2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

67 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Jun 15, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Florence, SCPower train

   While taking off from a traffic light the rear end came apart on the inside of the differential. Has someone been in a dangerous area or remote areas like where I have to work it could have been a serious issue

   NHTSA complaint 11744228
2. Filed Mar 18, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2026Santa Ana, CAEngineFire

   My 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 High Roof caught fire suddenly and without warning. The vehicle was in its original condition and had not been modified in any way. The fire escalated quickly and resulted in a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. This incident raises serious safety concerns.

   NHTSA complaint 11725258
3. Filed Sep 17, 2025Failure Aug 17, 202458,000 milesClover, SCBuckle assembly

   The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s seat belt message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the seat belt buckle was faulty. The seat belt assembly was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (SEAT BELTS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11687809
4. Filed Jan 13, 2025Failure Dec 21, 202422,000 milesManchester, CASteering

   The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose had detached and had lost power steering fluid. The vehicle was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that there were metal shavings found in the power steering pump. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be flushed and refilled. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the power steering pump. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11635683
5. Filed Jan 3, 2025Failure Dec 21, 2024Sebastopol, CAElectrical system, Visibility/wiper

   When driving on a cold rainy day, I turned on defrost heat to clear my windscreen. No heat came out. AC, fans and zone select worked fine, but no heat. So I had to stop repeatedly on a narrow road to wipe windshield. After reviewing user forums, some pointed to a known problem with these Sprinter vans. Apparently the actuator servo motor that controls the heater flap can get stuck at limit positions and fail. This explains why my heater is stuck on cold. Also mentioned in forum, there is also a manufacturer software update that prevents this issue by keeping the actuator servo motor from moving to the very last position (cold or hot). This simple preventive fix was never offered to us during our warranty period. Some forum users went further with a modification to servo motor shaft - apparently this fixed the undesirable flexing on heater flap. Now that the servo motor has failed and I no longer have any heat, I do recognize that there were warning signs. I now recall there were occasional instances where my temperature select did not have any effect until I drove the temperature all the way up or down. I believe this was the servo motor getting stuck briefly but it became unstuck before it completely failed. I feel this can be a grave safety issue because of individual circumstance. Most times it may be an annoyance. But in certain conditions (as I experienced) it will be a significant impediment to driver visibility. It also exposed me to roadside risk when I stopped to wipe inside of windshield.

   NHTSA complaint 11633974
6. Filed Nov 25, 2024Failure Nov 20, 2024Edgewater, COEngine

   The engine seized at 37,500 miles. It is available for inspection. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. There has been no inspections by manufacturer or any other representative. There were no warning signs. Manufacturer offered no warranties.

   NHTSA complaint 11627375
7. Filed Sep 11, 2024Failure Sep 5, 20248,149 milesRoyal Oak, MIAdaptive cruise control, Cruise control

   The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the message "Distance Assistance Currently Unavailable" was displayed. The contact also stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the cruise control was activated, but the option failed to appear on the screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,149.

   NHTSA complaint 11613946
8. Filed Jul 8, 2024Failure Jul 7, 2024Boulder, COVehicle speed control

   Depressing accelerator while in 'D'rive or 'R'everse does not increase RPM or power and vehicle does not move. While keeping the pedal pressed to the floor it will then slowly RPMs will increase and it will creep forward. It will rev. while in park or neutral.

   NHTSA complaint 11600124
9. Filed Jul 1, 2024Failure Jun 25, 2024Longmont, COAssist, Warning

   The Crosswind Assist feature of this van has caused near-accidents for me several times over the last few years, and especially last week while on vacation. It is a KNOWN problem with owners with no known recall as far as I am aware. It is an extremely abrupt maneuver that has pushed me halfway into the other lane during just moderate winds. I am a professional driver, having pulled double 45' tractor trailers and am very skilled in my driving. This crosswind assist feature is DANGEROUS, and I can barely retain control when it kicks in. It applies the brakes on the side that is getting pushed by the wind and tries to correct the steering all at the same time. It is way too abrupt. The tendency of the driver at that point may be to correct this as it is happening. If this was on icy roads the results would be catastrophic. It is hazardous even on dry roads. This is not a feature that Mercedes allows to be disabled. How can NHTSA allow this hazardous feature to not be included in a recall? I am scared for my safety and for that of my family. I have discussed this with the dealership with no affirmation that there is a problem. I am putting this in your hands with a Certified letter to go out to both your Executive Director Jack Danielson as well as Mercedes US CEO, Dimitris Psillakis requesting action for all Sprinter van owners that have this Crosswind Assist feature. Thank you.

   NHTSA complaint 11597997
10. Filed May 15, 2024Failure May 15, 2024Fayetteville, NCAir bags, Seat belts

    Front Left Malfunction Warning Light came on randomly one day. There was an airbag symbol that appeared on the dash as well. The vehicle has not been in any collisions. Mercedes USA says seatbelt components are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for 10 years, regardless of mileage. I called Mercedes USA and now they say it is not covered because we are past mileage limit and because we are past 3 years and don't have an extended warranty, they won't cover repair. Others have had this issue too listed on Sprinter-Forum where they have diagnosed it's from a cheap connector on the seats and unplugging the harness, adding dielectric grease, reset light, replace seatbelt solves the problem. This fix takes 30 minutes and they charge over $800 to repair. This seatbelt is original to the vehicle and if it's malfunctioning, this is a safety issue that should be addressed and covered for replacement or reimbursement if repairs have already been made. Some have noted that the shape of the seatbelt connector connection is causing this issue. Please keep me informed of progress with this. We will be paying $800 to fix this issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11588842
11. Filed May 14, 2024Failure May 14, 202491,000 milesBradenton, FLInstrument cluster/panel

    The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the instrument panel failed to display properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was hazardous to drive and could be severely injured if the instrument panel failed to display warning features as needed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11588751
12. Filed Apr 29, 2024Failure Apr 20, 2024Carlsbad, CATires

    Tire size: 245/75 R16 LT 120/116Q Tire: Kumho Crugen HT51 I was driving on [XXX] and had only been driving about 30 minutes. I heard a sound and could see rubber from rear passenger side tire separating from the tire. I assumed I had a flat tire and immediately pulled over to the right shoulder of highway. When I stepped out I was surprised to see a lot of damage due to the tire tread separating and thrashing around on rear passenger side of vehicle. A small section of the rear corner bumper that included a small door panel to get to propane tank was completely gone. There was a jagged hole in another section of bumper as well. A small section of the body panel had been torn off and was laying by tire. Also, tire tread had damaged side of RV with black rubber markings and scratches. There are some small dents too. The tire was NOT flat, but the tread was almost entirely gone leaving the tire without any rubber tread. This is a 2020 Mercedes Benz Airstream Interstate 19. So this is an RV Camper Van. Had this been the front tire, I believe it would’ve resulted in an accident or injury. Vehicle & tires were inspected by Mercedes Dealership just last June 2023. I’m very concerned that the remaining tires will have the tire tread separate as well. These are the factory tires that were on my vehicle when purchased new. I purchased this vehicle with only 17,500 miles. Vehicle only has 27,473 miles on it now and has only been driven on streets or highways. Tires do NOT show any signs of cracking or dry rotting. I drive vehicle often for weekend trips. So it hasn’t set for any lengthy amount of time to cause damage to tires. I believe these tires are defective and that’s why the tread separated with tires only having about 27,500 miles on them. I believe these tires are rated for 70,000 miles. I’m hoping for an investigation into these tires as I strongly believe they are defective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11585870
13. Filed Apr 23, 2024Failure Apr 7, 2024Dallas, TXUnknown or other

    Exhaust smells started coming through the air vents while driving, after the catalytic converter was changed. I discovered through my own inspection, that exhaust was leaking at the connection point between the catalytic converter and the turbocharger. The fumes were entering the airflow for the passenger cabin through the cabin air intake drain valve because it is in the engine compartment. I realized that this is pouring carbon monoxide into the cabin ventilation system.

    NHTSA complaint 11584859
14. Filed Apr 4, 2024Failure Mar 21, 202480,000 milesStaten island, NYElectronic stability control (esc), Service brakes

    The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the stability crosswinds feature engaged in windy weather, the brakes independently activated without driver input, and the vehicle swerved and was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11581121
15. Filed Feb 27, 2024Failure Feb 25, 2024Kenmore, WAPower train

    My EIS module rendered my vehicle inoperable and left me stranded in the winter and left me stranded 54 miles away from the closest repair shop. Only because this is a know issue (see below) AND I had cell phone service enough to research this problem AND I had an air compressor to blow the wet/corroded connector out AND I was lucky enough it worked was I not left in a potentially life threatening situation. The weather was below freezing and this situation could have ended up requiring rescue, or worse. 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11574286
16. Filed Dec 2, 2023Failure Nov 27, 2023Sacramento, CAUnknown or other

    The locking mechanism on the sliding door of our 2019 15-passenger Mercedes Sprinter seems to be defective at best, and at worst, may be a safety hazard. The hand-locking part has been broken twice during our less than three-year stint with this vehicle. Twice we’ve had the lock looked at when we’ve had the van serviced or in for repairs. Once it was put back together by our local Mercedes dealership. The second time, we were informed that we would need to pay over $300+ to repair the lock, even though the van is still under the three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and has approximately 12,000 miles on it. We were also told to not use the locking mechanism to lock/unlock the door from the inside, as it’s not really designed for such usage. And since it had been broken by such usage, repairs would not be covered under the warranty. Anyone looking at the locking mechanism would find it reasonable to think that the locking mechanism should be able to be used to unlock the door from the inside. Furthermore, the fact that the door cannot be easily unlocked from the inside provides a significant safety concern should passengers need to quickly exit the van for any reason. Finally, the ease of breaking the locking mechanism, without any unreasonable force used, is an insult to the Mercedes brand and certainly not up to par with the quality of the vehicle we thought we were purchasing. And we found it additionally disappointing for the dealership to then inform us that Mercedes would not honor these repairs under our bumper-to-bumper warranty period and to attempt to charge us for this diagnosis. Please investigate.

    NHTSA complaint 11558131
17. Filed Jun 6, 2023Failure Mar 6, 2023Margate, FLElectrical system, Visibility

    The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact purchased the vehicle with open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11525594
18. Filed May 30, 2023Failure May 29, 2023Santa Fe, NMUnknown or otherFire

    A fire started in the engine compartment our our vehicle while driving home. I was unable to put out the fire and the entire van burned

    NHTSA complaint 11524395
19. Filed Mar 16, 2023Failure Mar 16, 202347,000 milesForney, TXService brakes, Caliper

    The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer determined that the rear driver's side brake caliper was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. The VIN was unavailable.

    NHTSA complaint 11512185
20. Filed Mar 12, 2023Failure Mar 12, 2023Austin, TXAdaptive cruise control

    The adaptive distance assist system shuts down if no vehicle is sensed for approximately 1.5 hours. The system typically will not re-engage until the vehicle is restarted with an object in front of the vehicle enabling the system to self confirm that the sensors are functioning properly. This is a defect as the system should never turn off due to lack of vehicle detection. A typical drive across west Texas or SW New Mexico makes this happen all the time.

    NHTSA complaint 11511473