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Vehicle Stats/Mercedes BENZ/Sprinter Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Jul 2026Methodology

Mercedes BENZ Sprinter Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β€” 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.

215
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
90
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
26
Crash-Related
crash complaints
12
Fire-Related
fire complaints
10
Injuries Reported
across all years
Poor
Reliability Signal
overall trend

Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Mercedes BENZ Sprinter you plan to buy.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 215 owner complaints and 90 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.

Mercedes BENZ Sprinter β€” key reliability facts
Make
Mercedes BENZ
Model
Sprinter
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
215
Safety recall campaigns
90
Crash-related complaints
26
Fire-related complaints
12
Worst model year (by complaints)
2019 (215 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2024 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Β· Data last refreshed Jul 1, 2026
This Sprinter has 90 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free β†’

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 β€” lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2019 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter215 complaints2018 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter0 complaints2020 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter0 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2024 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter0 complaints2022 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter0 complaints2020 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter0 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β€” lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2019 Mercedes BENZ Sprinter? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year β€” averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free β†’

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP 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

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER has 215 NHTSA complaints and 90 recalls on record. 26 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 215 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 90 federal recall campaigns
  • 26 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • 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
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2018
0
2019
215
2020
0
2022
0
2024
0

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

90 recalls found

Safety 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.

Campaign #21V153000October 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
Campaign #21V152000October 3, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Campaign #21V241000June 4, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Campaign #21V235000May 4, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Campaign #21V055000May 2, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Campaign #21V410000February 6, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign #21V411000February 6, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Campaign #20V802000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Campaign #20V631000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #20V595000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #21V972000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Campaign #21V077000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #21V359000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Campaign #20V663000

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Campaign #22V281000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Campaign #22V360000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Campaign #22V796000

Safety Recall

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
Campaign #23V204000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Campaign #23V875000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Campaign #23V876000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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

Most-reported problem areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 215 NHTSA complaints.

1
POWER TRAIN
45 complaints
2
STEERING
37 complaints
3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
34 complaints
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
32 complaints
5
SERVICE BRAKES
31 complaints
6
ENGINE
21 complaints
7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16 complaints
8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
15 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

215 total

These 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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERFeb 2024

After vehicle was placed in park it rolled by it self and damaged garage door to a property. Also I have a recording of vehicle rolling after placed in park. Vehicle has been at dealer for last 4 weeks and they can not duplicate problem according to them. no warning lamps

STRUCTURE,AIR BAGSMar 2023

The contact is a fleet manager for a business which owns multiple 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the SRS warning light would remain illuminated due to the metal driver side seat frame tearing under the seat and also the driver side seat material becoming worn and open were the airbag is located. In addition the front driver side door would not secure when closed due to a faulty door hinge. The vehicle was take to the local dealer who diagnosed that occupant sensor and driver side door hinge was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that all nineteen vehicles in the fleet had been serviced for the same failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 68,154.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2022

Air blower, defrost, and heat failure in heavy rain creating a dangerous situation while driving 70mph on a two lane highway with oncoming traffic. I could not see and had to pull over. Visibility through the window became low very fast. Two years ago the same issue happened. The dealer updated software which fixed the issue, until now. When my vehicle was in the shop, they had another in as well with the same issue and they couldn't find a solution. The software update did not fix the problem for them. Long forum posts on the internet with many people having the same issue.

STEERINGAug 2020

THE VEHICLE IS A WINNEBAGO REVEL RV BUILD ON A MERCEDES 4X4 SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED FROM THE RADIATOR, DUMPED ALL THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE STEERING. I WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UP A WINDING GRAVEL MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH VERY SHARP CURVES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AS I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES SPRINTER, WELL-KNOWN TO THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 4X4 FACEBOOK GROUP. THE HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE IS TOO SHORT AND THE SPRING CLAMP INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE HOSE ON TO THE RADIATOR FITTING.

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Feb 2020

THE 2019 SPRINTER HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE ("ALKA") A FEW WEEKS AGO I DROVE THE VAN FROM SAN DIEGO TO MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (BISHOP, CA. I DIDN'T FEEL THE CROSSWIND WAS A DANGER BUT I HAD TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO BE PREPARED JUST IN CASE AS I HAD EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE IN THE PAST AND IT CAN NOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED. A BURST OF WIND HIT ME AND IT PUSHED ME ONTO THE RIGHT SOLID WHITE LINE. I HAD A FAIR AMOUNT OF TARMAC OUTSIDE THE LINE TO MY RIGHT SO I WASN'T THAT CONCERNED WITH MY TIRES BEING ON TOP OF THE LINE BUT THE VAN HAD OTHER IDEAS FOR ME. ALKA KICKED IN SUPER HARD AND CORRECTED ME BACK TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME AS THE ALKA HIT A LOT HARDER THAN I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE PULLING ME BACK TOWARDS THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC GOING THE OTHER WAY! I RECALL MY INITIAL REACTION AS THINKING I HAD IMPACTED AN ANIMAL OR SOMETHING IT "HIT" SO HARD. I WENT INTO PANIC MODE AS I THOUGHT ALKA WAS GOING TO PUSH ME INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I INSTINCTIVELY COUNTER STEERED RIGHT TO CORRECT AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE NET RESULT WAS A VIOLENT RIGHT (WIND), LEFT (ALKA), RIGHT (DRIVER) COMBO THAT HAD ME THINKING FOR A SECOND I AS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VAN AND FLIP IT. AN EXPERIENCE MY PILOT FRIENDS WOULD CALL HAVING A PUCKER FACTOR. I MANAGED TO CONTROL IT BUT IF I'M BEING HONEST, JUST BARELY. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK A LITTLE BREAK FROM DRIVING BEFORE MAKING SURE ALKA WAS TOTALLY OFF AND CONTINUING ON. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM THE SPRINTER SOURCE INTERNET FORUM FROM OTHER DRIVERS THAT THEY ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS OF MY EXACT VAN AGREE THAT THIS SYSTEM HAS SERIOUS FLAWS THAT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH AS IT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND OVERREACTING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE.

CrashPOWER TRAINJan 2020

WHEN I WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET I ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN MY 2019 SPRINTER AFTER PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON THAT IS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE LEVER. THIS PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME KNOWING, WITHOUT A BEEP OR ANY SIGNAL THAT IT WAS NOT IN PARK ANY LONGER. I ENDED UP ROLLING THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED. BODY DAMAGE WAS CAUSED ON BOTH VEHICLES, AND SINCE THE INCIDENT I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE LEVER DESIGN WHICH SEEMS TO BE UNIQUE TO MERCEDES WHICH HAS CAUSED DEATHS IN NEW YORK. JAKE FISHER, THE DIRECTOR OF AUTO TESTING AT CONSUMER REPORTS WAS CONNECTED TO THE ACCIDENT AND HAS A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE INEFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF THE DESIGN. HTTPS://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/NEW-YORK/DONOHUE-SUV-GEARSHIFT-DESIGN-EYED-METRO-NORTH-TRAGEDY-ARTICLE-1.2125193

STEERINGDec 2019

CLAMP ON THE POWER STEER HOSE CAME OFF. THE SPRING CLAMP DID NOT HOLD AND THE HOSE IS STRETCHED TOO TIGHT. WE LIVE IN FAIRBANKS, AK AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS -30 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT ANOTHER CLAMP ON, WITH ONLY GETTING MINOR FROSTBITE ON FINGERS. WE WERE LUCKY THIS HAPPENED IN TOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS BEING PROMOTED AS A VEHICLE TO ACCESS MORE REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS COULD LEAVE PEOPLE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY ON THIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA SITES. WE WERE LUCKILY PARKED IN A WALMART PARKING LOT, AND WHEN WE STARTED TO DRIVE OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. AS WE HAD BEEN WARNED OF THIS HAPPENING, WE KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. THERE WAS A POOL OF POWER STEERING FLUID BENEATH THE ENGINE. SHOULDNT THIS BE A RECALL ISSUE?

UNKNOWN OR OTHERNov 2019

LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST OPTION - DANGEROUS AND DEADLY DESIGN IN CROSS WINDS, PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY OTHER TALL VEHICLES, ETCHING OUT OF ROAD TRAFFIC LANE MARKINGS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS, AND ATTEMPTING ANY SWERVING EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION - THE VEHICLE BRAKES SUDDENLY LOCK UP AND THE STEERING BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE, THIS CAUSES ABRUPT RAPID DECELERATION AND LITTLE TO NO STEERING CONTROL. I ALMOST CAUSED A 6 VEHICLE PILE UP ON THE INTERSTATE THE FIRST TIME I DROVE MY NEW 2019 SPRINTER. AS IF THE ABOVE IS NOT HORRIBLE ENOUGH AND COUNTER TO ANY NORMAL DRIVING CORRECTION MANEUVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT EVEN COME ON... INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERFeb 2024

After vehicle was placed in park it rolled by it self and damaged garage door to a property. Also I have a recording of vehicle rolling after placed in park. Vehicle has been at dealer for last 4 weeks and they can not duplicate problem according to them. no warning lamps

STRUCTURE,AIR BAGSMar 2023

The contact is a fleet manager for a business which owns multiple 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the SRS warning light would remain illuminated due to the metal driver side seat frame tearing under the seat and also the driver side seat material becoming worn and open were the airbag is located. In addition the front driver side door would not secure when closed due to a faulty door hinge. The vehicle was take to the local dealer who diagnosed that occupant sensor and driver side door hinge was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that all nineteen vehicles in the fleet had been serviced for the same failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 68,154.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2022

Air blower, defrost, and heat failure in heavy rain creating a dangerous situation while driving 70mph on a two lane highway with oncoming traffic. I could not see and had to pull over. Visibility through the window became low very fast. Two years ago the same issue happened. The dealer updated software which fixed the issue, until now. When my vehicle was in the shop, they had another in as well with the same issue and they couldn't find a solution. The software update did not fix the problem for them. Long forum posts on the internet with many people having the same issue.

STEERINGAug 2020

THE VEHICLE IS A WINNEBAGO REVEL RV BUILD ON A MERCEDES 4X4 SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED FROM THE RADIATOR, DUMPED ALL THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE STEERING. I WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UP A WINDING GRAVEL MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH VERY SHARP CURVES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AS I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES SPRINTER, WELL-KNOWN TO THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 4X4 FACEBOOK GROUP. THE HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE IS TOO SHORT AND THE SPRING CLAMP INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE HOSE ON TO THE RADIATOR FITTING.

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Feb 2020

THE 2019 SPRINTER HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE ("ALKA") A FEW WEEKS AGO I DROVE THE VAN FROM SAN DIEGO TO MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (BISHOP, CA. I DIDN'T FEEL THE CROSSWIND WAS A DANGER BUT I HAD TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO BE PREPARED JUST IN CASE AS I HAD EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE IN THE PAST AND IT CAN NOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED. A BURST OF WIND HIT ME AND IT PUSHED ME ONTO THE RIGHT SOLID WHITE LINE. I HAD A FAIR AMOUNT OF TARMAC OUTSIDE THE LINE TO MY RIGHT SO I WASN'T THAT CONCERNED WITH MY TIRES BEING ON TOP OF THE LINE BUT THE VAN HAD OTHER IDEAS FOR ME. ALKA KICKED IN SUPER HARD AND CORRECTED ME BACK TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME AS THE ALKA HIT A LOT HARDER THAN I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE PULLING ME BACK TOWARDS THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC GOING THE OTHER WAY! I RECALL MY INITIAL REACTION AS THINKING I HAD IMPACTED AN ANIMAL OR SOMETHING IT "HIT" SO HARD. I WENT INTO PANIC MODE AS I THOUGHT ALKA WAS GOING TO PUSH ME INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I INSTINCTIVELY COUNTER STEERED RIGHT TO CORRECT AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE NET RESULT WAS A VIOLENT RIGHT (WIND), LEFT (ALKA), RIGHT (DRIVER) COMBO THAT HAD ME THINKING FOR A SECOND I AS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VAN AND FLIP IT. AN EXPERIENCE MY PILOT FRIENDS WOULD CALL HAVING A PUCKER FACTOR. I MANAGED TO CONTROL IT BUT IF I'M BEING HONEST, JUST BARELY. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK A LITTLE BREAK FROM DRIVING BEFORE MAKING SURE ALKA WAS TOTALLY OFF AND CONTINUING ON. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM THE SPRINTER SOURCE INTERNET FORUM FROM OTHER DRIVERS THAT THEY ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS OF MY EXACT VAN AGREE THAT THIS SYSTEM HAS SERIOUS FLAWS THAT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH AS IT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND OVERREACTING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE.

CrashPOWER TRAINJan 2020

WHEN I WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET I ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN MY 2019 SPRINTER AFTER PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON THAT IS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE LEVER. THIS PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME KNOWING, WITHOUT A BEEP OR ANY SIGNAL THAT IT WAS NOT IN PARK ANY LONGER. I ENDED UP ROLLING THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED. BODY DAMAGE WAS CAUSED ON BOTH VEHICLES, AND SINCE THE INCIDENT I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE LEVER DESIGN WHICH SEEMS TO BE UNIQUE TO MERCEDES WHICH HAS CAUSED DEATHS IN NEW YORK. JAKE FISHER, THE DIRECTOR OF AUTO TESTING AT CONSUMER REPORTS WAS CONNECTED TO THE ACCIDENT AND HAS A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE INEFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF THE DESIGN. HTTPS://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/NEW-YORK/DONOHUE-SUV-GEARSHIFT-DESIGN-EYED-METRO-NORTH-TRAGEDY-ARTICLE-1.2125193

STEERINGDec 2019

CLAMP ON THE POWER STEER HOSE CAME OFF. THE SPRING CLAMP DID NOT HOLD AND THE HOSE IS STRETCHED TOO TIGHT. WE LIVE IN FAIRBANKS, AK AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS -30 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT ANOTHER CLAMP ON, WITH ONLY GETTING MINOR FROSTBITE ON FINGERS. WE WERE LUCKY THIS HAPPENED IN TOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS BEING PROMOTED AS A VEHICLE TO ACCESS MORE REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS COULD LEAVE PEOPLE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY ON THIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA SITES. WE WERE LUCKILY PARKED IN A WALMART PARKING LOT, AND WHEN WE STARTED TO DRIVE OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. AS WE HAD BEEN WARNED OF THIS HAPPENING, WE KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. THERE WAS A POOL OF POWER STEERING FLUID BENEATH THE ENGINE. SHOULDNT THIS BE A RECALL ISSUE?

UNKNOWN OR OTHERNov 2019

LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST OPTION - DANGEROUS AND DEADLY DESIGN IN CROSS WINDS, PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY OTHER TALL VEHICLES, ETCHING OUT OF ROAD TRAFFIC LANE MARKINGS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS, AND ATTEMPTING ANY SWERVING EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION - THE VEHICLE BRAKES SUDDENLY LOCK UP AND THE STEERING BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE, THIS CAUSES ABRUPT RAPID DECELERATION AND LITTLE TO NO STEERING CONTROL. I ALMOST CAUSED A 6 VEHICLE PILE UP ON THE INTERSTATE THE FIRST TIME I DROVE MY NEW 2019 SPRINTER. AS IF THE ABOVE IS NOT HORRIBLE ENOUGH AND COUNTER TO ANY NORMAL DRIVING CORRECTION MANEUVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT EVEN COME ON... INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION.

POWER TRAINJun 2026

While taking off from a traffic light the rear end came apart on the inside of the differential. Has someone been in a dangerous area or remote areas like where I have to work it could have been a serious issue

FireENGINEMar 2026

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 High Roof caught fire suddenly and without warning. The vehicle was in its original condition and had not been modified in any way. The fire escalated quickly and resulted in a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. This incident raises serious safety concerns.

SEAT BELTSSep 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s seat belt message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the seat belt buckle was faulty. The seat belt assembly was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (SEAT BELTS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.

STEERINGJan 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose had detached and had lost power steering fluid. The vehicle was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that there were metal shavings found in the power steering pump. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be flushed and refilled. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the power steering pump. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Showing 20 of 215 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

Understanding this data

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 β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 215 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 90 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. 26 of the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter's 215 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” 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

Check a Mercedes BENZ Sprinter by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mercedes BENZ Sprinter.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Mercedes BENZ Sprinter reliability β€” frequently asked questions

Is the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter reliable?

Poor. The Mercedes BENZ Sprinter has 215 NHTSA owner complaints and 90 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 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 (215 complaints), 2018 (0 complaints), 2020 (0 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: POWER TRAIN (45 complaints); STEERING (37 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34 complaints).

Does the Mercedes BENZ Sprinter have recalls?

Yes β€” 90 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.

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