Van, diesel, 4x2, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from May 2, 2016 to Aug 14, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V-663 | Oct 28, 2020 | Hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak | Steering | 47,667 | Not stated |
| 19V-004 | Jan 8, 2019 | These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment… | Airbags | 88,388 | Part replacement |
| 19V-003 | Jan 8, 2019 | These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or… | Airbags | 71,301 | Part replacement |
| 18V-113 | Feb 15, 2018 | Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect | Equipment | 17 | Part replacement |
| 17V-786 | Dec 8, 2017 | These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the… | Equipment | 550 | Part replacement |
| 17V-650 | Oct 16, 2017 | Label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for | Equipment | 2 | Part replacement |
| 17V-592 | Sep 22, 2017 | Affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank | Powertrain | 109 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-364 | Jun 5, 2017 | Affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low | Equipment | 1,257 | Part replacement |
| 17V-149 | Mar 7, 2017 | Bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded | Powertrain | 892 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-093 | Feb 10, 2017 | These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit | Airbags | 15,338 | Repair or modification |
| 16V-853 | Nov 28, 2016 | Affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash | Seat belts | 28 | Part replacement |
| 16V-670 | Sep 15, 2016 | Bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened | Seat belts | 271 | Repair or modification |
| 16V-351 | May 24, 2016 | Affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads | Structure | 3 | Repair or modification |
| 16V-261 | Apr 29, 2016 | Affected 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… | Structure | 55 | Inspection |
| 16V-093 | Feb 18, 2016 | Affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for | Equipment | 2,278 | Part replacement |
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.
28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
The door latch and or roller failed which prevents the door from closing properly. Since the door does not close all the way, there is the risk that it opens while driving. This is a recurring issue I have on this vehicle and triggered a lemon-law buyback.
NHTSA complaint 11757000The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
NHTSA complaint 11667211The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.
NHTSA complaint 11605186Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully
NHTSA complaint 11567265The check engine light came on in the Sprinter van. There is a Hissing noise coming from the engine when accelerating. The Sprinter van loses speed when on the highway. The vehicle could not keep up with traffic on the road. The Mercedes Benz dealer, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky has inspected the vehicle and stated that it has a defective intake manifold. This vehicle has 140,000 miles at this time. At this time the van has not been repaired, the cost is $3132.77
NHTSA complaint 11532688The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint 11526686My 2016 Sprinter is suffering from a failing EGR valve that's causing intermittent power loss. The issue started after only 25000mi on the odometer. No errors are shown, nothing indicates malfunction. The problem is quite severe and presenting itself through random power loss. When accelerating the car will jerk and lose acceleration force suddenly. Driving uphill is the worst and producing constant jerking. Once moving at a good speed it's less notable but still present. The main safety concern is that the behavior is unpredictable and in situations where it's necessary to accelerate into a road with traffic, this can lead to a hazardous when the car doesn't accelerate as intended. In multiple occasions I was unable to properly speed up and get moving and thus blocking traffic behind me and forcing them to slow down or change lanes. The Mercedes dealer diagnosed a malfunctioning EGR valve on the edge of failing completely which would put the Sprinter in "limp home mode" which has limited power output to prevent further damage. Since this is a known issue and the EGR valves have been failing frequently with various Sprinter models, these should be recalled and replaced! Currently, it's not even possible to get this issue addressed. The EGR valves are back-ordered and not available for 6 MONTHS! That's 6 months of limping through traffic with the potential of the valve failing completely. Unacceptable!
NHTSA complaint 11440452There is a known issue and recall for wheel speed sensors on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 models. However, this same issue applied to 2500 models also. Along with other RV owners, I have just experienced this problem. I was in city traffic when all the sudden multiple warning lights came on: "ESP, visit workshop", "Brake force distribution, visit workshop", ABS warning light, ESP, warning light, collision prevention malfunction warning light, check engine light with fault code U0416. The presence of all these errors, beeping, red messages sounds extremely scary to any driver. The fact that it says brake force distribution isn't working properly suggests a hazardous condition that could lead to a crash if brakes are not working properly. Since this is being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor, these should all be replaced and the recall expanded to include other models like mine.
NHTSA complaint 11440448The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 2500. The contact stated while driving 21 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was not able to control the vehicle however, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was relating the failure to faulty wheel speed sensors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,600.
NHTSA complaint 11424928MY ROOF IS LEAKING. I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHERE THE STAINS ARE COMING FROM ON MY CEILING. TODAY IS A RAINY DAY IN CINCINNATI. I GO TO PUT MY GROCERY IN THE VAN THE CEILING IS SOAK AND WET. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY MY DISABLED CHILD AND I STAY SICK AND WHY ITS RUSTING OUT.
NHTSA complaint 11407428I'VE OWNED THIS CAR 2 YEARS. IN THE SUMMER TIME WHEN WE TURN ON THE A/C THERE IS A BAD ODOR COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ONLY IN THE SUMMER IT'S NOT A PLEASANT SMELL. DURING THE WINTER TIME LAST YEAR WAS A GASOLINE SMELL BUT THAT GOT FIXED. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO LOOK INTO IT PLEASE IT'S A MOLDY SMELL.
NHTSA complaint 11403650THE WHEEL SENSORS ON THIS VEHICLE ROUTINELY FAIL. WHEN THEY FAIL AT HIGH SPEEDS(FREEWAY DRIVING) THE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, STABILITY CONTROL, 4WD IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. IF IT FAILS AT START UP, ALL THE SAME SYSTEMS ARE EFFECTED IN ADDITION YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE OVER 30MPH, IT WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN, IT WILL SURGE ALSO. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES TWICE A YEAR. EACH WHEEL SENSOR HAS FAILED, SOME TWICE.
NHTSA complaint 11375781RV TRANSFER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SLEEPING. 5100 SERIES TRANSFER SWITCH.*DT CONSUMER STATED DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED BUT COULD OF BEEN THE VIBRATION WHICH MAY HAVE LOOSEN THE SCREWS.*JB
NHTSA complaint 11360859WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSDA #19V004) INDICATING THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ("TAKATA"). AT THE TIME WE WERE BATTLING CANCER AND THE CORONA VIRUS, SO WE DID NOT GET IT SERVICED AND IT REMAINED IN THE STORAGE. IN THE MEANTIME WE RECEIVED NUMEROUS CALLS TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE TIME TO GET IT OUT OF STORAGE AND DRIVE 400 MILES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED. NOW THAT WE HAVE THE TIME, WE CALLED MERCEDES DEALER AND MAIN COMPANY, BUT THEY INDICATE THE RECALL DISAPPEARED EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A LETTER AND RECEIVED MANY CALLS PRIOR TO GET IT CHANGED OUT. THE LETTER INDICATES "THE DEFECT IN YOUR PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR HOUSING TO RUPTURE.A PASSENGER-SIDE INFLATOR RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH." SO WE ARE CONCERNED. HOW DID MERCEDES MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR WITHOUT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint 11350944AT 24,000 MILES TWO WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAILED CAUSING ESP, ABS, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO THIS DISABLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT AND UPON STARTING NO ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THESE ISSUES REOCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE TO MB DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH CONFIRMED THE SPEED SENSOR FAILURES. COST OF REPAIR $1,100. UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH SPRINTERS BETWEEN 2013 - 2016. MB SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLS AND THE COST OF REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint 11350521MY 2016 2500 SPRINTER CONTINUES TO HAVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURES EVERY 2K-3K MILES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION ACTS ERRATICALLY, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM STARTS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SPORADICALLY AND THE VAN SOMETIME ACCELERATES AND PREVENTS STOPPING. THIS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN THE RAIN OR EVEN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EVNTUALLY ONCE THE SYSTEM DETECTS THE FAILURE IT LIGHTS UP THREE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND DISABLES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, ESP, AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY AT TIMES EVEN AFTER LIGHTS COME ON.
NHTSA complaint 11350382THE ROOF TOP AIR CONDITIONER SEAL HAS FAILED. DURING THE RAIN IT'S AN INDOOR SHOWER. THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THIS ISSUE WITH MERCEDES. *TR
NHTSA complaint 11327261MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES FOR OVER A YEAR TO FIX MY AIRBAGS PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. JUST DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR IT EMPLOYED AT OF NOW NOWHERE BUT AIRBAG DIDN'T COME OUT
NHTSA complaint 11291145TO LONG OF A WAITING FROM DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. BEEN WAITING FOR 3 YEARS FOR A NEW AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. REDICULOUSLY URGENT 1 2/5/2019 REMEDY: DAIMLER VANS USA LLC WILL CONDUCT A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIRBAG MODULES IN THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED DAIMLER VANS VEHICLES. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE
NHTSA complaint 11287383TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE (10231 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (866) 955-5901) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint 11269398Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.