Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years to avoid (and the best years)
255 NHTSA owner complaints and 73 recalls across 9 model years, 2012 to 2023. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 255complaints
- 73recalls
- 10reported crashes
- 5reported fires
- 9reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years should you avoid?
No Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 year has 21 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2016 (61) and 2014 (54).
What are the best Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (13), 2015 (16) and 2023 (17). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 | 0.8× | 6 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2020 | 13 | 0.6× | 22 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2019 | 27 | 1.3× | 41 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2017 | 28 | 1.3× | 9 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Wheels |
| 2016 | 61 | 2.9× | 16 | 3 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Brakes |
| 2015 | 16 | 0.8× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2014 | 54 | 2.6× | 7 | 2 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
| 2013 | 18 | 0.9× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2012 | 21 | 1.0× | 4 | 1 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Speed control |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 30 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Electrical & infotainment11 (37%)
- Engine & powertrain6 (20%)
- Brakes3 (10%)
- Steering, suspension & tires3 (10%)
- Other systems3 (10%)
Recalls (73)
Electrical system · 24V930000 · Dec 2024 · model years 2019, 2020
A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 24V517000 · Jul 2024 · model year 2023
An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V225000 · Mar 2024 · model year 2023
An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire, and a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V166000 · Mar 2024 · model year 2023
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control increases the risk of a crash.
Structure · 23V875000 · Dec 2023 · model years 2019, 2020
Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Structure · 23V876000 · Dec 2023 · model years 2019, 2020, 2023
A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
Structure · 23V874000 · Dec 2023 · model year 2020
Reduced vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the propeller shaft may damage the fuel tank during a crash, causing a leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Suspension · 23V849000 · Dec 2023 · model year 2023
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure · 23V806000 · Dec 2023 · model year 2023
An insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 23V204000 · Mar 2023 · model years 2019, 2020
A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 22V796000 · Oct 2022 · model years 2019, 2020
Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 22V360000 · May 2022 · model years 2019, 2020
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 22V281000 · Apr 2022 · model years 2019, 2020
An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V972000 · Dec 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V410000 · Jun 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 21V411000 · Jun 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Structure · 21V359000 · May 2021 · model year 2020
Loose door hinge screws could change the gap between the door and vehicle body, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Steering · 21V241000 · Apr 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V235000 · Apr 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V153000 · Mar 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Brakes · 21V152000 · Mar 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V077000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V055000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Safety · 21V042000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017
If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V802000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V756000 · Dec 2020 · model year 2019
If the operator relies on the provided owner's manual, the information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information may be inaccurate and/or incomplete, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and potentially increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Steering · 20V663000 · Oct 2020 · model years 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020
The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V631000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2020
Over time, the hose could begin to leak brake fluid, affecting the braking performance of the vehicle, including the potential loss of directional stability when braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 20V595000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 20V180000 · Mar 2020 · model year 2019
If the driver relies on the Auto-P function as described in the Operator's Manual, vehicle rollaway or movement may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V181000 · Mar 2020 · model year 2019
Loss of brake fluid can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V156000 · Mar 2020 · model year 2019
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.
Safety · 20V155000 · Mar 2020 · model year 2019
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.
Tires · 20V157000 · Mar 2020 · model year 2019
A reduction in traction may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 20V109000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2019
If the screws detach, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 20V110000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2019
If small vehicle components, such as nuts and screws, enter the steering column area, the steering operation can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 20V078000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2019
If the connecting screws are not properly tightened, hot exhaust gases may leak from the EGR pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Engine · 20V079000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2019
An exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V908000 · Dec 2019 · model year 2019
If the lashing rails disconnect, the cargo could become unsecured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 19V798000 · Nov 2019 · model year 2019
A diesel fuel leak can create slippery road conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V800000 · Nov 2019 · model year 2019
In the event of a crash, the weld seam may break and cause the seat cushion to shift forward, increasing the risk of injury.
Structure · 19V716000 · Oct 2019 · model year 2019
If a vehicle that has an incorrectly installed abutting wedge is involved in a severe frontal accident, a greater force may be necessary to open the doors, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 19V693000 · Oct 2019 · model year 2019
Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.
Airbags · 19V695000 · Oct 2019 · model year 2019
An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 19V665000 · Sep 2019 · model year 2019
A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 19V591000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2019
Reduced taillight visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 19V507000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
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.
Exterior lighting · 19V309000 · Apr 2019 · model year 2019
Being unable to turn off the high beams may result in oncoming traffic being blinded by the vehicle's lights, increasing the risk of crash.
Exterior lighting · 19V284000 · Apr 2019 · model year 2019
Unexpected changes in the headlamp lighting angle may affect the drivers visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Safety · 19V222000 · Mar 2019 · model year 2019
Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.
Airbags · 19V004000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2014, 2016, 2017
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 19V003000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2016, 2017
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Structure · 18V288000 · May 2018 · model year 2017
If the missing welds affect body strength, there may be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 18V113000 · Feb 2018 · model years 2016, 2017
The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed. A vehicle that exceeds its maximum weight has an increased risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V804000 · Dec 2017 · model year 2017
If Crosswind Assist system does not activate the automatic braking system as expected in the event of a strong crosswind, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V786000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2014, 2016, 2017
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Tires · 17V742000 · Nov 2017 · model year 2017
If the spare tire holder is not properly secured, the spare tire may separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V650000 · Oct 2017 · model year 2016
If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 17V592000 · Sep 2017 · model year 2016
A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 17V480000 · Jul 2017 · model year 2012
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 17V364000 · Jun 2017 · model year 2016
Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 17V149000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2016
If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 17V093000 · Feb 2017 · model years 2014, 2016
If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Seat belts · 16V853000 · Nov 2016 · model year 2016
If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury.
Seat belts · 16V670000 · Sep 2016 · model year 2016
If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Structure · 16V351000 · May 2016 · model year 2016
If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
Structure · 16V261000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2016
If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
Safety · 16V093000 · Feb 2016 · model year 2016
The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V077000 · Feb 2016 · model years 2012, 2014
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 15V261000 · May 2015 · model year 2015
Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 15V082000 · Feb 2015 · model year 2015
If a vehicle that has an incorrectly installed abutting wedge is involved in a severe frontal accident, a greater force may be necessary to open the doors, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine · 14V764000 · Dec 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 14V706000 · Nov 2014 · model years 2012, 2014
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.