Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Complaints (2016)

92 consumer complaints on file.

#11761821September 3, 2026
ENGINE
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine/internal engine components and fuel injection system failed. was stated in video that fuel injector looked fine. cylinder #2, including a burnt valve and damage to the top of the piston. The Mercedes-Benz dealership also stated that it was highly likely that the cylinder #2 potentially by becoming stuck wide open or developing a severely abnormal spray pattern. The failed engine and components may be available for inspection upon request, depending on the current repair status and whether the components have been retained. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The engine experienced a serious internal failure while the vehicle was being driven. The dealership identified a burnt valve and piston damage in cylinder #2 and stated that a mechanical failure of the cylinder #2 fuel injector was highly likely. A catastrophic engine failure while the vehicle is being operated can result in sudden loss of engine power, creating a potential safety risk to the occupants and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed and diagnosed by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The dealership performed a borescope inspection, compression testing, and smoke testing. The dealership documented a burnt valve in cylinder #2 and damage to the top of the piston. The dealership also stated that it was highly likely that the cylinder #2 injector had failed mechanically, either by becoming stuck wide open or developing a severely abnormal spray pattern. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Mercedes-Benz dealership, which confirmed the internal engine damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757000August 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The door latch and or roller failed which prevents the door from closing properly. Since the door does not close all the way, there is the risk that it opens while driving. This is a recurring issue I have on this vehicle and triggered a lemon-law buyback.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691967October 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe getting hot, and nbeing related to the generator was recognized by the dealer. There were no warning lamps, warning stickers near the electronic start switch in the vehicle; no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The design foreseeably exposes owners to fire risk, given owners only recognize the exhaust from the rear side of the vehicle; assume if the engine is off no exhaust heats up enough to start a grass or other fire. But, the majority of owners like myself do not know of any other exhaust outside of the vehicle is present. The shocking 12 inch proximity from the ground; at the rear of a 25 ft vehicle typically parking in car spaces with an overhang of the rear behind the rear wheels or a curb is a ridiculous fire risk to all owners, and the surrounding community. This is a design flaw still inherent in that same vehicle today,
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667211June 16, 2025
STEERING, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624000November 7, 2024
STEERING
Power steering return hose slipped off 1/2” and fluid leak. Has a recall, but not applicable to this vin. Although it appears to be effecting it? Secured line to best abilities.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11605186July 29, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE:BODY
The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590347May 23, 2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened, striking the windshield. The contact pulled to the side of the road and became aware that the latch screws had detached; however, the latch was still welded to the vehicle. The contact was able to clamp the hood down with a ratchet. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V665000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact was referred by the Insurance provider to Safelite Auto Glass to have the windshield replaced. However, due to the damage done to the roof of the vehicle, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567265January 23, 2024
WHEELS
Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532688July 17, 2023
ENGINE
The check engine light came on in the Sprinter van. There is a Hissing noise coming from the engine when accelerating. The Sprinter van loses speed when on the highway. The vehicle could not keep up with traffic on the road. The Mercedes Benz dealer, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky has inspected the vehicle and stated that it has a defective intake manifold. This vehicle has 140,000 miles at this time. At this time the van has not been repaired, the cost is $3132.77
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
#11445998January 3, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that one of the wheels must have failed to patch the ground. The manufacturer advised the contact to turn the vehicle on and off three times using the ignition key for the warning lights to disappear. The contact stated that he did so and the warning lights and warning messages disappeared; however, they reappeared the next day. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and towing his Volkswagen vehicle, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. Then the transmission reengaged and disengaged causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The RV was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle speed sensors, knock sensors needed to be replaced, and the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) was completed. The contact also stated that the dealer cross-fired the speed sensors which caused the computer to not allow the vehicle to drive more than 35 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle leaned on his right side and crashed into a street sign. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, The warning lights reappeared and the vehicle leaned and hit the curb. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and offered the contract to trade the vehicle. The vehicl
Crash:
Yes
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
#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
#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
#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
#11425081July 16, 2021
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at a slow speed, the vehicle independently accelerated with the ABS, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle and shut-off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Due to the parts for the repair not being available, the dealer decided to place a new, yet defective, speed sensor on the vehicle as a temporary repair and the contact drove the vehicle back home. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact had called three separate dealers and it was confirmed that the part would not be available until the fourth quarter of 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,580. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424928July 15, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 2500. The contact stated while driving 21 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was not able to control the vehicle however, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was relating the failure to faulty wheel speed sensors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423626July 6, 2021
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN CRUISE CONTROL ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSES POWER. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO PULL OVER THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY OR WHILE GOING UPHILL. ERROR CODE WAS P0087- LOW FUEL RAIL PRESSURE! AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RE-STARTING IT THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. NEED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS IT IS VERY UNSAFE! IT HAPPENED 4X DURING MY TRAVEL OF 8000 MILES
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11414039April 26, 2021
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN 15000 MOLES. WHEN THE SENSOR FAILS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUDDERS TO A LOS SPEED WHICH CAN CREATE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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