Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints

760 consumer complaints on file.

#11531367July 10, 2023
STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2022 Winnebago View built on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V695000 (Structure, Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530098July 3, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front left wheel cover shifted and nearly sheared off the tire valve stem. Had this happened while we were on the road, the tire would have had a very fast deflate/explosion. This would have put the 24ft. RV into an uncontrollable nose-dive and possible crash situation. The nearly-sheared valve stem was discovered by technicians while we were having routine maintenance done at the authorized Mercedes dealership. They removed the tire and replaced the valve stem. We were told by the Service Manager that this usually happens to the rear dual wheels, not the front. We have had zip ties put on to keep the wheel "hubcaps" (beauty rings) on the wheels because they are notorious for flying off. There are no warning lights etc. to indicate any wheel issues. This RV (Sprinter) has been in to authorized Mercedes Sprinter dealership for regular service over the past 4 years and only this time (June 26, 2023) was the problem discovered. The Mercedes Service Dept. in Eugene is the only technicians this RV has been in contact with. They seem to be aware that this "sheering" of valve stems is a reoccurring problem with Sprinters.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530169July 3, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Cruse 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530016July 2, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Our Sprinter 2500 is equipped with Mercedes Benz autonomous cruise (Distronic Cruise). It fails repeatedly for unknown reason, and when it does it also disabled related safety features (collision warning, emergency braking) as well as standard cruise control. The manual suggests checking for bugs, snow, or other obstructions on sensors, but they’ve been clear. Forums note that their vans also cut out, theorizing that it happens because there aren’t any vehicles in front of the van for prolonged periods of time and the software thinks there is an error. They also note that Mercedes had not been helpful. The fact 1) it happens for unknown reasons, and 2) it disables essential safety systems is concerning and unacceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11529306June 28, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I'm getting wheel sensor errors and the vehicle goes into limp mode and disables the cruise control, even after replacing the sensors. Very frustrated with this dangerous situation!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528852June 26, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526686June 12, 2023
AIR BAGS, STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525594June 6, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact purchased the vehicle with open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524851June 1, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (Power Train) 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524951June 1, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The automatic awning fully extended while I was moving at approximately 50 MPH. I was alone in the vehicle. Vehicles in the lane to my right had to change lanes and break to avoid colliding with awning. I contacted Carefree of Colorado, the manufacturer of the awning (model name: Freestyle Evolution). The technicians could not diagnose the problem and suggested that I take it in for service. There was no warning lamps or beeps before or during the spontaneous deployment. I was aware of the problem after hearing a loud noise, flapping and was able to visually confirm that the awning was extended. there is only one switch used to extend and retract the awning and it is out of reach of the drivers seat. Upon inspection, I found the switch in the "in" position, which means that it is retracted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524395May 30, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A fire started in the engine compartment our our vehicle while driving home. I was unable to put out the fire and the entire van burned
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523447May 23, 2023
TIRES
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started shaking and the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact veered off the roadway and noticed that the hub cap had detached from the wheel. The contact stated that he was not aware that the inside tire had deflated. The contact then stated that he removed the hubcap from the road and continued driving to the nearest tire shop where it was diagnosed that rear driver’s side inside tire was deflated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, where the two rear passenger’s side tires were rotated, and the contact retrieved the vehicle however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The contact pulled over to the nearest service station where it was inspected and the contact was informed that the two rear passenger’s side valve stem were entangled in the hub caps and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520784May 6, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear camera has gone out on numerous occasions. When I place the vehicle in reverse, my infotainment displays a black area with a camera with a line through it, indicating the rear camera is not working. I’m not sure if it’s the same issue as issue “21V411” that affected other 19-21 Mercedes Sprinter vans but it seems like it from what was described.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520265May 3, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When parked or stopped at elevation (above 9,000) feet, the throttle doesn’t work. The vehicle just rolls down the hill (if on one) or stays put if on a flat surface. This is dangerous because I could roll into someone, and if alone, I am stranded with a vehicle that doesn’t work. I have contacted Mercedes. The dealership won’t fix it because they won’t drive it to elevation to recreate the problem, and there is no error code. There are multiple other people with this issue online, and the dealer told me they’ve seen the problem multiple times but don’t know how to fix it because no error code pops up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519989May 2, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
None responsive throttle, driving on highway and engine loses power and loses all throttle response causing rapid slowing to traffic behind the vehicle. No warning lamps and CEL’s. Problem occurs at random times with no CEL or warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519224April 27, 2023
ENGINE
The contact 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while driving approximately 65 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECU computer needed to be replaced. On another occasion, while driving approximately 45 MPH, and the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not accelerate as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a whooshing sound coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo, wastegate, and control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519068April 26, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Upon starting the van (brand new, less than 300 mi driven) everything functions normally in P, however as soon as I shift into D, there is no power and the gas pedal is completely unresponsive (Can push pedal to the floor and still 0 RPM). This issue happens randomly, though the common factor that myself and many others have experienced is being at altitude >5000ft (quite common in western US). There are no warning/error indicators and service dashboard looks clean. The only fix appears to be restarting the engine or waiting for it to idle for 5-10min to "warm up" even though this happens in both cold (20F) and warm (70F) weather. This is very dangerous as I will start up the van, and roll out of the driveway/parking lot/etc and then when I go to accelerate the power dies leaving me stranded in the middle of the road with no ability to get the van moving apart from turning it off and restarting it. An odd thing is when this occurs, if I shift back into P (from D) then the engine comes alive again and I can rev >3k RPM while in P, but as soon as I shift back into D the power is gone and I'm back at the 0 RPM issue. This issue seems like some kind of sensor malfunction that occurs randomly at altitude and likely due to Mercedes' lack of testing at altitudes commonly found in the USA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518095April 20, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Cross wind assist kick on for random reason, not able to disable this feature. It slams on the brake dropping my speed by 10MPH with vehicle almost rear ending me. At times it steers the vehicle in such a way that it almost fish tail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517072April 14, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Shadows from an overpass/bridge or large signs over the highway cause sometimes causes the front collision mitigation triangle lights to go off with warning sounds. Occasionally, automatic braking has occurred at highway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516619April 12, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle will lose power at high altitudes. I will push the gas pedal all the way down and the RPMs do not move nor does the vehicle move. This has left me in dangerous situations at intersections. I have spoken with a Mercedes dealer in Denver and they have multiple reports of this problem. The vehicle only has 1800 miles and this has happened multiple times at altitude.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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