Complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 peaked in 2021, with 4 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 Feb 1, 2021 to May 19, 2025.
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 |
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.
9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
I was driving and the vehicle began to smoke through the air conditioning vent and within 30 seconds flames of fire entered the vehicle and the vehicle was completely burned. I never received any recall regarding that malfunction and never saw any signal that this would happen. I almost caught in fire due to the imminent flames. That's was my vehicle for work and I lost everything, materials, tools, merchandise and everything. I am struggling financially due to this situation. I tried to open the side door to take my belongings but it was locked. There's were not any previous symbols or indicators of the malfunction.
NHTSA complaint 11661916At high altitudes (it's happened over 5000ft and not under that) while in 4x4 mode, the car occasionally just simply does not respond to throttle input while in drive. This is usually from a start while shifting from park or reverse into drive, but there is zero power which has now been dangerous a few times for us while on inclines or near traffic. It eventually goes away after shifting back and forth to park/reverse/neutral and trying to rev the engine. But it's inconsitent, infrequent and not particularly easy to reproduce.
NHTSA complaint 11634134The active distance assist inoperative appears when using the cruise control. This comes on when no traffic in front of the vehicle for 1 hour or less. Also Active Brake Assist functions limited - see operators Manual To reset: follow another vehicle for 5 minutes. This is Very Very Very frustrating and UNSAFE. This function should not automatically shut off. I paid a lot of money to try and figure out the problem. This is VERY UNSAFE for this feature of instantly shut off for no reason and is dangerous. Please fix this with a software update and allow me to download it at my dealer for no charge. Not happy as I use my cruise control on long trips in the USA.
NHTSA complaint 11624407Cruse control will sometimes disengage and display these error messages: "Active Distance Assist Inoperative" "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" Cruse control kicks out and the power cuts off abruptly. After some variable time the cruise control function will work again. This is an intermittent problem that occurs without warning. When cruise control set to 65-70 mph, the deceleration is very pronounced, as if brakes are applied. This can be very starling to the driver, passengers, and any vehicles tailing behind. I reported this to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, and they stated a released software update addressed this problem. However, after the dealer servicing, it still happens several times a day when traveling in our RV.
NHTSA complaint 11530169Awning operation and lights are controlled by switchs in vehicle and/or app. Intermittently switchs will not work. Awing sometimes stutters when deployed. So far we have been able to fully retract. We have not taken to dealer since the symptoms are very sporadic.
NHTSA complaint 11486867The 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. Please help? Thank you You can also refer to this thread from other Sprinter owners with the same issue: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/83054/
NHTSA complaint 11432261The Lane Assist and Crosswind Assist do not work properly. When a gust of wind hits you or when you're passing a semi, the van immediately forces your vehicle off the road or into the other lane where there is another vehicle or a concrete barrier. It's very difficult to hold onto the steering wheel and try to maneuver the vehicle to stay in your lane. The only way to turn off these features are to turn off them off every time you start your vehicle. Mercedes Benz has told me there is no way to turn it off completely and they have had numerous complaints of unsafe vehicle responses from the assist features.
NHTSA complaint 11421986ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLISION AT RIGHT FRONT.
NHTSA complaint 11404894TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE WHEELS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, AND WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST COMPLETELY FAILED. IT TOOK EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. MERCEDES-BENZ IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR ON THE 15-MONTH OLD VAN THAT HAS 43000 MILES ON IT. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FAILED ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.
NHTSA complaint 11390987Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.