Complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 peaked in 2022, with 6 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Other, diesel, 4x2, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Apr 16, 2021 to Aug 24, 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-874 | Dec 21, 2023 | Connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control | Structure | 9 | 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-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-359 | May 17, 2021 | Screws for the front door hinges may not have been tightened properly | Structure | 2,016 | Repair or modification |
| 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-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-631 | Oct 14, 2020 | Outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production | Brakes | 463 | Part replacement |
| 20V-595 | Sep 29, 2020 | Fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak | Fuel system | 4,010 | 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.
13 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
This vehicle with 19711 mileage was parked in the driveway. The engine started normally, but a red error message stated, "Service Required Do Not Shift Gears Visit Dealer". I contacted the local dealership and Mercedes Roadside Assistance was not able to reset the software. The driveshaft was disconnected and two tow trucks were needed to pull the vehicle out of the driveway and then tow to the dealership. The technician found "internal electrical fault in ISM causing shifter not to come out of park". The electronic shifting unit was replaced and the vehicle is functioning normally. The switching unit did not have any external damage and there was no evidence of corrosion on the electrical terminal. This vehicle has had all of the recommended service at the dealership. It was previously serviced on Nov. 5, 2025 for recall 2025070011(update controll unit software). There were no transmission error codes. In approximately February 2026, the vehicle had not been started and the battery was dead. I jumped the vehicle to start it and then used a battery charger. No one was injured. Luckily this occured in my driveway. Mercedes assistance was appreciated. However, there was absolutely no indication of a problem prior to this. There is no mechanism to shift into neutral to move the vehicle unless the drive shaft is disconnected. If this were to occur on a busy street, it is possible that many people could have been injured. I am reporting this "near miss" in case there are other similar problems that have been reported. I believe that the unit will be inspected by Mercedes as well.
NHTSA complaint 11759262See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint 11656249We were driving on Rt. 32 north of Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia. Suddenly the dashboard display began flickering on and off, displaying numerous multiple warning errors and alarms, and the windshield wipers began working and would not shut off. Turn signals would not function. Warning messages included instructions not to shift gears, lane keeping assist and automatic braking disabled, "Steering Malfunction", and many other errors. We have a partial video showing part on the incident. Dealer found evidence of corrosion on the Electronic Ignition System module, and sticking ignition on/off switch, which was indicated as the cause of the problem.
NHTSA complaint 11624745Mercedes Benz 3500 XL Sprinter motorhome, 2020 chassis. May 2023 MB did several recalls & software updates which MB USA headquarters said those changes could've affected the Cruise Control & Adaptive Cruise Control because these systems worked excellently until May '23, in my local MB Sprinter service. These systems have not worked more than 2% of the time. MB keeps changing items with no improvement. I told them to test on I-95 or The turnpike, as that's when we use it safely. Service tech said they're not allowed to test it there; we told them that's when it won't work, when we need it. Dozens of trips keep proving MB needs a permanent fix for the safety features we paid & need. I KEEP TRYING TO ADD MY 10 SECOND VIDEO CLIP BELOW BUT YOUR SITE WON'T TAKE IT. IT SHOWS the Cruise Control 3 blinking BLANK cursors on dash monitor where the mph Cruise miles #s setting should display. I showed this to my local MB service who sent video to MB USA HEADQUARTERS. Under my active Warranty they need to CHANGE the WHOLE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. THESE bandaids are exhausting time & resources for all of us. Now their engineers say it could be the seat sensor. I've hamstring pain & need a seat cushion while driving. This EXCUSE is FAULTY like their FAULT CODES, as randomly I don't use my seat cushion & Cruise Control & thus Adaptive Cruise Control won't work. Thank you for your help! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11581506The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the message “Brake Assist Inoperable - See Owner’s Manual” message was displayed. The warning light remained illuminated for several miles before turning off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed that there was a low sensor, approximately 1.5 centimeters, and the sensor was adjusted. The fault code displayed was C174AFB on two diagnostic tests. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact to keep the front of the vehicle clean. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
NHTSA complaint 11528852The above are wouldn't allow me to place a check mark in the appropriate boxes. In the Standard Vehicle Components and ADAS sections, I was unable to check the boxes, but our vehicle contains ALL of the items in the first and second sections. The vehicle was dropped off at Lazy Days, Tampa on October 21, 2022 and so far they have been unable to provide an estimate or advise when we may receive our repaired motorhome. This dealer has a reputation for very poor follow-up. If you provide an email, I can send you the items to be checked. Despite going through two highway barriers at about 40 to 50 mph, the air bag system failed to deploy. The vehicle stopped as we ran into a fence at an angle of ten to fifteen percent. We luckily dodged five opportunities to be killed. My wife jumped out of the vehicle when it stopped and screamed so loud I could not believe it was her. I've been married 28 years and was shocked at her condition. I had to hold her to quiet her. The first hint of a problem was the brakes failed and the cruise control seemed to increase speed, but I'm not absolutely sure of this, but it felt like it. There are two Tiffin reps at Lazy Days, which I wrote about this, twice, and called leaving a message and they have not sought to get in touch with me. The supervisor, [XXX], of the intake service advisor, [XXX] said she would be in touch. I told her there was so much wrong, we understand if it took longer than her usual case. When it was about a month in, I called and discovered he no longer works there. They failed to assign someone to let us know of any progress. I called and left messages for [XXX] (Lazy Days employee) and wrote two emails and he also failed to get in touch, but he assigned [XXX] who called us asking what was wrong with our coach. I was beside myself. [XXX] failed to even read the invoice! I told her to read the invoice and call us back. Ran out of room. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint 11497581The contact owns a 2021 Tiffin Wayfarer built on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V610000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The RV was then towed to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint 11485642The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V360000 (Electrical System, Communication) 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 dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint 11483702This vehicle suspends cruise control and breaking assist without notice. These systems become unavailable sometimes for days. While driving downhill, you suddenly lose speed control requiring excessive manual breaking. The problem is dangerous because you suddenly lose the ability to maintain cruise control. Breaking assist is lost and suddenly appearing people, bicycles or cars are at risk. A call to the manufacture, Mercedes-Benz yielded no help. They said they had never heard of this problem.
NHTSA complaint 11472515The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 - 80 MPH, the Crosswind Assist feature malfunctioned and was not able to be deactivated, causing the vehicle to abruptly brake and inadvertently turn the steering wheel. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.
NHTSA complaint 11461522The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the front and rear end tracks where the front driver’s and passenger's seats were mounted would cut his leg while entering or exiting the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the original dealer, Renegade RV (52216 IN-15, Bristol, IN 46507) where the RV was purchased. Renegade RV was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 800.
NHTSA complaint 11446394The contact owns a 2022 Midwest Automotive Passage MD4 RV built on the chassis of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control and Forward Collision Avoidance would not activate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the recalls but informed the contact that appointments were not available until March 2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125.
NHTSA complaint 114422792020 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECTIVE BACKUP CAMERA AND LANE WATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK UP CAMERA/LANE WATCH WAS UNABLE TO BE SEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, THE UPPER DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE KITCHEN FAUCET LEAKED. THE TV NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MIRRORS WERE INSUFFICIENT IN ALLOWING THE CONSUMER TO VIEW WHAT IS BEING TOWED. THE CAMERA/RADIO WOULD NOT TURN OFF, BUT THIS WAS REPAIRED. *JS
NHTSA complaint 11407676Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.