Complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 peaked in 2023, with 9 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Van, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 4, 2021 to Jun 17, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-930 | Dec 13, 2024 | Instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions | Electrical system | 697 | Software update |
| 23V-876 | Dec 21, 2023 | Partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash | Structure | 387 | Repair or modification |
| 23V-875 | Dec 21, 2023 | Longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the… | Structure | 3,739 | Repair or modification |
| 23V-806 | Dec 1, 2023 | Topcoat paint formula may cause the windows and interior lashing rails to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle | Structure | 131 | Repair or modification |
| 23V-444 | Jun 26, 2023 | Fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power | Fuel system | 20,500 | Part replacement |
| 23V-204 | Mar 24, 2023 | Instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started | Electrical system | 6,857 | Software update |
| 22V-796 | Oct 21, 2022 | Guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway | Powertrain | 124,305 | Software update |
| 22V-491 | Jul 11, 2022 | Generator wiring harness may be incorrectly connected to the electric power steering, which can result in an electrical surge | Electrical system | 2 | Inspection |
| 22V-360 | May 20, 2022 | Error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system | Communication | 19,937 | Software update |
| 22V-281 | Apr 27, 2022 | Rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error | Back-over prevention | 12,086 | Software update |
| 22V-131 | Mar 8, 2022 | Shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly | Suspension | 2,153 | Part replacement |
| 22V-073 | Feb 9, 2022 | Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may be improperly stated on the tire and loading label | Equipment | 2,564 | Part replacement |
| 21V-934 | Dec 1, 2021 | Spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened | Structure | 30 | Part replacement |
| 21V-933 | Dec 1, 2021 | Front axle fender liner and brake hose may be too close, allowing the fender liner to contact and damage the brake hose | Brakes | 98 | Part replacement |
| 21V-779 | Oct 6, 2021 | Cable duct may drop out of place due to unlatched engagement hooks inside the battery case | Electrical system | 38 | Part replacement |
| 21V-513 | Jul 7, 2021 | Seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly | Seat belts | 1,514 | Part replacement |
| 21V-411 | Jun 2, 2021 | MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup | Back-over prevention | 33,437 | Software update |
| 21V-410 | Jun 2, 2021 | Wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames | Airbags | 4,078 | Not stated |
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.
45 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
NHTSA complaint 11744838I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
NHTSA complaint 11729522Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
NHTSA complaint 11728470Following Jayco and Entegra instructions, I delivered my coach to Blue Compass RV. It has now been more than SIX MONTHS out of service. Jayco Pre-Authorization has denied the required battery replacement and referred me to the battery manufacturer, even though Entegra bulletins and recall procedures identify and correct the conditions that caused the damage. Completed Recall and TSB Work Approved by Entegra and Jayco · 22-075 (TSB) A/C Electrical Connection Instructions, September 2022. Replaces WAGO connectors. · 22-076 (TSB) Firefly Terminator G4 Tap Connector, September 2022. Corrects communication errors within the lithium battery network. · 23-101 (TSB) Front Spotlight Electrical Update, April 2023, revised September 2023. Mitigates spotlight over current that can affect Firefly. Adds harness, relay, and software. · 23-120 (TSB) Renogy Inverter Settings, November 2023. Updates parameters; requires Battery Type = LF16 and custom set points. · 23-123 (TSB) Alternator Fuse Replacement, December 2023. Replaces 300 A MRBF with 200 A MRBF. Confirms alternator charging 30 to 100 A on Samkoon. · 24-015 (TSB) Renogy Battery Firmware Update, September 2024. Updates BMS to v137.4.5 to address alternator not charging the battery. Includes state-of-charge calibration. · 24V-160 / 2024-141 (Recall) Renogy Lithium Battery Firmware Update, May 2024, revised August 2024. Recall firmware to v137.4.4. Inspection identifies stuck contactors and requires battery replacement when found. Service bulletins 23-120, 23-123, and 24-015 show that the system ran with outdated inverter and alternator settings, an oversized alternator fuse, and battery firmware that interfered with proper charging. These factors accelerate cell imbalance and degradation. Only after Entegra-approved updates were applied did the full extent of battery degradation become evident. Replacing the battery earlier would have risked repeat failure.
NHTSA complaint 11709064Sprinter hood came unlatched and flew up smashing the windshield. Luckily we were able to pull over safely.
NHTSA complaint 11694263While driving in the freeway, the crosswind assist feature over-engaged and skewed the vehicle dangerously while also drastically slowing the vehicle and causing a hazardous near collision with the following vehicle. The system is way too aggressive and cannot be turned off or desensitized.
NHTSA complaint 11693693I had the same issues as identified in a current recall entitled: Model 907 Sprinter. Model Year 2019-2022 Update Instrument Cluster Software. In my case the instrument cluster remained non-functional upon vehicle start-up exactly like the recall with an added problem of the ignition push button would not shut off the vehicle. I was left with a vehicle I could not shut off without an operational instrument cluster. While my model year and model number match this recall, for some reason my VIN number was not included in the recall so the dealer will not upgrade the software and fix this problem. The scope of this recall must be corrected to include my VIN number.
NHTSA complaint 11691714CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Vehicle shifts into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence, could roll over passengers. Component of concern: Electronic "Wiper" stalk shifter is easily shifted into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence. Problem encountered several times in our 2021 Mercedes Sprinter- the stalk shifter is located directly in front of the "START/STOP" ignition button. To start the vehicle, you must: 1) Press and hold the brake 2) Reach under the shifter and press the "START/STOP" button The problem is pressing the brake is also the "safety interlock" for shifting out of PARK. The breakout force on the shifter stalk is VERY LOW, causing it to be inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL during a normal start sequence. This is a safety concern, because often we will start the vehicle, and then exit the drivers seat to load passengers (small children and/or wheelchair users). The vehicle does not give any indication (no physical movement of the shifter) of shifting out of park- other than white letter on mid-dash indicator going from "P" to "N". The vehicle could easily be shifted into NEUTRAL and run over passengers during the loading operations.
NHTSA complaint 11683080unknown
NHTSA complaint 11677868Brakes deployed and distance warning illuminated for a very brief instant at highway speed (70 mph) just when a vehicle traveling faster starts to overtake. Very scary! Luck to not have been hit on the right rear corner.
NHTSA complaint 11671352The ABS front wheel sensor became inoperable after 27K. This disables several onboard systems that assist in vehicle control, including blind spot detection, and collision warning systems. Looking at the sensor - it completely separated at the connector by the wheel hub. The surrounding area showed no signs of unusual trauma or deterioration.
NHTSA complaint 11665427The crosswind assist system is unsafe, it make the vehicle unstable when activated. Since new I took to the dealership many times and it never was fixed. And the line assist system many times do not let me turn right because it not see a broken line painted on the road.
NHTSA complaint 11663819My vehicle is activating “crosswind assist” and applying the brakes automatically, unilaterally, and abruptly while traveling at speeds over 40 mph on the highway, even when conditions are NOT windy. It seems that the sensor is overactive in detecting wind. I have taken it to the Mercedes dealer and they have stated they found no problems with the ESP sensors and state that the vehicle is responding to perceived wind conditions/instability normally and as it should. However, this was NOT like this for the first two years I drove the vehicle. It is DANGEROUS and not normal and the unilateral application of the brakes while I’m going 60 or 70 miles an hour on the highway forces my vehicle out of the lane and into parallel traffic lanes! The unilateral braking is sometimes so severe that my vehicle fishtails and feels like it is going to roll over into an adjacent lane or off the highway. This is going to cause a major accident to me and fellow drivers. Since the problem started six months ago and has steadily worsened, I have been advised to upgrade the suspension and install an “swaybar” and also to change the tires to make the vehicle more stable. I have done both. Neither has helped at all. I don’t know what to do or where to take it. It seems like deactivating the crosswind assist would be helpful in determining if the sensors are too sensitive or defective and whether it drives safely without them. But there is no way to deactivate that system. I have owned my vehicle for three years and for the first 2 1/2 years it drove perfectly, without this issue ever happening. My vehicle has not been in any collision and has had no damage, so I do not know where this came from. It seems like an electrical or sensor issue that has arised and neither a sprinter specialist mechanic nor the Mercedes-Benz dealership with a sprinter technician have been able to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it. This is URGENT and I need help or there will be a catastrophe.
NHTSA complaint 11646502Purchased CPO certified Mercedes-Benz 2021 Sprinter Rv Van that was sold to me by Mercedes-Benz of S. Orlando Florida with illegal window and windshield tint and when I complained they stated it’s buyer’s responsibility to pay for removing once it’s sold. It’s a safety hazard as it was extremely difficult to see at night. Police pulled us over for it, but kindly told us to remove it for our safety. The same answer was stated for the significant rust on the roof as buyer had opportunity to view before purchase…..not typical to climb up the roof for seniors. Seems to be a pattern of sales practices that’s deceptive, passing the cost to buyers, rather than to have it corrected before CPO certification.
NHTSA complaint 11627353We purchased a 2021 mb sprinter Van, modified up fitted as a RV with 15842 miles from MBSO Orlando on June 26th 2024. In Idaho on the freeway we were pulled over for illegal tint and while we were not ticketed after reviewing the purchase agreement. He warned us to be careful driving especially at night as it was could be very hard to see and it was certified. It harder to see for me as I have some degree of stigmatization with my eye sight as I am [XXX] which is to be expected. After arriving back in Seattle area where we live and found significant rust on the roof of the van and given an estimate for $16500 by certified mb body shop, I emailed the service manager about the rust and illegal tint that was not disclosed, he basically dismissed it…..stating that I had opportunity to view it and it’s buyer responsibility once it’s sold. The failed to respond adequately as to why they certified CPO the 2021 Van, which was misleading to consumers. This is a serious breach of trust for we were expecting a van had passed safety and structural inspection thoroughly by a brand name known for quality and integrity. Now I am faced with additional expenses which we are unable to bear. Please help us as we relied on CPO inspections to avoid unnecessary expenses on our limited income and now we are trapped in a situation we did not expect. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] PS. Dark illegal tint and rust on van after a little over 2 months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11624427The side door will not open. Either the cable part of the mechanism gets stretched or the rubber tensioners need adjustment or the plastic cable hub becomes detached to the point where neither the interior passengers or someone outside can let the passengers out. Videos discussing this issue have over 29,000 views and there are numerous posts on forums looking for answers. Regardless of cause, when passengers can not get out, it is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint 11613646The Cross Wind Assist system when it activates, can be so violent it will almost throw the van into another lane. So far, we have been lucky to not overreact to the system and crash. It is VERY SCARY driving - especially wise open spaces like West Texas .
NHTSA complaint 11604972The windshield wipers malfunction. The windshield wipers turn on when using the turn signals and do not turn off when switched off. The manufacturer suggests disconnecting the fuse - safety issue is they are distracting when on continuous. The problem started with wipers operating only when the turn signal was used, now the wipers operate continuously- will not turn off when the vehicle is on.
NHTSA complaint 11604362Smog test failed California smog test due to the OBD 02 sensor (exhaust engine sensor) not being ready. Despite our efforts, including driving over 1000 miles and following Mercedes recommended drive cycle steps repeatedly, the issue persists. So far, we have contacted the Mercedes dealer several times, been told to drive the van around and given the Mercedes drive cycle instructions, but to no avail. Additionally, a customer case has been opened with Mercedes-Benz North America, only to be directed back to the dealership, where the vehicle remains with the unresolved issue.
NHTSA complaint 11594217Tether strap bar for a car seat was only tack welded on and snapped off when I tried attaching the car seat straps.
NHTSA complaint 11581440Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.