2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500

14 recalls — 17 complaints — 46 TSBs

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.

Consequence

If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.

48,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Consequence

If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

48,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Consequence

If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

48,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Consequence

If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

48,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.

Consequence

The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.

47,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Defect Description

Consequence

The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

47,667 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).

Consequence

With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed at higher speeds than the tire can withstand, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace it with the label with the correct maximum speed information indicated in miles per hour, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's n... Read more

289 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.

Consequence

Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.

332 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

Consequence

Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and vehicles will be returned to the reassembly plant for comprehensive inspection and, if necessary, corrective action, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX... Read more

19 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numb... Read more

Consequence

An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the airbag systems have been activated, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 22, 2019. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA cust... Read more

1,232 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened. As a result, factors such as the vehicle's speed, wind resistance and road conditions may cause the hood t... Read more

Consequence

A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the screw connection, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HAUBOSS.

5,626 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vehicles. The rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass.

Consequence

In the event of a side impact crash or vehicle rollover, the fitted side windows may not adequately protect the rear occupants from being ejected, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealers will replace the single-pane safety glass with laminated safety glass., free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on August 16, 2019. The recall began January 21, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service a... Read more

1,079 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The affected vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

Consequence

Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will complete the final quality inspection, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

7 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Defect Description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The right side door latches may have been built with incorrect components. As a result, when the doors are electronically unlocked, the right-side doors ma... Read more

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the right side doors cannot be opened, it could increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the locks if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267.

76 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Complaint Statistics

17 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES	3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2
POWER TRAIN	1
STRUCTURE:BODY	1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	1
STEERING	1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	1
WHEELS	1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)	1
ENGINE	1

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

Incident date: Apr 25, 2022

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2022

Incident date: Nov 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Ca... Read more

Incident date: Oct 6, 2021

This vehicle was sold to us new with the manufacturer's window sticker stating it was equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a Standard Accessory - Safety/Cargo Protection. The provided owner's manual describes the TPMS system and the low tire pressure warning lamp indicator on th... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contac... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2021

Incident date: Apr 28, 2021

On or about April 27, 2021 the driver's side rear taillight assembly randomly fell off between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Interstate 10. The assembly is large, containing the taillight, brake light, turn signal light and back-up light. It could have (and may have) hit another vehicle or at least... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2021

Incident date: Jan 20, 2021

WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITIO... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2021

Incident date: Dec 14, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USU... Read more

Technical Service Bulletins — 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500

46 manufacturer communications from 36 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	12
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5
080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL	2
200000 WHEELS	2
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	2
010000 STEERING	2
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	2

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Complaint Engine runs irregularly and it shakes. Indicator lamp lights up. Information: Fault codes for injectors and/or combustion misfires may be stored in the CDI control unit: a?? On engine 642 cylinder 6 is affected. a?? On engine

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Various issues including control unit programming procedure will not complete successfully/no newer software found, communication faults, or sporadic malfunction of systems. Cause Aftermarket CAN device could be installed into

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Customer purchased pre-owned MY18-21 ex-Amazon Sprinter (SA code Z3A) and does not want Amazon specific Parameterizable Special Module (PSM) functions (driver alert, idle shutdown, radio mute, etc). IMPORTANT NOTES: a?? Digita

080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Complaint Thank you for your continued support of the US Emission Modification Program (EMP). We are providing this LI to assist you in addressing vehicles that come to your workshop to receive the Approved Emission Modification (AEM), but

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

Complaint Oil loss from engine or visible traces of oil in the engine compartment. Cause To be determined in each possible situation Remedy Procedure for cause analysis: 1. Clean the engine if necessary. 2. Apply leak tracing powder.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"The a??monitor status this driving cycle (PID 41)a?? can be displayed as a??disableda?? in the generic scan tool although no monitor of this group is disabled "

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Various complaints due to aftermarket OBDII device installed

200000 WHEELS

Replace Wheel Speed Sensors

200000 WHEELS

Replace Wheel Speed Sensors

010000 STEERING

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles, the hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions and may cause hydraulic fluid to leak r

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Replace 3rd brake lamp, remove soft top compartment cover to access.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Replace 3rd brake lamp, remove soft top compartment cover to access.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Replace 3rd brake lamp, remove soft top compartment cover to access.

010000 STEERING

Inspect Power Steering Hose Clamps

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine power output is reduced and/or engine indicator lamp lights up, various fault codes present in area of ex- haust gas recirculation (EGR system) or in charge air system

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Power Steering Hose Updated Repair Method

015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Power Steering Hose Updated Repair Method

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Headlamps fogged

150000 SEAT BELTS

Seat belt does not roll up correctly

350000 EQUIPMENT

SOS display illuminates - poor radio and GPS reception or no reception at all (vehicle with code E4A)

350000 EQUIPMENT

MBUX multimedia system: Central display goes dark temporarily (Connect5)

350000 EQUIPMENT

MBUX multimedia system: Malfunction in Android Auto (Connect5)

350000 EQUIPMENT

MBUX multimedia system: Commissioning problem - No PIN code available in VeDoc

350000 EQUIPMENT

MBUX multimedia system: Central display intermittently remains dark (NTG6)

350000 EQUIPMENT

MBUX multimedia system: Incomplete playback of navigation announcements (NTG6)

023000 SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE

Clunking/Rattle Noise from Rear Axle Area

210000 TRAILER HITCHES

Information:907 Sprinter 15 Passenger Van Trailer Hitch

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Instruction for the Removal of M20 Speed Limitation 65mph

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

MBUX multimedia system: Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) not available (NTG6)

080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Automatic Transmission Housing Cracked: Damage Resulting From Cracked Diesel Particulate Filter Bracket

100000 POWER TRAIN

Automatic Transmission Housing Cracked: Damage Resulting From Cracked Diesel Particulate Filter Bracket

350000 EQUIPMENT

Status of Parts Ordering - Sprinter

020000 SUSPENSION

Ball joint check on front axle

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

LED light on thermal cup holder in rear passenger compartment of BR 222 flickers

350000 EQUIPMENT

LED light on thermal cup holder in rear passenger compartment of BR 222 flickers

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LED light on thermal cup holder in rear passenger compartment of BR 222 flickers

350000 EQUIPMENT

Status of Parts Ordering - Sprinter

350000 EQUIPMENT

Status of Parts Ordering - Sprinter

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Coolant / Vacuum / Temperature fault codes - Check Engine Light with DTCs P003313, P0299FA, P0299FB, P226100, P261F71, P012800, and P012809

033100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Coolant, vacuum, temperature fault codes.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Coolant, vacuum, temperature fault codes.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AdBlue line leaking

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Headlamps and lamps fogged and/or leaking.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine in limp-home mode, engine diagnosis indicator lamp lights up, fault code P213862, P213864, P211271, P225113, P019122 or P019185 stored in control unit.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2013

Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (un... ique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V-042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629Read more

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 across all model years (2007–2024).

362 Total Recalls

470 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

20 Reported Crashes

8 Reported Fires

2 Reported Deaths

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2024	3	4	View
2023	7	24	View
2022	16	12	View
2021	65	11	View
2020	74	22	View
2019	97	43	View
2018 (current)	14	17
2017	13	38	View
2016	20	95	View
2015	16	37	View
2014	10	83	View
2013	8	36	View
2012	7	31	View
2011	4	9	View
2010	6	4	View
2009	1	1	View
2008	0	3	View
2007	1	0	View

Other MERCEDES-BENZ Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
GLA 250	1,219	416	View
GLC 300	1,143	568	View
GLE 350	1,116	311	View
C 300	1,074	360	View
AMG GLS63	963	12	View
AMG C43	944	74	View
CLA 250	923	130	View
AMG GLC43	920	42	View