Van, diesel, 4x2, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Feb 15, 2019 to Jul 8, 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-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-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 |
| 21V-972 | Dec 15, 2021 | Software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the… | Electrical system | 48,400 | Software update |
| 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 |
| 21V-241 | Apr 6, 2021 | Hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak | Steering | 4,444 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-235 | Apr 5, 2021 | Multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions | Electrical system | 1,285 | Software update |
| 21V-153 | Mar 10, 2021 | Auxiliary lock on the sliding door may be the incorrect type for an electric sliding door | Latches and locks | 56 | Not stated |
| 21V-152 | Mar 10, 2021 | Retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach | Brakes | 56,534 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-077 | Feb 17, 2021 | Rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event | Back-over prevention | 198 | Software update |
| 21V-055 | Feb 5, 2021 | Software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the… | Electrical system | 84,345 | Software update |
| 20V-802 | Dec 21, 2020 | Rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing… | Brakes | 9,094 | Part replacement |
| 20V-756 | Dec 8, 2020 | These vehicles may have been delivered with a version of the printed and digital operator's manual that may be inaccurate and/or incomplete | Equipment | 9 | Software update |
| 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 |
| 20V-595 | Sep 29, 2020 | Fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak | Fuel system | 4,010 | Part replacement |
| 20V-180 | Mar 26, 2020 | Operator's Manual may not contain the correct information about how the automatic parking function ("Auto-P") operates | Equipment | 52,127 | Not stated |
| 20V-181 | Mar 25, 2020 | Rear part of the fender liner on the front axle may contact and chafe the brake hose, possibly resulting in a loss of brake fluid | Brakes | 48,791 | Part replacement |
| 20V-157 | Mar 18, 2020 | Tires may not have been correctly installed, possibly resulting in reduced traction in wet or snowy conditions | Tires | 65 | Part replacement |
| 20V-156 | Mar 18, 2020 | Spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire | Equipment | 332 | Label or owner notice |
| 20V-155 | Mar 18, 2020 | Spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph) | Equipment | 289 | Part replacement |
| 20V-110 | Feb 25, 2020 | Steering column casing cover may have not been installed, allowing the steering column area to be exposed | Steering | 25 | Part replacement |
| 20V-109 | Feb 25, 2020 | Screws that secure the intermediate bearing of the steering spindle may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the screws to loosen… | Steering | 8,595 | Part replacement |
| 20V-079 | Feb 12, 2020 | Flange connection between the exhaust gas turbocharger and the exit to the diesel particulate filter may not be attached properly, potentially… | Engine and cooling | 4,385 | Part replacement |
| 20V-078 | Feb 12, 2020 | Connecting screws on the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe may not have been correctly tightened | Engine and cooling | 4,424 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-908 | Dec 19, 2019 | Lashing rails on the side walls may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in the lashing rails detaching | Equipment | 183 | Not stated |
| 19V-798 | Nov 7, 2019 | Bayonet lock between the fuel pump and the fuel tank may not have been closed and locked during manufacturing | Fuel system | 4,987 | Inspection |
| 19V-800 | Nov 6, 2019 | Seam on the height adjuster for the front seats may have been insufficiently welded | Seats | 3 | Part replacement |
| 19V-716 | Oct 8, 2019 | In the affected vehicles, the abutting wedge, a component attached to the door jamb to make opening the door easier after a severe frontal impact,… | Structure | 153 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-695 | Oct 2, 2019 | Airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production | Airbags | 1,232 | Inspection |
| 19V-693 | Oct 2, 2019 | Vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible… | Other or unknown | 19 | Inspection |
| 19V-665 | Sep 18, 2019 | Screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened | Latches and locks | 5,626 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-591 | Aug 12, 2019 | If the manual turn-switch that activates the vehicle lights is turned quickly from one lighting position to another, the brightness of the… | Lighting | 8,243 | Software update |
| 19V-507 | Jul 2, 2019 | Rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass | Visibility and wipers | 1,079 | Part replacement |
| 19V-309 | Apr 18, 2019 | Software error in the control unit may prevent the driver from being able to switch off the high beams when intended | Lighting | 1,517 | Software update |
| 19V-284 | Apr 9, 2019 | Sensor for the headlamp range adjustment may not have been mounted or calibrated, possibly causing unexpected changes in the headlamp lighting angle | Lighting | 590 | Inspection |
| 19V-222 | Mar 20, 2019 | Affected vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in… | Other or unknown | 7 | Inspection |
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.
27 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.
NHTSA complaint 11749207Hello, I recently took the vehicle to the official Mercedes Benz dealership for recalls and they have completed all of them , Also have proof of correction document I can send it over, please update the system Thanks
NHTSA complaint 11690596The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under recall, and the contact was informed that the knock sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA complaint 11675885The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.
NHTSA complaint 11586577At high elevations, at some times soon after a cold start the throttle becomes completely unresponsive. This is not a low power issue due to altitude--even putting the throttle pedal to the floor, the RPMs remain at idle and do not move at all. After I power down and restart, it worked briefly and then again became unresponsive. Once the engine is warm, the problem has not appeared. This put me in an unsafe situation on two occasions: 1) Pulling out of a parking lot onto a 2 lane snow covered highway, the throttle became completely unresponsive while I was sitting across both lanes of traffic, leaving me exposed to a collision. I had to shut off and restart the engine to get moving. Elevation 10,700 feet. 2) In a parking lot, moving to get out of the way of a snowplow. I had to restart the vehicle 5 times before I was able to get out of the snowplow's way. Elevation 9,700.
NHTSA complaint 11572799Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
NHTSA complaint 11566221The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.
NHTSA complaint 11536565After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.
NHTSA complaint 11480168EIS controle module failed and Sprinter won't restart. Happened on the freeway when I was driving
NHTSA complaint 11465861The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and six passengers in the rear seats, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming out of the hood and inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Both the contact and his wife exited the vehicle. The contact stated while he was contacting road side assistance, his wife noticed smoke and flame coming out of the front passenger's side Whewell of the vehicle. All the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire restarted and increased significantly. The contact stated that the fire burned the front end of the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint 11458133The powertrain controller and the ignition switch module found to have water corrosion, due to moisture dripping from window condensation. This is a well-known and documented engineering/design flaw of 2019 and newer Sprinters, with the newer electronics located where they are highly susceptible to water damage from window condensation. This results in a sudden "kill" leaving passengers suddenly, unexpectedly, and without prior warning stranded, creating a serious safety issue. Possibly becoming stranded suddenly, without warning in an extreme cold or hot outdoor temperature, and in areas without cell phone reception is a serious safety concern. A tow is necessary to an authorized Mercedes Service Center. Our safety has unknowingly been put at risk, had this happened in an area of no cell reception and adverse weather conditions. Though well documented and known by Mercedes (Sprinter Source.com and Service Departments) this issue has not been escalated to a Recall level. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. We have since learned that this issue is not a matter of 'if it happens' but WHEN it will occur. Yet, warranty coverage is not available until until one becomes suddenly stuck and stranded with an inoperative Sprinter. Yes--this should be a Recall! Wilsonville, Oregon Mercedes Service Center says the above condition is well-known, and Mercedes has recommended a fix with a Mercedes plastic bag covering and a relocation of vulnerable electronics. Our corroded electronics were inspected and confirmed by above Wilsonville Service, and our Sprinter is currently awaiting parts for replacement, all under warranty.
NHTSA complaint 11442307The van rolled even though it was in park. the first time it hit multiple cars when it rolled. We took it to Mercedes but they insisted nothing was wrong with the van. Issue happened multiple times and each time Mercedes claimed nothing was wrong. Finally one day it just rolled back and turned over and was destroyed
NHTSA complaint 11436959Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module 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 11434117It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
NHTSA complaint 11428219Driver reported that vehicle started rolling while the vehicle was in Park. The parking brake was engaged. Driver was able to stop the vehicle by physically keeping their foot on the brake. Vehicle sent to dealer. Dealer confirmed issue and repaired. Repair details and video of issue available. Other related issues have been identified on other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint 11428216The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint 11427430The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was inspecting under the hood of the vehicle. The grommets under the hood detached and the hood fell and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained bruising on the right arm which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,400.
NHTSA complaint 11420107The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number 21V055000 (Electrical System) and 21V152000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint 11418351THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP CAN NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON TEH "ECALL" OR THE "BRAKE PEDAL BOLT" BOTH WHICH ARE LIFE THREATENING THEY DEALERSHIP ADVICED ME ON CONTACTING YOU?
NHTSA complaint 11416307WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING, STATIONARY AND ON A LEVEL PAD AND ALL DOORS HAD BEEN ELECTRONICALLY LOCKED, THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR OPENED WITHOUT ANY ACTION BY ME.
NHTSA complaint 11402791Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.