Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints

760 consumer complaints on file.

#11471824June 30, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2021 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11470956June 25, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
There is a problem with the engine control parameters which occurs at higher altitudes. The vehicle will not produce adequate power. This is not simply normal power loss related to density altitude. This is a malfuntion where the vehicle does not respond to the throttle, and produces only about 2psi of turbo boost even upon extended application of full throttle. This problem occurs only on sprinter 4x4 models with the OM642 diesel motor. I experienced this problem for the first time yesterday when pulling onto a 2 lane highway at 7,000 feet in the sierra nevada. The vehicle began to move but as I turned uphill to cross the highway it produced no power and I was stuck straddling the center line on a blind curve. Extremely dangerous. Had to turn the vehicle off and restart it and it behaved normally until later in the day, on a steep remote 4x4 road. Unable to climb a small hill due to lack of power. Could not be resolved through any combination of turning off, waiting, warm-up periods, activating/de-activating traction control etc. Had to use winch to climb mild grade. This issue is well known to the Sprinter community and has been repeatedly reported to Mercedes Benz USA with no response or resolution. There are no warnings, messages, store error codes etc associated with this issue. Many descriptions of this behaviour can be found online: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/106595/ https://windinmyface.com/Sprinter-Issues_Breakdowns-WillNotMove_RPMsDropEngineLugs.html https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/103019/#post-1130969 https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/94746/ There are many more. This is a known issue, relating to engine control software, that is very dangerous and the manufacturer has taken no steps to remedy. It is beyond time for regulatory intervention. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11470444June 22, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the air conditioning system failed to function properly. The contact pulled over and looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the alternator belt and serpentine belts were not properly seated and were hanging down loosely. The vehicle continued to operate normally. The contact researched and became aware that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V474000 (Electrical System) however, neither the VIN nor vehicle type was included. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11470105June 20, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468531June 9, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The distronic cruise control system cuts out after a period of seeing no vehicles in front, sometimes an hour, sometimes two hours. But when this happens, it then begins disabling other safety systems like emergency braking. There is no way to quickly reset the system. I spoke with the Mercedes Benz Dealer about this (van is brand new and this happened twice on my first trip) and I was told that this is both common in the 2019 and older Sprinter Vans, and that it is just a idiosyncrasy of the system. How is this safe? How have there not been any changes to this system in 3 years?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468446June 9, 2022
POWER TRAIN
This van is under recall for roll away incidents. The van did roll away and now has $9K worth of damage from hitting a stop sign and a wall. The van has been at MB Stockton Ca for months and months with out a resolution. Mercedes Benz sent us a letter yesterday stating they deny all responsibility and advising us to pick up the van. The recall is not complete. This vehicle is 100% unsafe and now prone to more incidents, we have refused to pick up the vehicle. Mercedes has advised us to appeal the case with them which we have done. They continue to stall the situation.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467313June 3, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Regarding onboard OEM Navigation system (MBUX) - I feel there is a serious safety issue in the factory supplied, vehicle specific GPS Navigation unit. In the Northeast, we have many parkways, low bridges etc. and the built in navigation system will happily route you onto restricted access parkways or right into a low bridge. My stock Sprinter is close to 10ft tall.... When leaving Long Island, NY , even if you research your route and then entrust the navi system guide you - your route is guaranteed to change due to traffic information. I'm not expecting a miracle - but a truck GPS is not rocket science - don't route me into a low bridge or onto a parkway. A simple checkbox "avoid parkways" would be a start. Another good one would be "avoid low bridges" At the very least add an "OK" checkbox stating we all agree the supplied route is for entertainment purposes only and not to be relied on for vehicle navigation. Thank you for all you do for the public! , Mark
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466905June 1, 2022
SEATS
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V181000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466485May 28, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Component that malfunctions: drivers (left) side fixed mirror, It is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle owner's safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the mirror image is distorted due to rattling/vibration: there is a noise produced as well when the vibration begins, distortion ensues immediately thereafter. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a Mercedes Benz Dealer. The vehicle should be inspected by the manufacturer as soon as possible since the unsafe condition should be addressed immediately for the benefit of all owners. There were no lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure and the unsafe situation began immediately after purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466047May 25, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11465861May 24, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EIS controle module failed and Sprinter won't restart. Happened on the freeway when I was driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464883May 16, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The closest authorized service center cannot inspect my vehicle for all three recalls for five months. Since the recall information states that the recall may effect the safety of the vehicle, this seems like an unacceptable time to wait.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462472April 27, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while seated in the swivel chair inside the vehicle, she turned the swivel chair around to watch the television and several unknown warning lights started flashing on and off and the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted and arrived at the residence to service the vehicle. An unknown repair was performed and the vehicle was able to be started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the seat wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that by using electrical tape in the repair, the repair was not properly completed. The contact stated that while researching the failure, she became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention) which she related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462265April 26, 2022
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V131000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462329April 26, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
cross wind assist too sensitive, kicking on randomly causing more mouvement than if it wasn't doing anything. Wind would normally move me sideways about 6" and this thing moves me by 2', slams on the brakes, slows down when trucks are in my ass. The swing it gives when kicking on with side winds lifted 2 wheels in the air and also did a couple tire marks on asphalt from blocking wheels.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461522April 20, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 - 80 MPH, the Crosswind Assist feature malfunctioned and was not able to be deactivated, causing the vehicle to abruptly brake and inadvertently turn the steering wheel. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460698April 14, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Cross wind assist if really dangerous. Very little cross wind and it hit the brakes really hard, the van fish tails and slows down so much people will rear end me. Date is last time it happened but it's been doing this since we got this vehicule. Very well know problem across many Sprinter owners. There's currently no way to disable this feature for the driver. Also have an older sprinter without this feature and it's unnecessary.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460110April 8, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I purchased my van Feb 5, 2021 with 8 miles on it. By April, it was hesitating intermittently at low speeds. It got progressively worse. MB of Athens could not diagnose it in 2 visits in May and June of 2021. By August, the Sprinter service manager at RBM of Atlanta, Charles told me on the phone that he was sure it was the EGR valve and none were available. ETA of a valve was Nov, 2021. The date then moved to Jan, 2022. It is April and there are no EGR valves in the world to be put on my van. The hesitation has progressed to higher speeds. I am going to be killed in this van, my only work van, as I never know when the hesitation will occur. It is dangerous. Mercedes knows they have a problem. I have 2 MB Customer Care complaint files and no results. This problem is a result of their faulty emissions system. I know they are fully aware and do not want to admit their issue and take liability. I bought this van on the MB reputation for quality and service as my job depends on it. I am scared to drive it, but must make a living. I need help. The public should be made aware. I know I am one on many, many with this issue and no resolve. They continue to manufacture new vans in Charleston, SC daily with EGR valves. This is wrong. Please respond. Thank you!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459891April 6, 2022
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
This vehicle has factory installed swivel seats. When we were parked, we swiveled the seats around to use the table and then back prior to driving again. When we tried to move the seat closer to the steering wheel, the electric seats did nothing and upon inspection, realized the fuse had blown for the power seats. We replace the fuse and drove a little ways and swiveled the seat again to test it and this time the seat binded up on something. Upon further inspection, we noted several bare wires caught up in the swivel mechanism underneath the driver side seat. When we tried to start the car again the windshield wipers were going off on their own , the airbag sensors were lit and nothing seem to be working quite right. The vehicle was shut off and again found several wires that were bare and were touching and found additional blown fuses. After investigating online to see if there was an open recall for this vehicle, we found that the 2019 2020 and 2021 sprinter vans had a very similar issue with the wiring under the swivel seat that caused airbag deployment. I have only had this vehicle for five days and it is now at the dealer. The dealer told me it could possibly be a six-month wait if they have to replace the vehicle wiring harness and we were informed by the 800MB number that there were no open recalls for this specific vehicle. I don’t understand how this could not be part of an open recall if it was previously reported in the 2019 2020 and 2021 models with swivel seats, and mine is a 2021.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458133March 24, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and six passengers in the rear seats, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming out of the hood and inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Both the contact and his wife exited the vehicle. The contact stated while he was contacting road side assistance, his wife noticed smoke and flame coming out of the front passenger's side Whewell of the vehicle. All the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire restarted and increased significantly. The contact stated that the fire burned the front end of the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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