Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints

760 consumer complaints on file.

#11442307December 1, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The powertrain controller and the ignition switch module found to have water corrosion, due to moisture dripping from window condensation. This is a well-known and documented engineering/design flaw of 2019 and newer Sprinters, with the newer electronics located where they are highly susceptible to water damage from window condensation. This results in a sudden "kill" leaving passengers suddenly, unexpectedly, and without prior warning stranded, creating a serious safety issue. Possibly becoming stranded suddenly, without warning in an extreme cold or hot outdoor temperature, and in areas without cell phone reception is a serious safety concern. A tow is necessary to an authorized Mercedes Service Center. Our safety has unknowingly been put at risk, had this happened in an area of no cell reception and adverse weather conditions. Though well documented and known by Mercedes (Sprinter Source.com and Service Departments) this issue has not been escalated to a Recall level. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. We have since learned that this issue is not a matter of 'if it happens' but WHEN it will occur. Yet, warranty coverage is not available until until one becomes suddenly stuck and stranded with an inoperative Sprinter. Yes--this should be a Recall! Wilsonville, Oregon Mercedes Service Center says the above condition is well-known, and Mercedes has recommended a fix with a Mercedes plastic bag covering and a relocation of vulnerable electronics. Our corroded electronics were inspected and confirmed by above Wilsonville Service, and our Sprinter is currently awaiting parts for replacement, all under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441463November 23, 2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Active brake assist inoperable and cruise control is not available when this occurs
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440985November 19, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one drive back of me they are not accept that much speed change they are in dangers scarr to drive truck be couse same one get git back of truck and can get kill
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440922November 18, 2021
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the failure occurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440448November 15, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
There is a known issue and recall for wheel speed sensors on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 models. However, this same issue applied to 2500 models also. Along with other RV owners, I have just experienced this problem. I was in city traffic when all the sudden multiple warning lights came on: "ESP, visit workshop", "Brake force distribution, visit workshop", ABS warning light, ESP, warning light, collision prevention malfunction warning light, check engine light with fault code U0416. The presence of all these errors, beeping, red messages sounds extremely scary to any driver. The fact that it says brake force distribution isn't working properly suggests a hazardous condition that could lead to a crash if brakes are not working properly. Since this is being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor, these should all be replaced and the recall expanded to include other models like mine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440452November 15, 2021
ENGINE
My 2016 Sprinter is suffering from a failing EGR valve that's causing intermittent power loss. The issue started after only 25000mi on the odometer. No errors are shown, nothing indicates malfunction. The problem is quite severe and presenting itself through random power loss. When accelerating the car will jerk and lose acceleration force suddenly. Driving uphill is the worst and producing constant jerking. Once moving at a good speed it's less notable but still present. The main safety concern is that the behavior is unpredictable and in situations where it's necessary to accelerate into a road with traffic, this can lead to a hazardous when the car doesn't accelerate as intended. In multiple occasions I was unable to properly speed up and get moving and thus blocking traffic behind me and forcing them to slow down or change lanes. The Mercedes dealer diagnosed a malfunctioning EGR valve on the edge of failing completely which would put the Sprinter in "limp home mode" which has limited power output to prevent further damage. Since this is a known issue and the EGR valves have been failing frequently with various Sprinter models, these should be recalled and replaced! Currently, it's not even possible to get this issue addressed. The EGR valves are back-ordered and not available for 6 MONTHS! That's 6 months of limping through traffic with the potential of the valve failing completely. Unacceptable!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440024November 10, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We purchased this vehicle used from Mercedes-Benz of Stockton, CA in September 2021. Mercedes Benz has been unable to complete the recall after numerous attempts at the dealership and contacting customer care after 3 months. We cannot use the vehicle for our business with an open recall and Mercedes-Benz does not have a fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440080November 10, 2021
WHEELS
This vehicle was sold to us new with the manufacturer's window sticker stating it was equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a Standard Accessory - Safety/Cargo Protection. The provided owner's manual describes the TPMS system and the low tire pressure warning lamp indicator on the dash. It was not until our first flat tire after 2.5 years and 24000 miles, that we learned our vehicle does NOT have TPMS OR a low tire pressure warning lamp. Another motorist flagged us down as it was the inside dually tire that deflated and delaminated. Luckily we learned of the deflated inner tire before the outer tire also had issues because of the extra load placed on it. We have since learned that vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and dual-wheel rear axles are not required to have TPMS. The owner's manual does not state this and does not exclude our model as having this safety equipment. As far as we know, this exclusion is not standard public knowledge. Many heavy duty trucks with dual wheels do have such a system, so why should we question our window sticker? Our issue and safety concern is that we were lead to believe our van did have a TPMS by both our window sticker and our owners manual. Many of these vehicles are being converted to RVs (like ours but has seat belts for 6 passengers) and may be being driven unsafely due to this miscommunication. Owners/drivers of van conversions and RVs need to be fully aware of the lack of this safety feature. The dealership we bought the van from has been unhelpful and has said they have forwarded our complaint to Mercedes USA but we have yet to hear anything from them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439860November 9, 2021
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Here's what I wrote: The 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439669November 8, 2021
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Seems that the DEF system is out. 16 remaining to start the engine. Called dealership, got told the the extended warranty doesn’t cover my vehicle. There’s a recall and the DEF system, but for some reason it doesn’t cover my vehicle. It’s only 125K mi, already replaced the EGR and now I have to deal with a DEF system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437826October 22, 2021
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V513000 (Seat Belts) 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 local dealer and the manufacturer were 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
#11437380October 19, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at 35-40 MPH, he saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated as he veered to the side of the road, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that they were unable to diagnose the vehicle. Then the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437425October 19, 2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
My 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van came equipped with Lane Keeping Assistance and Automatic Braking features that are on by default every time the engine is started. There is no way for an owner or a Mercedes Benz technician to have the safety feature set to remain off until the driver chooses to engage the features. I believe this is a safety hazard, as we experienced 2 incidents on a recent trip. 1. Lane Keeping Assistance took over the vehicle without warning from a slight wind gust, and almost caused us to get in an accident. We were traveling at 60+ mph on an interstate highway, and without warning, the van started to move from side to side and was difficult to gain control of the van. The MB Lane Departure Assistance was automatically braking different wheels of the van at different times to force the van to stay in the lane, but we never went out of the lane in the first place. If there was a car next to us, our 2021 MB van would have caused a severe accident. 2. Automatic Emergency Braking was engaged when the system thought a shadow from a light pole was an object in the road. We were traveling at 20 mph in a town center on a sunny morning, and the braking happened for no reason. We then saw the shadows. We would like Mercedes Benz to allow owners to turn off safety features, and have them remain off by default.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437198October 18, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part 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 notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436959October 15, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The van rolled even though it was in park. the first time it hit multiple cars when it rolled. We took it to Mercedes but they insisted nothing was wrong with the van. Issue happened multiple times and each time Mercedes claimed nothing was wrong. Finally one day it just rolled back and turned over and was destroyed
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436675October 13, 2021
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V663000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed the parts were backordered until May 30, 2022. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435232October 2, 2021
STEERING
I brought my 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van in for a campaign recall for the power steering hoses and clamps. The dealership said they made the repairs as necessary and sent me on my way. A few weeks later the power steering hoses blew while driving and almost caused an accident. I was stuck on the side of the road and lost all steering capabilities. Come to find out the dealership lied and never made the repairs as necessary as far as replacing the faulty clamps. After getting the vehicle towed back to the dealership they replace the clamps with cheap hardware store clamps and I have had problems with my power steering ever Since then. I’ve taken my vehicle back multiple times for them to make the repairs and they replace the power steering pump once with a remanufactured one unfortunately I continue to have power steering issues. This is all due to the faulty hose clamps on the power steering unit for the 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van. If they would’ve replace the hoses with longer hoses and the proper fittings this would’ve all been prevented and could potentially prevent a serious accident while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434749September 28, 2021
STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted Mercedes-Benz of Westminster (10391 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) confirmed the first dealer’s information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434506September 27, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On Sept 6 2021 the engine suddenly stalled/stopped while driving on 194 west of Pullman Wa. A partial restart enabled me to move to a safer location. The Check Engine light came on. I used myOBD scanner to identify engine failure fault codes. Electrical sensor short circuits were identified. Vehicle was transported to a MB dealer in Spokane where a chaffed engine wiring harness was identified as the cause. MB engineers in Stuttgart Germany confirmed this diagnosis. I have now learned that the factory harness installation rubbing against engine components has been an ongoing problem in the Sprinter Van. This defect has contributed to engine failures as acknowledged by several MB technicians. Owners of all affected MB Sprinter Vans should receive notice of this potentially dangerous wiring harness defect. MB USA should be mandated to recall and modify the harness attachment points where abrasion of the harness cover and wiring is occurring. Preventing unexpected engine shutdowns in Highway traffic must be a priority of any vehicle manufacturer. Rear end collisions endanger the safety and lives of vehicle occupants. The defective engine wiring harness installation should be addressed immediately. Please share my report with MB USA. Accident Prevention Saves Lives
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434169September 24, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The NHTSA law requires that the recall be done on a timely manner . Mercedes benz is not doing this . The wheel sensor recall is being not being done in a timely manner by Mercedes benz. They are typically making appointments 1 month to 3 months out to do a recall that takes 40 minutes to accomplish. .They are purposely endangering sprinter RV owners by their untimely repair schedule.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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