Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints (2020)

103 consumer complaints on file.

#11554202November 8, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Mercedes has a design and installation flaw for the EIS Connector. Its location under the wheel by the metal wall allows for condensation to directly be absorbed into the connector causing corrosion. Once corrosion happens, the van becomes inoperable as the driver cannot shift gears and the van must be towed to the nearest Mercedes dealership. This happens often to vans built after 2019 due to a change in design. Corrosion will happen over time after a change in temperature with condensation build up on the windshield. Mercedes has a solution for this, a boot cover over the EIS, however, it is not widely shared over a safety recall causing Sprinter owners to have an inoperable vehicle when such corrosion happens. This issue can be prevented with a safety recall by installing the cover allowing for a safe and reliable vehicle for civilians on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552875October 31, 2023
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the crosswind assist activated, applying the brake, and briefly taking control of the steering, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality however, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551140October 21, 2023
SEAT BELTS
Drivers seat belt buckle steel cables that secure it broken, one completely in half. SRS light activates intermittently. I am 160lb male and have in no way contributed to this failure. This vehicle has under 12,000 miles on it and has barely used. This is clearly a safety violation
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549736October 13, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield wipers are malfunctioning. They randomly turn on after using the blinkers. I cannot get them to turn off unless I turn off the vehicle. I'm afraid they will begin to fail completely and eventually not turn on. This will be a safety issue when it rains. I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership and they were able to reproduce the problem. They said the windshield wiper module in the steering wheel needs to be replaced. It is available for inspection upon request. There were no warnings, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. They first appeared 9/18/2023. I also called several third-party Mercedes mechanics and they said this is a common problem with Mercedes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549365October 11, 2023
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After starting engine and putting transmission into drive, vehicle does not respond to throttle and will not move forward. If I put the transmission into neutral or park, the engine will respond to throttle input. Vehicle may respond to throttle when in reverse. This is an intermittent problem that seems to occur at higher altitudes than our home base of near sea level. The issue has occurred at 4,000 to 12,000 feet elevations. Sometimes the check engine light has come on during these events, but the check engine light clears by the time returning home. When taking the vehicle to Mercedes Van Service to have it checked, no diagnostics data can be found and they cannot reproduce the issue. This issue has occurred numerous times has has been to the Mercedes Van Service Center 4 or 5 times already for the issue. The last event occurred on 10/10/2023. The vehicle eventually behaves normally after several start attempts but makes it very difficult and potentially hazardous when attempting to leave remote campsites. When issue occurs, you don’t know when it will decide to behave normally or if you’ll need to call for emergency assistance via our Garmin satellite handheld unit because of being in a no cellphone service area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539986August 22, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
on 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537530August 9, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster lost functionality and the screen went blank. The contact stated no warning was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced cold start failures. The contact stated that occasionally several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the instrument cluster failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V204000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537028August 7, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The adaptive cruise control, auto emergency breaking and collision warning stopped working on the vehicle on a clear day as I was entering the freeway for a long drive. It said sensors were dirty. I stopped, shut off vehicle, cleaned all sensor locations, and restarted vehicle. Sensors worked for 5min and then stopped again and have yet to start functioning after 4 days and extensive driving. It appears that this is a common issue for other 2019+ Sprinter owners. This definitely reduces the safety of the vehicle for the driver, passengers and other vehicles. Shut-off without warning, reduces speed unexpectedly in traffic is a risk. The distractions of looking down for solutions to see what's going on and trying to reset system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532181July 13, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving at speed (70-75 mph) in the HOV lane of the I-5 Freeway south of Los Angeles, a warning signal would occasionally light up and sound when the van passed under HOV signage indicating HOV exits. Then, with a completely clear lane ahead – no vehicles, no obstacles – the van's braking system activated just before the van reached one of these overhead signs. The brakes fully locked, the van skidded briefly before the brakes released. The driver of the car following behind slammed on his/her brakes to avoid rear-ending the van. A very dangerous situation and major accident was only avoided because the traffic was relatively light in that particular section of the freeway at that time of day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11531538July 11, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
crosswind assist randomly kicking in, acting in a dangerous manner. Vehicle swirl, almost fish tailing. Other times it randomly slams on the brakes, slows down by 10mph, almost got rear ended.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#11510013March 3, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause of the failure was found. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498930December 27, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On many occasions the Sprinter vans on the new models have what's called crosswind assist.. Not exactly sure what it's doing I believe it's engaging the brakes to try to stabilize the van when wins hit it from the side. On at least 10 occasions in the last year and a half 2 years when sidewinds or headwinds hit the vehicle or when passing a semi it activates and it's almost thrown me off the road. This is a serious safety concern this is my second van that has the same issue right in the row. At bare minimum this option should be able to be disabled by the driver in certain conditions cuz it is extremely unsafe
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498070December 19, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
On 10-27-22 the van was parked in my home driveway where it had been parked overnight. The engine was running for approximately 10 minutes while loading things into the vehicle. The vehicle was in park and the hand parking brake was not engaged. Prior to leaving I noticed the dash icon showing the rear door was not fully shut and went back to close it. Once I closed the rear door it then appeared that the transmission shifted itself into neutral and the van rolled back into the garage while I was standing outside of it. I have home surveillance camera footage showing the incident as it happened. I have tried to convey this information to Mercedes Benz but interactions with them have been less than helpful.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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