2016 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 2500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
28 owner complaints analyzed
15 distinct recall campaigns
24,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 28 complaints (32.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 17.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 7.1% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 7.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 2 |
Air Bags: 9; Vehicle Speed Control: 5; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 3; Seat Belts: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Steering: 3; Structure:Body: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 2; 2019: 7; 2020: 6; 2021: 5; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10862601 · 2016-05-02 (May 2, 2016)
THE COACH COMES WITH 2 SETS OF TWO SEATBELTS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBELTS WORK FINE, AS DESIGNED. THE TWO OTHER SEATBELTS INSTALLED IN THE BENCH SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER ARE TOO SHORT TO BE USED BY AN ADULT OR A CHILD SEAT. WE CALLED THOR AND ADVISED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE OF THE CORRECT LENGTH AS FAR AS THE ENGINEERING WAS CONCERNED. I AM 6'2" AND 200 LBS AND I HAVE TRIED TO GET THE BELT SNAPPED AROUND ME AND THE CLOSEST I CAN GET THE BUCKLE AND THE SNAP IS 6 INCHES APART. I ASKED THEM WHAT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10862601 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10986382 · 2017-05-18 (May 18, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V149000 (POWER TRAIN) WAS RECEIVED ON MARCH OF 2017. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10986382 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11092544 · 2018-05-08 (May 8, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MISHAWAKA (4004 NORTH GRAPE ROAD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWAR…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11092544 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11155551 · 2018-12-03 (December 3, 2018)
TAKATA RECALL PASSENGERS SIDE AIR BAG BLOW UP AND NEVER CAME OUT SEAT BELT WONT WORK CAR WAS NOT IN A COLLISION OR HIT JUST WENT OFF AS DRIVING ON ROAD MB WILL NOT SEE TRUCK TO FIX IT TRIED 4 TIMES TO MAKE THEM SEE IT NASTY PEOPLE SAD SO SAD
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11155551 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11185627 · 2019-03-10 (March 10, 2019)
07/20/2016 BUY DAY NEW VAN AT SUN MOTORS BENZ DIALER MECHANICSBURG PA-PRICE 47K 09/20/2016 PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION 02/07/2019 PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION AND DPF/DOC CAT (VAN IS TOTALLY DEMERGE AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS)
Owner-reported narrative. 175,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11185627 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11202936 · 2019-04-22 (April 22, 2019)
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 (M2CA144). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF DRAPER (LOCATED AT 11548 LONE PEAK PKWY, DRAPER, UT 84020, [phone removed]) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11202936 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11267932 · 2019-10-11 (October 11, 2019)
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF BURLINGTON (80 CAMBRIDGE ST, BURLINGTON, MA 01803, [phone removed]) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CO…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11267932 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11267992 · 2019-10-11 (October 11, 2019)
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2019 FOR THE AIRBAG-PASSENGER SIDE #19V004. I KEEP CHECKING WITH THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY STILL HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THES RECALL AND WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRINTER CAMPER IS PARKED ON MY SIDE YARD STILL WAITING TO GO ON A TRIP.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11267992 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
15 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V093000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2016-02-18 (February 18, 2016)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will replace the incorrect tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V261000 · Structure:Body
Reported: 2016-04-29 (April 29, 2016)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
Consequence: If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 4, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V351000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2016-05-24 (May 24, 2016)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.
Consequence: If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the required crash-pads, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V670000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other
Reported: 2016-09-15 (September 15, 2016)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Sprinter dealers will inspect the connecting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V853000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
Reported: 2016-11-28 (November 28, 2016)
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, equipped with certain left side seat adjusters, model number 486077 manufactured by Atwood. The affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash. As such, these adjusters fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages", and 207 "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left slide track, free of charge. The recall began on December 22, 2016. Owners may contact Midwest customer service at 1-574-522-4878.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V093000 · Air Bags
Reported: 2017-02-10 (February 10, 2017)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Consequence: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V149000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Reported: 2017-03-07 (March 7, 2017)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V364000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2017-06-05 (June 5, 2017)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.
Consequence: Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and replace the tire label, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V592000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Reported: 2017-09-22 (September 22, 2017)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
Consequence: A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing catch strap for the driveshaft, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on November 17, 2017. The recall began on December 21, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V650000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2017-10-16 (October 16, 2017)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence: If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the label and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V786000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-12-08 (December 8, 2017)
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V113000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2018-02-15 (February 15, 2018)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the UVW label and inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is not overloaded, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V003000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-01-08 (January 8, 2019)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V004000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-01-08 (January 8, 2019)
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V663000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Reported: 2020-10-28 (October 28, 2020)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗