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U.S. public vehicle records

2017 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 2500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

13 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

18,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 13 complaints (30.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior430.8%
Engine operation323.1%
Transmission and shifting17.7%
Braking behavior17.7%
Electrical and battery issues17.7%

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.

Steering
4
Electrical System
2
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer
1
Engine
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock
1
Power Train
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering4
Electrical System2
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer1
Engine1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock1
Power Train1

Steering: 4; Electrical System: 2; Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer: 1; Engine: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock: 1; Power Train: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 2 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.

2018
4
2020
1
2021
3
2022
1
2023
1
2024
1
2025
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20184
20201
20213
20221
20231
20241
20252

2018: 4; 2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 2

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 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 11101528 · 2018-06-12 (June 12, 2018)

WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY (10MPH), ROUGHLY STRAIGHT, ON A GRAVEL ROAD, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO STEER, BUT STEERING EFFORT WAS VERY HIGH. THE LOWER HOSE CONNECTED TO THE COOLER FOR THE POWER STEERING FLUID HAD FALLEN OFF AND ALL THE FLUID HAD BEEN EXPELLED. I COULD SEE NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. THE CLAMP WAS STILL CONNECTED TO THE HOSE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HITTING THE HOSE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO THE HOSE. I RE-ATTACHED THE HOSE. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST AUTO-PARTS STORE (~ 70 MILES, MIXED …

Owner-reported narrative. 4,950 miles reported. Look up ODI 11101528 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11101877 · 2018-06-14 (June 14, 2018)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD INSIDE THE CARGO AREA. ALSO, DURING EXTREME HEAT, THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD WARP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA (40910 TEMECULA CENTER DR., TEMECULA, CA 92591, [phone removed]) WHERE NO FAILURE WAS FOUND AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF LONG BEACH (2300 E SPRING ST, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755, [phone removed]) WHERE THE CONTACT WA…

Owner-reported narrative. 80 miles reported. Look up ODI 11101877 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11104706 · 2018-06-29 (June 29, 2018)

THE CROSSWIND ASSIST IS NOT WORKING. BECAUSE OF THE HIGH PROFILE ON THIS VAN, IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS IN WINDY CONDITIONS. WE ALMOST GOT BLOWN OUT OF THE FREEWAY BECAUSE OF THIS FEATURE NOT WORKING ON OUR 2017 VAN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. OF COURSE NOT, WE LIVE IN FRESNO WHERE ONLY GETS WINDY ONCE A YEAR.

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11104706 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11123429 · 2018-08-30 (August 30, 2018)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY SHIFT GEARS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES (14199 PINES BLVD, PEMBROKE, FL 33027, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11123429 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11349566 · 2020-08-15 (August 15, 2020)

LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE DETACHING FROM COOLER CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I HAVE 8500 MILES ON THE VAN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS ALL SPRINTER FORUMS. I HAVE TO ADD A NEW CLAMP TO FIX THE ISSUE. IM SO SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT MB HAVE DONE NOTHING TO FIX THAT ISSUE ON ALL SPRINTER VAN... ITS A "TIME BOMB" TO HAPPEN 7 COULD SERIOUSLY HAVE A DEADLY CONSEQUENCE IN AN EMERGENCY LOSING YOUR POWER STEERING

Owner-reported narrative. 8,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349566 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11395473 · 2021-02-09 (February 9, 2021)

EVERY 400 0R SO MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. CODES ARE 19DE00H AND P16CC00 AND P18F100 RELATING TO THE DEF BURN. I HAVE STOPPED AT THREE MB DEALERSHIPS. THEY LOOK AT CODE AND RESET SYSTEM AND TELL ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO HAVE SENT SEVERAL PEOPLE LETTERS TO REQUEST THEY HAVE THE VEHICLES FOR TWO WEEKS TO STUDY THE PROBLEM. I CAN'T DO THAT.

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11395473 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11416190 · 2021-05-11 (May 11, 2021)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CARGO SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11416190 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11436675 · 2021-10-13 (October 13, 2021)

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V663000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed the parts were backordered until May 30, 2022. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11436675 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

17V742000 · Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

Reported: 2017-11-21 (November 21, 2017)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. The spare tire holder under the vehicle may not be properly secured.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will lift the spare tire holder completely and tighten the securing screws as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact DVUSA custom service at 1-854-888-3214.

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 ↗
18V288000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 2018-05-03 (May 3, 2018)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on the front side wall, connecting the door portal to the hinge reinforcements in the A-pillar area, possibly affecting vehicle strength in a crash.

Consequence: If the missing welds affect body strength, there may be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and add any missing spot welds, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 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 ↗