Complaint Description I am filing this complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a safety issue with my new Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. I purchased this vehicle brand new from Mercedes Benz Manhattan. From the first day of ownership, I began experiencing multiple serious problems with the van. The main issue is that exhaust smoke and/or crankcase gases enter the cabin while driving. In addition, the vehicle experiences strong vibrations and the transmission frequently kicks or shifts abruptly. On several occasions this issue has caused the engine to stall while driving. (Traffic light stop) These problems create a potentially dangerous situation and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership, Mercedes Benz Manhattan, has attempted to repair the vehicle many times, but the problems persist and have not been resolved. Because of the ongoing safety risks, I believe this issue should be investigated.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11724480 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11733239 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The driver and passenger side mirror glass on 2024 Sprinter 144" Awd Passenger Van shakes violently while driving at any speed over 50mph. This creates a safety issue where it is nearly impossible to judge the type and speed of vehicle that is in your side mirror view. The Mercedes Benz dealership has been asked to investigate the issue but has stated, "Everything is secure, shakes and rattles are inherent to these vans." This response is unacceptable given the public and personal safety risk associated with decreased visibility in such a large vehicle. There is additional anecdotal evidence of this problem spanning multiple production years on online forums dedicated to Sprinter van ownership experiences. This information and a potential remedy of investigating and replacing an improperly installed rivet nut, has been provided to the Mercedes-Benz Baton Rouge dealership.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11659088 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The drive shaft to front differential (part # A9070410-09-00) in MY23 and MY24 Sprinter AWD has structural flaw in the sense that: (1) it is so short that the shaft can easily fall off during normal road conditions. (2) the clip and O-ring to secure the A9070410-09-00 is not strong enough to handle the normal stress of this driver shaft. If A9070410-09-00 falls off, severe vibration occurs and the Sprinter can only drive 2mile/hour or even stop functioning. There is a good chance that the driver can get stuck in the middle of nowhere without the reach to any help. This is a SERIOUS design failure and needs to have a recall and permanent fix ASAP! For more information, pls refer to this Youtube video by [XXX]: [XXX] My brand-new van only has 2600 miles on it and there is no offroad at all. The front drive shaft is almost completely falling off and it sits in a MB dealer for repair now. Pls address this serious safety risk ASAP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11579185 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov