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The original Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was launched in Germany in 1995. Today it is a Mercedes-Benz flagship in the van business. The company calls it their “classic.”
But even classic flagship Mercedes vehicles have problems.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 models are the first recorded on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. There was just 1 recall for that year and 1 complaint about the 2500 model; none for the 3500.
Contents
- 1| NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter
- 2| Most Common Problems with the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter
- 3| 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Forward-Collision Avoidance & Brake Problems
- 4| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Electrical System Problems
- 5| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Lane Departure Problems
- 6| What to do if your 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
- 7| Complaint Data
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Suspension | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Dynamic Brake Support/brake Assist | |
| Back Over Prevention: Camera System | |
| Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering |
But not every model year has been this good. For example, 2016 was a particularly bad year. While there was only 1 complaint and 1 recall reflected for 1500 and 4500 models, the others didn’t fare as well. There were 15 recalls and 22 complaints about the 2500 model, and 16 recalls and 58 complaints about the 3500 in 2016.
There have already been at least 12 complaints about the 2021 Sprinter vans. Generally, the smaller models (1500 and 2500) are passenger vans, though 1500-3500 are also available as cargo and crew vans.
So far in the 2021 NHTSA log, 2 complaints are about 1500 models, 9 about 2500 models, and 1 that relates to the 3500. Recalls are also high. But we are going to concentrate on complaints.
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter
The complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to the NHTSA are filed according to the model. There is only 1 about the 3500, 2 about the 1500, and 9 about the 2500.
Looking at them collectively, the most common problems are:
- 4 that relate to forward-collision avoidance
- 3 to brakes
- 2 to lane departure
- 2 to the electrical system
There are also individual complaints categorized as problems relating to airbags, back-over prevention, equipment, the powertrain, seat belts, seats, and suspension.
But many complaints refer to more than one faulty component or system. So, we’re going to focus on the most common problems.
2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Forward-Collision Avoidance & Brake Problems
Since 2 of the forward-collision avoidance problems also relate to brakes, we’re going to include brake problems here too.
One of the 2 complaints about a 2500 Sprinter passenger van combines forward-collision avoidance with brake problems. The incident happened in icy weather when the brakes didn’t stop the van from moving on an upward slope, and it crashed.
Another complaint that also involves brake problems says the system “malfunctions frequently without conditions that warrant” the failure. While the problem was confirmed by the dealer, the complaint states that the dealer says there is no malfunction in the system. The owner has taken the van to the dealer 4 times.
The “dealer recalibrated and reset and called tech support.” But, the “manufacturer said that is the way it is supposed to operate. The problems persist on every trip we take. Warning indicators began within 50 miles of my picking up the vehicle brand new from the dealer. System disables then resets itself at random times during driving. Dealership states they have no codes indicating fault in (the) system.”
Another complaint states that “the vehicle would inadvertently abruptly stop every 20 minutes.” Before the failure, the “Dynamic Brake Support/Brake Assist warning light goes on. Even after the owner disabled the brake assist function, the failure recurred.
At the dealership, “the mechanic determined that the aftermarket tires had caused the sensors to become defective.” The mileage was only 3,200 and the owner was given a loaner vehicle.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Electrical System Problems
One of the 2 complaints about the 2021 Sprinter electrical system is that a recall repair part was not available. This relates to a backup camera that displays a blank image. The recall warns that it can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The second involves airbags and seats. Key issues are that the fuse for the power seat blew. After replacing the fuse, the owner of the Sprinter discovered “several bare wires caught up in the swivel mechanism underneath the driver side seat.” When he tried to start the vehicle again, “the windshield wipers were going off on their own, the airbag sensors were lit and nothing seemed to be working quite right.”
He found more bare wires and 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.”
There are no open recalls, and the dealer told the Sprinter owner it might take 6 months for the fault to be repaired.
“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.”
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Lane Departure Problems
One of the 2 lane departure problems is also categorized as a forward-collision avoidance issue. The complaint is that the lane-keeping assistance and automatic braking features are on by default.
The NHTSA complaint describes how the failure happened twice on one trip. “I believe this is a safety hazard.”
The first time, “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 (it) 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.”
The second incident happened when Automatic Emergency Braking was engaged. “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.”
Ultimately, the complaint says, “We would like Mercedes Benz to allow owners to turn off safety features.”
The second complaint says that the active lane departure assist warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, causing the steering wheel to shake and the brakes to lock. “The vehicle independently began to steer out of the lane and into another lane which almost caused a crash.”
The van only had about 400 miles on the clock and the failure occurred another three times on the same day.
What to do if your 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
The best indication that a vehicle is a lemon is if significant problems recur.
Lemberg Law has negotiated many settlement deals for clients over the years. If you think your 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a lemon, call our Helpline and we will assess your case. It won’t cost you anything because the law says Mercedes-Benz has to pay the legal fees of lemon law cases.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 14, 2023 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Engine throttle does not respond to input from accelerator pedal. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Mar 03, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Driving at an elevation of 6,200' the check engine light illuminated with code p012c "turbocharger/supercharger inlet pressure sensor circuit low". Shortly after the van went into "limp home" mode with no turbocharger input. Minimal acceleration. Almost resulted in accident since I couldn't safely re-enter highway at speed. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Feb 02, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Error message: "service required: do not shift gears, visit dealer" the 2021 sprinter van indeed would not shift gears and I was stranded. I was finally able to be towed two days later to a mercedes benz dealership. The technician noted corrosion in the eis unit and replaced. It appears to be a known problem with sprinter vans with bulletin from mercedes[xxx] due to condensation getting into this vital area. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 12, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I started my sprinter, which was converted into a grech rv, and while still in park a few seconds later, the vehicle started to move. Before I could hop back in the driver's seat to stop the vehicle, it crashed into my garage overhang and significantly damaged my sprinter's back doors and back structure. How it started to move was a complete mystery to me as it was in park and I had just started the vehicle a few seconds prior. While doing some research, I saw an article in an auto blog forum about sprinter van roll-aways. I then received a safety recall notice from mercedes about this very issue that I experienced. This involves nhtsa recall #22v796. The incident was reported to my insurance company and the vehicle is currently awaiting repair. Thankfully, no one was injured. |
| Category | Parking Brake, Power Train |
| Date | Nov 17, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | The contact stated their company owns a 2021 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into park(p) and the parking brake erroneously activated; however, the vehicle rolled forward as if the gear shifter was in drive(d). The contact depressed the brake pedal and made several attempts to put the vehicle in park(p). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was not sure if the vehicle had been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Oct 26, 2022 |
| State | IA |
| Description | When driving in a low-density area, on roads with little to no traffic, the vehicle assumes that the radar has failed if it does not see a vehicle in front of it for a long enough time. Since this is a larger van, I tend to drive 65mph on higher speed roads such as an interstate. Many cars understandably pass me as the speed limit is usually much higher. Even though they pass me the van does not register that car on the radar in regard to its failure state. When the radar "detects" that it's failed (which it has not) it disables the adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and in general any speed control. This is a very drastic measure for a device that has not actually failed. Again, all cruise/ speed control functionality is disabled, and the vehicle must be driven with the peddle while the radar is in a "failure" state. To restore functionality, I have to tailgate another car, if there is one around, for 5 to 10 miles. Once the radar is happy with seeing enough return signals it will re-engage the adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. If there are no other vehicles around for the next hour the process repeats. Attached are photos that should also be geo-marked, along with a screenshot showing the progression of the photos on a map. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Sep 21, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | I have had several occurrences of a stuttering and/or lagging acceleration when stepping on the accelerator. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Sep 19, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | At altitudes of over 5,000' msl the vehicle will not move when shifted into drive or reverse. No response from gas pedal. Vehicle will randomly hesitate with zero or poor throttle response when driving creating an extreme safety hazard. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Jul 30, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | My vehicle is listed as one of the 2100+ sprinter vans affected by the incorrect assembly of the torsion bar(manufacturer recall number 2022030013; nhtsa recall number 22v131). This recall was issued on march 17, 2022. It has now been over 120 days since that recall was issued and the parts are not yet available. I believe the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Jul 25, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 mercedes- benz sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v131000 (suspension) 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 30, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | 2021 mercedes benz sprinter. Consumer writes in regard to parts being unavailable to perform safety recall. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jun 22, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Apr 26, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Air Bags, Electrical System, Seats |
| Date | Apr 06, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 19, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | On upward slope in 4wd on icy intersection ,proceeding less than 5 mph, emergency braking as a car dead stopped at intersection on green light, hit brakes hard and brake pedal and gas pedal both engaged,, van kept moving forward,, pumped once same effect, ran in to rear of stopped car at 2-3 mph.. I was wearing work boots and gas pedal and brake pedal both at same elevation. Brake pedal to close to the gas pedal.. Vehicle is a 4 wd 2500 series van. I have used van for 5,000 miles so I am used to the vehicles characteristics. Practiced a recreation a few times with same result, brake and gas pedal both get depressed upon panic hit with foot. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 15, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Entire brake system (distance warning, active brake assist) malfunctions frequently without conditions that warrant. Brakes and steering impeded and distracts and startles driver. Problem confirmed by dealer without remedy. Dealer states no malfunction in system. Taken vehicle to dealer on four separate occasions. Dealer recalibrated and reset and called tech support at manufacturer and manufacturer said that is the way it is supposed to operate. The problems persist on every trip we take. Warning indicators began within 50 miles of my picking up the vehicle brand new from the dealer. System disables then resets itself at random times during driving. Dealership states they have no codes indicating fault in system. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Dynamic Brake Support/brake Assist |
| Date | Feb 08, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would inadvertently abruptly stop every 20 minutes. The contact stated that the forward collision-avoidance automatic: dynamic brake support/brake assist warning light would illuminate prior to the failure. The contact disabled the brake assist; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the aftermarket tires had caused the sensors to become defective. The contact was also informed that the failure was a common issue. The contact was concerned because he was stranded out of town with a defective vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and agreed to provide a loaner vehicle; however, the contact was concerned that the vehicle would be at the dealer being repaired for longer than the loaner vehicle would cover. The approximate failure mileage was 3,200. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Dec 05, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was driving on rural roads about 20 mph slowing for a stop light and the back of my vehicle began bucking and making very loud banging noises. I looked under the vehicle and found both welds to the rear differential were sheared off and the axle was only held on by the rear suspension. If I was on the highway I could have been killed. |
| Category | Seat Belts |
| Date | Oct 22, 2021 |
| State | LA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure: Assist |
| Date | Oct 19, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering |
| Date | Aug 23, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 mph, there was construction that had directed traffic to the right side of the road. The contact stated that while driving past the construction site, the active lane departure assist warning light illuminated on the instrument panel which caused the steering wheel to shake and the brakes to lock-up. The vehicle independently began to steer out of the lane and into another lane which almost caused a crash. The contact had to use excessive force to keep the vehicle from hitting the other vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred 3 times after the initial failure on the same day caused by active lane keep assist program, while driving under similar conditions. The contact then decided to turn off the active lane departure assist feature to avoid any further potential failures. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 400. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Camera System, Electrical System |
| Date | Aug 16, 2021 |
| State | AK |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v411000 (electrical system, back over prevention) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Aug 09, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Delivery driver parked at top of customer's driveway. Driver placed van in park and engaged the ebrake. Driver went to rear of vehicle, retrieved customer's package, and exited the van. Driver was handing customer the package when the driver and customer heard clicking sounds coming from van. Van began sliding down the driveway and hit customer's trees. If trees had not been there, van would have hit the customer's house. |
| Category | Equipment:electrical:infotainment:bluetooth/wifi |
| Date | May 04, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 2021 mercedes benz sprinter cargo van. Consumer writes in regard to bluetooth system. *ld the consumer stated the feature used to answer a cellphone via bluetooth was a safety hazard. *js*dt |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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