Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 13 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 — 17
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 79
46% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 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 2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
426.7%
Median failure at 4,950 miles
Electrical System
320.0%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
213.3%
Median failure at 73,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
16.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks
16.7%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Tires
16.7%
Median failure at 18,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.7%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Body & Structure
16.7%
Median failure at 80 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
16.7%
Median failure at 10 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
323.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
215.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
17.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
323.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
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.
Jun 2018peak 3Dec 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS mois...
Recalls on the 2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20182377 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, spot welds on the front driver and/or passenger side wall paneling might be missing. In the event of a crash, the vehicle's structural integrity could be reduced, which would increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the A-pillars for missing welds and repair as necessary.
Recall 20180925 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles with folding seats and a total permissible weight of under 4536 kg (10,000 lbs), the information label for body builders contains incorrect information regarding the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW). The purpose of the label is to provide fuel consumption relevant weight information, however, if a body builder were to refer to the incorrect UVM information, the maximum permissible UVW may be exceeded after the vehicle modification is complete, which in the event of a crash, could increase risk of injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the label and check that the UVW is not exceeded.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 41,000. It was later discovered upon diagnosis that the mileage was 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesKnoxville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor, debris in the EGR valve, insufficient Selective Catalytic Reduction(SCR), and low DEF. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and the SCR converter needed to be replaced, and the EGR valve needed to be cleaned. The vehicle ws not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11676933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesKnoxville, TN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor, debris in the EGR valve, insufficient Selective Catalytic Reduction(SCR), and low DEF. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and the SCR converter needed to be replaced, and the EGR valve needed to be cleaned. The vehicle ws not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11676933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Check engine light Nox sensor failure message
NHTSA complaint #11593949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSan Jose, CA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Road Venture TR, Tire Size: LT245/75/R16, DOT Number: H211YD5F1717. The contact stated that while he was cleaning the vehicle, he noticed that the front tires had pieces of tire rubber around the tire and that the tread was delaminating. The contact inspected the rear tires and noticed that there was premature tire wear on the tread of both tires. The contact called the tire manufacturer who directed him to take the vehicle to an independent tire dealer for diagnostic testing where it was confirmed that the tires were undergoing premature wear. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 18,000 and the tire failure mileage was 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSunol, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Pleasure Way RV built on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 chassis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, brakes, power steering, and engine functionality. The vehicle was pulled over and restarted and functioned as designed however, the failure recurred. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine wiring harness replaced. The dealer reported that the harness showed signs of abrasions which caused the harness to ground out leading to loss of power. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11453388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11436675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
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.
NHTSA complaint #11416190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesFullerton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11395473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesFullerton, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11395473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,500 milesOceanside, CA
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11349566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesHolywood, FL
POWER TRAIN
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, (954) 644-5033) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.
NHTSA complaint #11123429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesClovis, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11104706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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, (951) 216-7800) 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, (562) 372-2707) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE INSULATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION AND WAS INFORMED OF A PENDING RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. *TT CONSUMER STATED THE BUMPER WAS DAMAGED AND REPLACED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS DELIVERED IN THE DARK. THE CARGO FLOOR WAS DEFECTIVE 2 FLORRS WERE ORDERED. UPDATED 9/25/18
NHTSA complaint #11101877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,950 milesLOS Gatos, CA
STEERING
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 GRAVEL AND PAVEMENT) AND REFILLED THE POWER STEERING FLUID. I CONTINUED TO CHECK THE HOSE FREQUENTLY. I FOUND THAT DRIVING SLOWLY (10-15 MPH) ON GRAVEL ROADS, THE HOSE WORKS LOSE AND HAS TO BE PUSHED BACK ON EVERY 10 MILES OR SO. I THINK THERE IS CONSTANT RISK OF SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN A CORNER WITH A HEAVY VEHICLE LIKE THIS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. THE TWO IMAGES BELOW SHOW THE CONNECTIONS TO THE COOLER FOR THE POWER STEERING FLUID BEFORE AND AFTER A SECTION OF GRAVEL ROAD THAT IS ABOUT 10 MILES LONG. THE ROAD WAS DRIVEN AT ABOUT 10 MPH. THE RECOMMENDED SPEED FOR THIS ROAD IS 25 MPH. THE LOWER HOSE IN THESE IMAGES IS THE HOSE IN QUESTION. IN THE SECOND IMAGE NOTICE THAT THE CLAMP IS ON THE FLARE. THIS HOSE IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. *TT *JS
NHTSA complaint #11101528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.