE CONTROL, THE SPEED WAS INCREASING 15 MPH PAST THE SETTING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP BY USING THE BRAKE. THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. AFTER THAT IT WOULDN'T SHIFT RIGHT, IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO A HIGH GEAR AND IT WOULD BE HARD TO GET MOVING FROM A STOP. I HAD TO DRIVE TO A DEALER SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES AND IT WAS QUITE HARROWING. OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T WORK ON IT FOR 3 DAYS SO WE RENTED A CAR TO GO BACK HOME 400 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS A REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED IN LESS THAN 5 MONTHS, ONCE IN VIRGINIA WITH 36410 MILES ON IT AND AGAIN IN NEBRASKA WITH 40621 MILES. IT CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE SOMETIMES THERE IS NO SHOULDER AND CAN NOT DRIVE FAST ENOUGH FOR THE TRAFFIC BEHIND. THE PROBLEM BOTH TIMES WERE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSORS.

    NHTSA complaint 11398562
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

111 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • 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…
  • LI4910-N-060969 Apr 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is cracked or broken. • See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmissio…
  • 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…
  • LI28.00-N-063339 Dec 1, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Clunking noise on load change or gear engagement Complaint Clunking noise can be heard on some load changes or when changing from N->R or N->D Cause Movement of transfer case splines Remedy Apply bearing retainer (green) Loctite to both output shaft splines…
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • LI07.16-N-075574 Dec 2, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Problem: Vehicle fails smog test Cause In the event the Engine Control Module (CDI) detects a fault with the Water Pump Short Circuit to Battery diagnostic, Fault Code P260312 and/or P260315 may set and prevent the readiness monitor from running. Eve…
  • 2022110005-1 Nov 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Software Update - Water Pump Diagnostics
  • LI07.16-N-075574 Nov 21, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SMOG Test will not complete successfully. NOTE: Customers may come to dealership as instructed by ISP (Independent Service Provider) based on instructions from a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin). Access to the TSBs can be found via https://www.obdclearing…
  • NC3COD2ND Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Modification to the emission control system.
  • 2020060007 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Modification to the emission control system.
  • Initial NCU MY19 Sep 14, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (?MBUSA?) has entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General?s Office (CA AG) reg…
  • 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
  • Sprinter Weekly Mar 16, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Status of Parts Ordering - Sprinter
  • V-SC-2018040003 Jun 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Replace manufacturer informaton label.
  • Sprinter Weekly Dec 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Status of Parts Ordering - Sprinter
  • 0525-16 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FMI 3,4,5 Digital Output 2 10 Circuit
  • 14TL5 Jul 29, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14TL5 ABS Power Line Carrier Converter Available Through PDC
  • 14TL2 Jul 29, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14TL2 DD Platform Engine Stand Adapter W060589023100
  • 14TS19 Jul 24, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14TS19 DD Platform High Pressure Fuel Lines
  • 713-14 Jul 13, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    713-14 Symptom Diagnostics - Combustion Gas in Coolant
  • 715-14 Jul 15, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    715-14 Symptom Diagnostics - Coolant Los
  • 714-14 Jul 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    714-14 Symptom Diagnostics - Low Engine Compression
  • 712-14 Jul 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    712-14 Engine Coolant Temperature
  • 14-028 Jul 28, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-028 Remy Extended Coverage Direct File
  • 14-027 Jul 23, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-027 Detroit's New Consolidated Labor Operations (CLOs
  • 14-026 Jul 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-026-DLR SelecTruck Warranty Enhancements
  • 14-024 Jul 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-024-DLR DTNA & JAD Highlights - Q1 & Q2
  • 14-023 Jul 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-023 Detroit Axles Pre-Approval Changes
  • 14-022 Jul 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    14-022 Pre-Approval Threshold Increase From $2,500 to $5,000 USD
  • 20-73 Jul 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    20-73 - CANCELED: Cascadia Radiator Update?EPA10 with DDC Engines
  • 20-75 Jul 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    20-75 - CANCELED: Cascadia Radiator Update?EPA10 with Cummins ISX Engines
  • 16TS7 Mar 28, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    16TS7 Reman Diesel Particulate Filter Serial Number
  • 16-011 Mar 28, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    16-011 New Detroit Camshaft Housing Seal Standard Repair Time
  • 16-010 Mar 28, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Recognition Program Suspension
  • 16-009R Mar 21, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    16-009R_OWL Enhancements
  • 16-008 Mar 21, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    New Detroit Bearing Failure Analysis Standard Diagnostic Time
  • 16-007 Mar 7, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Canadian Warranty Parts Return Address Change
  • 17-026 Dec 4, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    17-026 Holiday Closure 2017
  • 17TL25 Dec 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    17TL25 TruckCam? Alignment System
  • 17CSA25 Dec 21, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    17CSA25 New Method for Uploading Diagnostic Log Files to the CSC
  • 17CSA24 Dec 14, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    17CSA24 Holiday Schedule for the Detroit Customer Support Center
  • 17CSA23r Dec 7, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    17CSA23r Detroit CSC closed December 14, 2017 from 11:15 am - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
  • 17-029 Dec 25, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Computer Hook-Up Standard Diagnostic Time Update
  • 17-028 Dec 11, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OWL Enhancement Service Model Field
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.