2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 2500: complaints, problems and recalls

THE 4WD IN THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT DISENGAGE PROPERLY EVEN WHEN DONE PER THE OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS. UNDER 1,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE . FOR EXAMPLE, I STOPPED THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, ENGAGED 4WD AND DROVE FOR 15-20 MINUTES ON A DIRT ROAD. I PULLED OVER TO ENJOY THE VIEW, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK BUT LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE BACK INTO DRIVE, THE 4WD DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO DISENGAGE (WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE BUTTON TO DO SO) AND IT MADE ALL SORTS OF LOUD GRINDING AND CLANGING SOUNDS AS THE MECHANICA…

Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11341881 at NHTSA ↗

BOTTOM POWER STEERING HOSE COMING LOOSE ... NOT A SOLID CLAMP.. REPLACED WITH REAL HOSE CLAMP BEFORE THE POPPED OFF.

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349553 at NHTSA ↗

THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. I NARROWLY AVOIDED GETTING INTO A ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE AND HAD TO SERVE AROUND SOME DUMP ITEMS THAT FELL OF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AHEAD. THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FORCED THE VAN BACK INTO THE LANE AND TOWARDS THE JUNK IN THE ROAD AND ENDED UP RUNNING OVER IT. IT COULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE IF THE OBJECT WAS BIGGER, A CAR, PERSON OR ANIMAL. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO TURN IT OFF ONCE! NOT EVERY TIME …

Owner-reported narrative. 450 miles reported. Look up ODI 11352167 at NHTSA ↗

MERCEDES HAS LOCATED A DASHBOARD DRINK HOLDER DIRECTLY ABOVE A VENT THAT OPENS TO THE STARTER ELECTRICAL MODULE AND CIRCUIT BOARD. THE DRINK HOLDERS ARE VERY SHALLOW, AND UNSTABLE. THE LOCATION ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASH, NEXT TO A VENT THAT LEADS TO THE STARTER CIRCUIT BOARD IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I ACCIDENTLY SPILLED COFFEE ON THE DASH DRINK HOLDERS, AND THE SUBSEQUENT SPILL LED TO THE STARTER MODULE TO SHORT CIRCUIT, STRANDING OUR SPRINTER VAN, WHICH WOULD NOT START FOR OVER AN HOUR. ONCE STARTED AND DRIVEN FOR AWHILE, THE VAN WOULD NOT TURN…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11354158 at NHTSA ↗

THE POWER STEERING HOSE SLIPPED OFF THE FITTING AND SPRAYED HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE ENGINE BAY. THIS DISABLED VEHICLE AND REQUIRED US TO BE TOWED. THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS ITEM IN CANADA, MERCEDES NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A PERMANENT FIX TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. I EVEN TOOK SOME ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS AND HAD MERCEDES INSTALLED A STRONGER CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE. EVEN WITH THIS CLAMP IN PLACE, THE HOSE STILL CAME OFF AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THE HYDRAULIC FLUID THAT MERCEDES SPECIFIES IS NOT COMMONLY FOUND ALSO…

Owner-reported narrative. 700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11375245 at NHTSA ↗

THIS FEATURE IS DANGEROUS. WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH ON COMING TRUCKS THE "ASSIST" PUSHES ME INTO THE ONCOMING TRUCKS BECAUSE IT THINKS I AM DRIFTING FROM MY LANE. I AM TRYING TO GIVE THE SEMI-TRUCK A BIT OF SPACE!*DT ASK: LET ME TURN THIS "FEATURE" OFF PERMANENTLY. IT'S THE WORSE WITH THAN WITHOUT. RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO PUT TAPE OVER THE CAMERA TO DISABLE THIS.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 2,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384483 at NHTSA ↗

THE ACTIVE LANE ASSIST BRAKES TOO AGGRESSIVELY WHEN APPROACHING LANE LINES. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS ACTIVATED UNDER SLICK CONDITIONS AND HAS INITIATED A SKID.*DT*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 2,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384511 at NHTSA ↗

HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS TOO SHORT AND DISCONNECTS FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP.*DT*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384512 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2020-09-29 (September 29, 2020)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters. The fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the fuel hose clamp connections and tighten or replace the components as needed, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 9, 2020. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHELLE.

Reported: 2020-10-14 (October 14, 2020)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the condition of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles and replace them as needed, free of charge. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3MONTLAU.

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.

Reported: 2020-12-21 (December 21, 2020)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.

Consequence: Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.

Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.

Reported: 2021-02-17 (February 17, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with the multimedia system "Connect 5" and a rearview camera. The rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event. In addition, the rearview image may be obscured or covered by the visual display of the Emergency Call (eCall) pop-up window if the eCall system is activated while the reverse gear is engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update on the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RUECON.

Reported: 2021-03-10 (March 10, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach. This could cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

Consequence: Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will secure a bearing bracket to brake pedal by retrofitting an additional retaining ring (with PNR A 907 994 01 00) at the bearing bracket of brake pedal, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREBOL.

Reported: 2021-03-10 (March 10, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles equipped with an optional electric sliding door. The auxiliary lock on the sliding door may be the incorrect type for an electric sliding door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will convert the sliding door from electric to manual function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHIEBT.

Reported: 2021-04-05 (April 5, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence: A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.

Reported: 2021-04-06 (April 6, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.

Consequence: A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.

Reported: 2021-05-17 (May 17, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The screws for the front door hinges may not have been tightened properly.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will check the screws and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TURSCHA.

Reported: 2021-06-02 (June 2, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.

Reported: 2021-06-02 (June 2, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.

Reported: 2021-12-15 (December 15, 2021)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. A software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the parking brake applied.

Consequence: Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3PA27 ERI/ERO.

Reported: 2022-04-27 (April 27, 2022)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.

Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.

Reported: 2022-10-21 (October 21, 2022)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.

Consequence: Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.

Reported: 2023-03-24 (March 24, 2023)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.

Reported: 2023-12-21 (December 21, 2023)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the crossmember as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3QUERTR.

Reported: 2023-12-21 (December 21, 2023)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.

Consequence: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.

Reported: 2023-12-21 (December 21, 2023)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.

Consequence: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.

Reported: 2024-12-13 (December 13, 2024)

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence: A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.