Mercedes BENZ Sprinter Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercedes BENZ Sprinter options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 1,276 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mercedes BENZ
- Model
- Sprinter
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,276
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 73
- Fire-related complaints
- 29
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (284 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (25 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mercedes BENZ Sprinter: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER has 1,276 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. 73 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,276 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 10 federal recall campaigns
- 73 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
10 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,276 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,276 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The Distronic Cruise Control stops working and then will start working again several times on long trips. After research it appears if the radar doesn't detect anything in front of your vehicle for an hour it thinks it is inoperable and and shuts the Distronic Cruise Control off and it cannot be reengaged. If it detect a vehicles in front of you for four minutes or more it will reset the radar and your Distronic Cruise Control can be turned on again. This is dangerous as it requires you to follow closely behind another vehicle for at least four minutes to reset. Out west where I live there are a lot of road stretches' where you will have little to no traffic for over an hour. Mercedes needs to change this software bug and provide another method for it's radar check warning.
Vehicle is unable to move apparently because of a design flaw that allows water to travel down cables into the EIS as described here [XXX] and here [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On long trips (when you need cruise control the most) the adaptive cruise control will (seemingly at random) stop working with a warning about the active distance assist and active brake assist. It has happened in all situations from heavy traffic to long distances of no other cars on the road. It stays non-functional for anywhere from a few minutes to several days. It has happened many times. The dealers are clueless. Saying nonsense like "I'm not aware of this problem." even though the Internet is filled with reports of the exact issue.
Fuel pump recall July 5. No resolution. Vehicle deemed unsafe per recall. Please advise. Have contacted Mercedes Benz and also local dealer. No resolution at this time. What are the next steps?
This recall has been outstanding since July. It is now 2 months later and there is no remedy or repair noted for this safety concern. What are the next steps for resolution of this situation?
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brakes and brakes rotors were serviced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the brakes and brakes rotors were serviced for a second time. The contact stated the brake caliper had exposed out of the vehicle and the brakes were dragging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,880.
Read 14 more owner reports
2021 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
On UPWARD slope in 4WD on icy intersection ,proceeding less than 5 mph, emergency braking as a car dead stopped at intersection on green light, hit brakes hard and brake pedal and gas pedal both engaged,, van kept moving forward,, pumped once same effect, ran in to rear of stopped car at 2-3 mph.. I was wearing work boots and gas pedal and brake pedal both at same elevation. brake pedal to close to the gas pedal.. Vehicle is a 4 wd 2500 series van. I have used van for 5,000 miles so I am used to the vehicles characteristics. Practiced a recreation a few times with same result, brake and gas pedal both get depressed upon panic hit with foot.
I was driving on rural roads about 20 mph slowing for a stop light and the back of my vehicle began bucking and making very loud banging noises. I looked under the vehicle and found both welds to the rear differential were sheared off and the axle was only held on by the rear suspension. If I was on the highway I could have been killed.
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.
I 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.
Got 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!
Following 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.
Sprinter hood came unlatched and flew up smashing the windshield. Luckily we were able to pull over safely.
While 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.
I 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.
CRITICAL 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.
unknown
Brakes 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.
The 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.
Showing 20 of 1,276 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mercedes BENZ Sprinter
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercedes BENZ Sprinter, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 1,276 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 10 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 73 of the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter's 1,276 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercedes BENZ Sprinter vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercedes BENZ Sprinter vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
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Mercedes BENZ Sprinter reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter reliable?
Poor. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 1,276 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercedes BENZ Sprinter years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (284 complaints), 2020 (267 complaints), 2022 (252 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mercedes BENZ Sprinter problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (241 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (206 complaints); POWER TRAIN (202 complaints).
Does the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter have recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.