Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2015 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
210.0%
Fuel & Propulsion
210.0%
Median failure at 112,500 miles
Steering
210.0%
Median failure at 19,920 miles
Airbags
210.0%
Electrical System
210.0%
Median failure at 19,920 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.0%
Other & Unspecified
15.0%
Seat Belts
15.0%
Wheels
15.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.0%
Suspension
15.0%
Median failure at 19,920 miles
Body & Structure
15.0%
Median failure at 59,000 miles
Brakes
15.0%
Median failure at 124,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
342.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
114.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.3%
150,000+ miles
114.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2015peak 3Oct 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stony Brook, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
For about a year occasionally when I put my van in park it rolls away mostly within approx.5 seconds thankfully all the times this happened I was able to jump back in to hit the brake pedal. I told the dealer the problem about 1 month ago they looked into it and said they could not find any problem.Yesterday for the first time my van rolled out of park approx.3 minutes later and collided with my other vehicle.I was able to see this happen and the time it took to roll away in park do to the fact I have video surveillance.I am at this point putting a chock behind the tire til I can figure out what to do.
NHTSA complaint #11634707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ukiah, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
one or more of the rear-wheel speed sensors may experience an electrical failure, which potentially could lead to a disablement of the Electronic Stability Control (“ESP”) control unit functions. If ESP control unit functions are disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11691804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ukiah, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
one or more of the rear-wheel speed sensors may experience an electrical failure, which potentially could lead to a disablement of the Electronic Stability Control (“ESP”) control unit functions. If ESP control unit functions are disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11691804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, CA
SEAT BELTS
We rent this vehicle, and they hand-made installed additional seatbelt on the back of the van on top of a wooden structure, and they are renting this vehicle to others, claiming that it has 3 seating. This is a very big safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11671504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt Kisco, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Catastrophic engine failure one week after DEF warranty service following class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11662702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt Kisco, NY
ENGINE
Catastrophic engine failure one week after DEF warranty service following class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11662702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesVacaville, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact's employer owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started in the morning, there was a small puddle of fuel pooling under the fuel tank lid. The contact was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the leak was from the fuel filler neck and the fuel filler neck needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V092000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was transferred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NM
STEERING
Technician detected a leak on the power steering cable on my Sprinter [XXX] that a previous recall for the same model year as mine but the VIN is not currently associated with the recall. The defect is apparently the same, however, I am required to pay the maintenance to fix it for $657 How can I get this to be covered or reimbursed by the recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11639108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stony Brook, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
For about a year occasionally when I put my van in park it rolls away mostly within approx.5 seconds thankfully all the times this happened I was able to jump back in to hit the brake pedal. I told the dealer the problem about 1 month ago they looked into it and said they could not find any problem.Yesterday for the first time my van rolled out of park approx.3 minutes later and collided with my other vehicle.I was able to see this happen and the time it took to roll away in park do to the fact I have video surveillance.I am at this point putting a chock behind the tire til I can figure out what to do.
NHTSA complaint #11634707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ticonderoga, NY
WHEELS
Two separate incidents where wheel speed sensors failed. One in June 2022; one in September 2023. This disables antilock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), forward collision warning (FCW), brake force distribution and cruise control. Almost all safety features are disabled. Previously a safety recall has been implemented for the 5 ton Mercedes Sprinter model (3500), for these same faulty wheel sensors. Service for these Sprinters is difficult to schedule when traveling with an upfitted Class B (Roadtrek) RV like ours. The sensors are covered for replacement with our 10-year extension warranty for the emissions system, but only after failing. This places the driver + occupant (s) at risk until an available service center can be found and an appointment scheduled. Please issue a safety recall so we can have our remaining 2 wheel speed sensors replaced prior to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11551521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ticonderoga, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Two separate incidents where wheel speed sensors failed. One in June 2022; one in September 2023. This disables antilock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), forward collision warning (FCW), brake force distribution and cruise control. Almost all safety features are disabled. Previously a safety recall has been implemented for the 5 ton Mercedes Sprinter model (3500), for these same faulty wheel sensors. Service for these Sprinters is difficult to schedule when traveling with an upfitted Class B (Roadtrek) RV like ours. The sensors are covered for replacement with our 10-year extension warranty for the emissions system, but only after failing. This places the driver + occupant (s) at risk until an available service center can be found and an appointment scheduled. Please issue a safety recall so we can have our remaining 2 wheel speed sensors replaced prior to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11551521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Two separate incidents where wheel speed sensors failed. One in June 2022; one in September 2023. This disables antilock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), forward collision warning (FCW), brake force distribution and cruise control. Almost all safety features are disabled. Previously a safety recall has been implemented for the 5 ton Mercedes Sprinter model (3500), for these same faulty wheel sensors. Service for these Sprinters is difficult to schedule when traveling with an upfitted Class B (Roadtrek) RV like ours. The sensors are covered for replacement with our 10-year extension warranty for the emissions system, but only after failing. This places the driver + occupant (s) at risk until an available service center can be found and an appointment scheduled. Please issue a safety recall so we can have our remaining 2 wheel speed sensors replaced prior to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11551521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesAustin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact stated that the ABS and EMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired but continued to experience a failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #11430619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED NOTICE APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO. SAN FRANCISCO DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO CORRECT PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE CAN OR IS WILLING TO GIVE ME THAT ASSURANCE. SHOULD I NOT DRIVE IT?
NHTSA complaint #11234827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesEscondido, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE VEHICLE HAD A LEAK THROUGH THE ROOF MOUNTED REAR A/C UNIT. THIS LEAK ALLOWS WATER INTO AN AREA WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND ONTO PASSENGER'S. ONLY THROUGH A GOODWILL REPAIR WAS THIS REPAIR COMPLETED BECAUSE MY FACTORY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER SUCH A REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11194426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willow Park, TX
AIR BAGS
DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE RECALL WHEN TAKEN IN BACK IN FEBRUARY 2017. WHICH WAS NOT NOTED ON THE INVOICE.
NHTSA complaint #11035766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesWaxhaw, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DIESEL PARTICULAR FILTER WAS FRACTURED. THE CHASSIS CONNECTING BRACKET FAILED AND FRACTURED THE DIESEL PARTICULAR FILTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND THE REPAIR COST WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10970681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,920 milesFloyd, VA
STEERING
ON THURSDAY JULY 9TH AFTER 9:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING UP ROUTE 8 IN VIRGINIA FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MY VAN HAS SUFFERED FROM SUBSTANTIAL NOISE AND VIBRATION BETWEEN 1600 AND 2000 RPM ON SLIGHT GRADES SINCE THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. WITH JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES ON THE VAN, MUCH OF IT GOING UP AND DOWN GRADES, IT IS MY PERCEPTION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE VIBRATED LOSE. ALMOST 500 HOURS OF DRIVING, JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES IN TEMPS THAT VARIED FROM LOWS OF 40 TO HIGHS OF 110, AND CONSISTENT VIBRATIONS DURING THE SPECIFIED RPM AND THE HOSE VIBRATED LOOSE AND LOST POWER. THE VIBRATIONS ARE A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SPRINTER 4X4'S AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE UNSUCCESSFULLY WITH DAMPENING AND THICKER LEAF SPRINGS. THIS REMAINS INEFFECTIVE AND NOW, DANGEROUS. I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT OTHER ITEMS IN THIS 4X4 MODEL VAN COULD COME LOOSE, OR WORSE SOMEONE ON A MOUNTAIN PASS COULD LOSE CONTROL AS I DID AND CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. DUE TO THE 4X4 SYSTEM AND THE DESIRE OF IT'S OWNERS TO DRIVE TO REMOTE PLACES, I FEEL THIS WARRANTS AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION TO PROTECT THE OWNERS WHERE DIAMLER VANS HAS CLEARLY DECIDED NOT TO MANAGE IT'S SAFETY. IF ANYONE HAD COME DOWN THE SWITCHBACKS ON ROUTE 8, NEITHER OF US WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME OR SPACE TO AVOID AND ACCIDENT. I WAS INCREDIBLE LUCKY. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE ACROSS THE ROAD LINES TO MOVE THE VAN AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE UNTIL I GOT TO THE TOP OF THE SWITCH BACK AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON RELATIVELY STRAIGHT FLAT GROUND. THE TRAILER I WAS TOWING SUFFERED AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO ARTICULATE THE VAN ON THE ROAD SUCH THAT IT DID NOT GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT TREES AND EMBANKMENT.. .UPDATED 07/21/15 *BF.....UPDATED 08/12/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE VIBRATION ISSUE. ...UPDATED 9/24/2015
NHTSA complaint #10734629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,920 milesFloyd, VA
SUSPENSION
ON THURSDAY JULY 9TH AFTER 9:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING UP ROUTE 8 IN VIRGINIA FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MY VAN HAS SUFFERED FROM SUBSTANTIAL NOISE AND VIBRATION BETWEEN 1600 AND 2000 RPM ON SLIGHT GRADES SINCE THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. WITH JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES ON THE VAN, MUCH OF IT GOING UP AND DOWN GRADES, IT IS MY PERCEPTION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE VIBRATED LOSE. ALMOST 500 HOURS OF DRIVING, JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES IN TEMPS THAT VARIED FROM LOWS OF 40 TO HIGHS OF 110, AND CONSISTENT VIBRATIONS DURING THE SPECIFIED RPM AND THE HOSE VIBRATED LOOSE AND LOST POWER. THE VIBRATIONS ARE A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SPRINTER 4X4'S AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE UNSUCCESSFULLY WITH DAMPENING AND THICKER LEAF SPRINGS. THIS REMAINS INEFFECTIVE AND NOW, DANGEROUS. I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT OTHER ITEMS IN THIS 4X4 MODEL VAN COULD COME LOOSE, OR WORSE SOMEONE ON A MOUNTAIN PASS COULD LOSE CONTROL AS I DID AND CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. DUE TO THE 4X4 SYSTEM AND THE DESIRE OF IT'S OWNERS TO DRIVE TO REMOTE PLACES, I FEEL THIS WARRANTS AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION TO PROTECT THE OWNERS WHERE DIAMLER VANS HAS CLEARLY DECIDED NOT TO MANAGE IT'S SAFETY. IF ANYONE HAD COME DOWN THE SWITCHBACKS ON ROUTE 8, NEITHER OF US WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME OR SPACE TO AVOID AND ACCIDENT. I WAS INCREDIBLE LUCKY. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE ACROSS THE ROAD LINES TO MOVE THE VAN AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE UNTIL I GOT TO THE TOP OF THE SWITCH BACK AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON RELATIVELY STRAIGHT FLAT GROUND. THE TRAILER I WAS TOWING SUFFERED AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO ARTICULATE THE VAN ON THE ROAD SUCH THAT IT DID NOT GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT TREES AND EMBANKMENT.. .UPDATED 07/21/15 *BF.....UPDATED 08/12/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE VIBRATION ISSUE. ...UPDATED 9/24/2015
NHTSA complaint #10734629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,920 milesFloyd, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON THURSDAY JULY 9TH AFTER 9:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING UP ROUTE 8 IN VIRGINIA FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MY VAN HAS SUFFERED FROM SUBSTANTIAL NOISE AND VIBRATION BETWEEN 1600 AND 2000 RPM ON SLIGHT GRADES SINCE THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. WITH JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES ON THE VAN, MUCH OF IT GOING UP AND DOWN GRADES, IT IS MY PERCEPTION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE VIBRATED LOSE. ALMOST 500 HOURS OF DRIVING, JUST SHY OF 20,000 MILES IN TEMPS THAT VARIED FROM LOWS OF 40 TO HIGHS OF 110, AND CONSISTENT VIBRATIONS DURING THE SPECIFIED RPM AND THE HOSE VIBRATED LOOSE AND LOST POWER. THE VIBRATIONS ARE A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SPRINTER 4X4'S AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE UNSUCCESSFULLY WITH DAMPENING AND THICKER LEAF SPRINGS. THIS REMAINS INEFFECTIVE AND NOW, DANGEROUS. I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT OTHER ITEMS IN THIS 4X4 MODEL VAN COULD COME LOOSE, OR WORSE SOMEONE ON A MOUNTAIN PASS COULD LOSE CONTROL AS I DID AND CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. DUE TO THE 4X4 SYSTEM AND THE DESIRE OF IT'S OWNERS TO DRIVE TO REMOTE PLACES, I FEEL THIS WARRANTS AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION TO PROTECT THE OWNERS WHERE DIAMLER VANS HAS CLEARLY DECIDED NOT TO MANAGE IT'S SAFETY. IF ANYONE HAD COME DOWN THE SWITCHBACKS ON ROUTE 8, NEITHER OF US WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME OR SPACE TO AVOID AND ACCIDENT. I WAS INCREDIBLE LUCKY. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE ACROSS THE ROAD LINES TO MOVE THE VAN AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE UNTIL I GOT TO THE TOP OF THE SWITCH BACK AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON RELATIVELY STRAIGHT FLAT GROUND. THE TRAILER I WAS TOWING SUFFERED AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO ARTICULATE THE VAN ON THE ROAD SUCH THAT IT DID NOT GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT TREES AND EMBANKMENT.. .UPDATED 07/21/15 *BF.....UPDATED 08/12/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE VIBRATION ISSUE. ...UPDATED 9/24/2015
NHTSA complaint #10734629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ANN Arbor, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V764000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE TOOLS TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. A SECOND AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED, WHO INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST WITH NO ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME AS TO WHEN THE REPAIR WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO INDICATE WHEN THE PART AND APPOINTMENT WOULD BE SCHEDULED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10689597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.