Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints

760 consumer complaints on file.

#11747881July 2, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to shift to neutral and restart the vehicle. The failure reoccurred at approximately 40,000. The failure became more frequent and was recurring every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an inoperable air charger for the turbo charger. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to another dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead (9260 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) to be diagnosed and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened to discuss a buy-back offer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746883June 27, 2026
SEAT BELTS
My vehicle was inspected and it was found that the seatbelt B-pillar anchor bolt was stripped at the factory. This problem seems widespread online.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746789June 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Almost immediately after I got my Van the Aux Balmar Alternator installed by THOR had to be replaced and was not functional. I tried to get it repaired by two warranty repair centers in Colorado and neither one could repair the Alternator or get it to charge the lithium battery that was also new. Thor told me that they would have specialist look at it when I brought it into Blue Compass of Wheatridge and they told me they had fixed the issue but it still will not charge battery even after 17 hours of driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745840June 23, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Active distance assist inoperable, active brake assist functions limited, adaptive cruise control not working, lane keeping assist glitching. I was driving the vehicle home after purchase and the lane keeping assist was glitching, it was actively pulling the wheel to the left, like I was over the fog line (I wasn’t) and it was hard braking, Making driving very unsafe. I slowed down and got off at the next exit at a gas station to figure out what was happening. I put the vehicle in park and consulted the manual. I tried to turn off and back on all the systems, through the menu, noting worked. I shut the vehicle off and cleaned the areas around the sensors and the windshield, like the manual suggests. I went in to start the vehicle, and the message “service required do not shift gears” came on the dash. It was stuck in Park. I tried to get a tow truck, but had to wait 4 days, in a gas station parking lot before a tow company with a big enough truck, and skids, (because it was stuck in park) could come on Wednesday May 27. I got it towed to a repair shop. It shows the Code P179A77 direct select redundancy malfunction, they couldn’t fix it. It needs Xentry level diagnostics. The intelligent Servo Module, or direct select module failed/won’t shift from park. There is a recall that wasn’t fixed, I got a carfax from the dealer saying that there were NO active recalls. The recall is to update an all service modules. Yes it’s available for inspection, but it’s stuck in Park at the repair shop that can’t fix it in Riverton Wyoming. I called Mercedes Benz, and tried to get help because the active recall should fix these problems. They would not help. They will not sell me the part and code it to the vehicle because it’s part of their theft deterrent system. This has cost me thousands in flights, hotels, and countless hours trying to figure it out. The nearest Mercedes Benz dealership is 270 miles away, and towing will break me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744838June 17, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744858June 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Second alternator has gone bad twice. Went to Van conversions in Utah and had system completely replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744228June 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744347June 15, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has swivel seats. When the driver’s seat swivel, it’s severed the wires, the control the SRS system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737931May 14, 2026
ENGINE
Sudden complete engine failures occurred in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van during highway operation while transporting freight, creating a serious safety hazard due to immediate and total loss of engine power in active traffic conditions. The first engine failure occurred at approximately 303,000 miles. The second failure occurred at approximately 140,000 miles after engine replacement. In both cases, there were no prior warning signs, diagnostic alerts, abnormal noises, or performance issues before sudden and catastrophic engine shutdown. Both incidents occurred while I was operating the vehicle at highway speeds during commercial freight delivery. The engine failed without warning, resulting in immediate loss of propulsion while in traffic. On both occasions, I was forced to rapidly maneuver the disabled vehicle to the shoulder under reduced control and arrange emergency towing to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway and prevent a potential collision or injury. These failures created a significant highway safety risk due to the abrupt loss of power while merging, traveling in traffic flow, and operating at speed. A sudden engine shutdown in these conditions could result in a rear-end collision, loss of control, or multi-vehicle accident, particularly in high-speed or heavy traffic environments. The repeated nature of catastrophic engine failure following engine replacement raises concern about a potential underlying defect in the engine system, components, or related assemblies, or possible unresolved mechanical or installation-related issues. The recurrence of identical failure conditions under similar operating circumstances increases concern that this may not be an isolated incident. Vehicle Information: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter used for commercial freight delivery First engine failure: ~303,000 miles Second engine failure: ~140,000 miles (replacement engine) Failure type: Sudden, complete engine shutdown with no warning at highway speed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737044May 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger side grab handle physically separated from the body of the vehicle. Inspection confirmed the separation was caused by the failure of the factory welds securing the handle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734794April 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Subject: Transmission Failure Safety Complaint I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious transmission problem with my vehicle. While driving, the transmission suddenly failed, and the vehicle lost the ability to move properly. The car would not accelerate as expected and had difficulty. In some instances, the vehicle would not move forward or reverse. Warning indicators appeared, and the transmission Fault Stop began showing abnormal behavior such as delayed shifting, jerking, slipping, or sudden loss of power. This created a dangerous safety risk, especially while driving in traffic and at intersections. The vehicle has been maintained regularly, and this issue occurred unexpectedly. I believe this transmission defect may affect other vehicles of the same make and model and should be investigated for consumer safety. The dealership attributed the issue to wrong fuel, but I am concerned the actual issue involves transmission failure. I have a fuel purchase receipt showing the correct fuel was purchased before the incident. Despite this, the dealership suggested wrong fuel as the cause. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and appropriate action be taken. Vehicle Information: Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van 2500 Year: 2025 Mileage: 71599 VIN [XXX] Date of Incident:03/24/2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734858April 30, 2026
SEAT BELTS
I removed the drive side seat belt bolt in order to remove the pillar it is mounted to and found the bolt extremely hard to turn and ultimately somewhat stripped upon removal. The bolt remains defiant in re-installation procedure. The passenger side was removed without stripping but did attempt to cross-thread itself upon re-installation which was remedied by simple hand threading. Safety put at risk in that these seat belt bolts and their installation process may not restrain passengers in an accident. Not confirmed by dealer or service center - pictures should be self evident. The component hasn't been inspected by any party - I'm just going to buy a new bolt and re-tap the hole it was installed in. No warning lights for this isssue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733239April 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 experienced unusually rapid brake, tire, and battery wear at low mileage. Front brakes required replacement at approximately 29,000 miles. Rear brakes were already worn low by approximately 37,000 miles. Rear tires required replacement by approximately 37,000 miles. Vehicle battery also failed and required replacement before approximately 37,000 miles. Vehicle had earlier emissions/sensor related repairs as well. This creates safety concerns because premature brake wear can reduce stopping ability and increase stopping distance. Premature tire wear can reduce traction, especially in rain, and increase risk of tire failure or blowout. Unexpected battery failure can disable the vehicle without warning in traffic or roadside conditions. Vehicle is used in normal commercial delivery service and is generally not heavily loaded. I have owned and operated multiple prior Sprinter vans over many years, and previous model years achieved substantially longer brake, tire, and battery life under similar or heavier use. A newer comparable fleet vehicle with similar mileage has not required these repairs. The issue appears abnormal compared with prior ownership experience and may indicate brake system drag, an alignment issue, defective components, battery charging issue, or another unresolved defect. Vehicle has been serviced by dealer and components were replaced, but premature wear remains the concern. In addition, rear brake wear occurring this early suggests possible imbalance or excessive brake application that should be investigated. Rapid tire wear combined with brake wear may indicate alignment or braking system issues affecting vehicle control and safety. I am submitting this complaint so the condition can be reviewed for potential defect trends affecting other similar vehicles. Defective parts may be available from prior repairs depending on service center retention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733355April 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
There was an SRS Error message. The SRS system is non-functional on a vehicle with 400 miles. The dealership has attempted to fix the problem by replacing the fuse and control unit, but it appears to be a coding - programming issue. An engineering case has been opened for 2 weeks, but they have given me no notice of what or when the next step takes place.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729522April 6, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728470April 1, 2026
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728494April 1, 2026
TIRES
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 215/85/R16, DOT Number: 1H23PLDV9. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with his wife and dog inside the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact slowed down and parked the RV at a local gas station. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was examining it. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726807March 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In August 2025, I had taken the van for a drive to charge things up, got home, put it in park and parked it in my driveway, which has a mild slope. ~ 30 seconds - 1 minute after me leaving the vehicle, it rolled backward out of the driveway, across a busy street and 1/4 into my neighbors yard. I was mortified, there is usually a lot of people walking their dogs, kids etc...and cars going by. The vehicle was stopped by the curb vs the 2nd back tire (Thie first one cleared the curb and was in my neighbors lawn. It ALMOST hit a BIG tree. I pulled it back into the driveway & checked it again, worried I may have somehow not put it in park, but it did it over and over again. Shortly after I put it in park and turned it off it "released" and started rolling spontaneously. I could have run over my neighbors; people, babies...pets, me... I piled logs and big rocks behind all 4 tires (put it park with the parking brake on of course,) & called the Mercedes dealer & made an appointment. I did not drive it again until it was "repaired," except for the fact that nothing showed up on the scanned as wrong. They kept if for 3 weeks but "it never did it again," & they "never found anything." They charged up the battery and said maybe it was because the battery got too low and that the chassis battery charges the transmission battery and maybe the transmission battery was low. They mentioned that they had had one other person come with the same problem. The local Winnebago dealership mentioned that they had had someone come in with the same complaint. With the vehicle unchanged after this potentially catastrophic event, how can I trust it? What happens if I am in it and it is parked on a slope and it does it again? What could happen if the transmission fails on the road? It was VERY SCARY. For a couple months I had a mini panic attack every time a young family walked by...what could have happened if they happened to be walking by when that happened. I will have to collect the info
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725922March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 148,000 The vehicle is experiencing a serious safety-related defect where the starter motor remains engaged even after the engine is turned off. This results in the starter continuing to run and stay powered, which can cause severe mechanical damage, overheating, and presents a potential fire risk. The starter has already been replaced, but the issue persists, indicating the problem is within the vehicle’s electrical control system (such as wiring harness, relay, or control module). Additionally, I was informed that this same vehicle had a prior wire harness-related issue in 2024 under the previous owner, suggesting a recurring or unresolved electrical defect. This condition can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior and poses a safety hazard due to the risk of electrical failure or fire. The vehicle is currently at a Mercedes-Benz dealership for diagnosis, and a case has been opened with Mercedes-Benz USA under case #XXX. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect and request investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725258March 18, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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