Owners have filed 95 complaints
about the 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
76% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
814.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1425.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1527.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1018.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
47.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
35.6%
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.
Mar 2019peak 9Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2019 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 201956382 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain diesel-powered vehicles, the fuel pump may not have been properly installed in the fuel tank. As a result, a fuel leak could occur. Safety Risk: A diesel fuel leak on the roadway could create a hazard for other road users by making the road slippery. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the lock on the fuel pump mount. If necessary, it will be locked correctly.
Recall 20194671,464 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vans, the upper hood latch may not be properly installed. Under some driving conditions, this could allow the hood to open suddenly while driving. Safety Risk: If the hood opens while driving, it could suddenly block a driver's view. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their van to a dealer to inspect, and if necessary, tighten the mounting screws for the upper hood latch. Any missing screws will be replaced.
Recall 20194141,672 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, if the light switch is turned quickly, the tail lights may dim or turn off completely. Safety Risk: Tail lights that are dimmed or not working could make the vehicle less visible to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the body controller software.
Recall 201933354 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: Certain vans were built with the wrong type of glass in one or both of the rear-side windows. Tempered glass was used in place of laminated glass. As a result, the vehicles may not meet the ejection mitigation requirements of the Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Vans built with incorrect side window glass could create a risk of ejection and injury in a rollover or side-impact crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their van to a dealer to replace the tempered window glass with laminated glass.
Recall 2019189205 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: A software problem could make it impossible to turn off the high-beam headlights using the switch lever. This problem only affects certain vans with the high-beam assist option. Note: If this happens, the high-beams can be turned off by turning the headlight switch from the "automatic headlights" position to the "manual headlights" position, or by re-starting the van. Safety Risk: High-beam lights that stay on could cause glare and reduce visibility for oncoming traffic. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your van to a dealer to update the body controller software.
Recall 20191817 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: The headlight range adjustment sensor on certain vans equipped with LED high performance headlights may not have been installed or not have been calibrated correctly. This could cause the automatic headlights not to adjust properly. Safety Risk: Headlights that are not properly adjusted may not light the road well and could cause glare for oncoming drivers. Either of these situations could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their van to a dealer inspect and repair the automatic headlight sensor as necessary.
Recall 201914610 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear fog lamps may not turn on when they are switched on. Safety Risk: Rear fog lamps that do not turn on could decrease the vehicle’s visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software settings in the body controller.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Santa Ana, CAFire
ENGINE
My 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 High Roof caught fire suddenly and without warning. The vehicle was in its original condition and had not been modified in any way. The fire escalated quickly and resulted in a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. This incident raises serious safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11725258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NMFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A fire started in the engine compartment our our vehicle while driving home. I was unable to put out the fire and the entire van burned
NHTSA complaint #11524395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,925 milesPortage, PACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while an employee was moving the vehicle out of the garage into the parking lot, the employee shifted the vehicle into PARK with the engine running. The contact exited the vehicle and while walking to the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into REVERSE and started rolling backward almost pinning the employee up against the front wall of the garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was reversing at approximately 2 MPH. The vehicle rolled backward into the front wall of the garage. There was damage to the driver’s side door and front fender. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the issue was not a defect but an operator’s error. The failure mileage was approximately 50,925.
NHTSA complaint #11452051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,925 milesPortage, PACrash
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while an employee was moving the vehicle out of the garage into the parking lot, the employee shifted the vehicle into PARK with the engine running. The contact exited the vehicle and while walking to the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into REVERSE and started rolling backward almost pinning the employee up against the front wall of the garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was reversing at approximately 2 MPH. The vehicle rolled backward into the front wall of the garage. There was damage to the driver’s side door and front fender. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the issue was not a defect but an operator’s error. The failure mileage was approximately 50,925.
NHTSA complaint #11452051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,925 milesPortage, PACrash
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while an employee was moving the vehicle out of the garage into the parking lot, the employee shifted the vehicle into PARK with the engine running. The contact exited the vehicle and while walking to the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into REVERSE and started rolling backward almost pinning the employee up against the front wall of the garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was reversing at approximately 2 MPH. The vehicle rolled backward into the front wall of the garage. There was damage to the driver’s side door and front fender. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the issue was not a defect but an operator’s error. The failure mileage was approximately 50,925.
NHTSA complaint #11452051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,575 milesFair Lawn, NJCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it inadvertently rolled backward and crashed into a garage. The vehicle's rear doors were damaged. The dealer was aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment on January 25th, to replace the rear doors. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was available. The VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 13,575. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available. Repair was finished by on Feb 4, 2020. Consumer never received invoice from them, as it went thought insurance company.
NHTSA complaint #11447877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Florence, SC
POWER TRAIN
While taking off from a traffic light the rear end came apart on the inside of the differential. Has someone been in a dangerous area or remote areas like where I have to work it could have been a serious issue
NHTSA complaint #11744228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Ana, CAFire
ENGINE
My 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 High Roof caught fire suddenly and without warning. The vehicle was in its original condition and had not been modified in any way. The fire escalated quickly and resulted in a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. This incident raises serious safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11725258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesClover, SC
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s seat belt message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the seat belt buckle was faulty. The seat belt assembly was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (SEAT BELTS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11687809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesManchester, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose had detached and had lost power steering fluid. The vehicle was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that there were metal shavings found in the power steering pump. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be flushed and refilled. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the power steering pump. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When driving on a cold rainy day, I turned on defrost heat to clear my windscreen. No heat came out. AC, fans and zone select worked fine, but no heat. So I had to stop repeatedly on a narrow road to wipe windshield. After reviewing user forums, some pointed to a known problem with these Sprinter vans. Apparently the actuator servo motor that controls the heater flap can get stuck at limit positions and fail. This explains why my heater is stuck on cold. Also mentioned in forum, there is also a manufacturer software update that prevents this issue by keeping the actuator servo motor from moving to the very last position (cold or hot). This simple preventive fix was never offered to us during our warranty period. Some forum users went further with a modification to servo motor shaft - apparently this fixed the undesirable flexing on heater flap. Now that the servo motor has failed and I no longer have any heat, I do recognize that there were warning signs. I now recall there were occasional instances where my temperature select did not have any effect until I drove the temperature all the way up or down. I believe this was the servo motor getting stuck briefly but it became unstuck before it completely failed. I feel this can be a grave safety issue because of individual circumstance. Most times it may be an annoyance. But in certain conditions (as I experienced) it will be a significant impediment to driver visibility. It also exposed me to roadside risk when I stopped to wipe inside of windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11633974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
When driving on a cold rainy day, I turned on defrost heat to clear my windscreen. No heat came out. AC, fans and zone select worked fine, but no heat. So I had to stop repeatedly on a narrow road to wipe windshield. After reviewing user forums, some pointed to a known problem with these Sprinter vans. Apparently the actuator servo motor that controls the heater flap can get stuck at limit positions and fail. This explains why my heater is stuck on cold. Also mentioned in forum, there is also a manufacturer software update that prevents this issue by keeping the actuator servo motor from moving to the very last position (cold or hot). This simple preventive fix was never offered to us during our warranty period. Some forum users went further with a modification to servo motor shaft - apparently this fixed the undesirable flexing on heater flap. Now that the servo motor has failed and I no longer have any heat, I do recognize that there were warning signs. I now recall there were occasional instances where my temperature select did not have any effect until I drove the temperature all the way up or down. I believe this was the servo motor getting stuck briefly but it became unstuck before it completely failed. I feel this can be a grave safety issue because of individual circumstance. Most times it may be an annoyance. But in certain conditions (as I experienced) it will be a significant impediment to driver visibility. It also exposed me to roadside risk when I stopped to wipe inside of windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11633974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewater, CO
ENGINE
The engine seized at 37,500 miles. It is available for inspection. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. There has been no inspections by manufacturer or any other representative. There were no warning signs. Manufacturer offered no warranties.
NHTSA complaint #11627375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,149 milesRoyal Oak, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the message "Distance Assistance Currently Unavailable" was displayed. The contact also stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the cruise control was activated, but the option failed to appear on the screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,149.
NHTSA complaint #11613946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,149 milesRoyal Oak, MI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the message "Distance Assistance Currently Unavailable" was displayed. The contact also stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the cruise control was activated, but the option failed to appear on the screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,149.
NHTSA complaint #11613946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Depressing accelerator while in 'D'rive or 'R'everse does not increase RPM or power and vehicle does not move. While keeping the pedal pressed to the floor it will then slowly RPMs will increase and it will creep forward. It will rev. while in park or neutral.
NHTSA complaint #11600124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longmont, CO
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The Crosswind Assist feature of this van has caused near-accidents for me several times over the last few years, and especially last week while on vacation. It is a KNOWN problem with owners with no known recall as far as I am aware. It is an extremely abrupt maneuver that has pushed me halfway into the other lane during just moderate winds. I am a professional driver, having pulled double 45' tractor trailers and am very skilled in my driving. This crosswind assist feature is DANGEROUS, and I can barely retain control when it kicks in. It applies the brakes on the side that is getting pushed by the wind and tries to correct the steering all at the same time. It is way too abrupt. The tendency of the driver at that point may be to correct this as it is happening. If this was on icy roads the results would be catastrophic. It is hazardous even on dry roads. This is not a feature that Mercedes allows to be disabled. How can NHTSA allow this hazardous feature to not be included in a recall? I am scared for my safety and for that of my family. I have discussed this with the dealership with no affirmation that there is a problem. I am putting this in your hands with a Certified letter to go out to both your Executive Director Jack Danielson as well as Mercedes US CEO, Dimitris Psillakis requesting action for all Sprinter van owners that have this Crosswind Assist feature. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11597997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longmont, CO
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The Crosswind Assist feature of this van has caused near-accidents for me several times over the last few years, and especially last week while on vacation. It is a KNOWN problem with owners with no known recall as far as I am aware. It is an extremely abrupt maneuver that has pushed me halfway into the other lane during just moderate winds. I am a professional driver, having pulled double 45' tractor trailers and am very skilled in my driving. This crosswind assist feature is DANGEROUS, and I can barely retain control when it kicks in. It applies the brakes on the side that is getting pushed by the wind and tries to correct the steering all at the same time. It is way too abrupt. The tendency of the driver at that point may be to correct this as it is happening. If this was on icy roads the results would be catastrophic. It is hazardous even on dry roads. This is not a feature that Mercedes allows to be disabled. How can NHTSA allow this hazardous feature to not be included in a recall? I am scared for my safety and for that of my family. I have discussed this with the dealership with no affirmation that there is a problem. I am putting this in your hands with a Certified letter to go out to both your Executive Director Jack Danielson as well as Mercedes US CEO, Dimitris Psillakis requesting action for all Sprinter van owners that have this Crosswind Assist feature. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11597997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
SEAT BELTS
Front Left Malfunction Warning Light came on randomly one day. There was an airbag symbol that appeared on the dash as well. The vehicle has not been in any collisions. Mercedes USA says seatbelt components are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for 10 years, regardless of mileage. I called Mercedes USA and now they say it is not covered because we are past mileage limit and because we are past 3 years and don't have an extended warranty, they won't cover repair. Others have had this issue too listed on Sprinter-Forum where they have diagnosed it's from a cheap connector on the seats and unplugging the harness, adding dielectric grease, reset light, replace seatbelt solves the problem. This fix takes 30 minutes and they charge over $800 to repair. This seatbelt is original to the vehicle and if it's malfunctioning, this is a safety issue that should be addressed and covered for replacement or reimbursement if repairs have already been made. Some have noted that the shape of the seatbelt connector connection is causing this issue. Please keep me informed of progress with this. We will be paying $800 to fix this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11588842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
AIR BAGS
Front Left Malfunction Warning Light came on randomly one day. There was an airbag symbol that appeared on the dash as well. The vehicle has not been in any collisions. Mercedes USA says seatbelt components are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for 10 years, regardless of mileage. I called Mercedes USA and now they say it is not covered because we are past mileage limit and because we are past 3 years and don't have an extended warranty, they won't cover repair. Others have had this issue too listed on Sprinter-Forum where they have diagnosed it's from a cheap connector on the seats and unplugging the harness, adding dielectric grease, reset light, replace seatbelt solves the problem. This fix takes 30 minutes and they charge over $800 to repair. This seatbelt is original to the vehicle and if it's malfunctioning, this is a safety issue that should be addressed and covered for replacement or reimbursement if repairs have already been made. Some have noted that the shape of the seatbelt connector connection is causing this issue. Please keep me informed of progress with this. We will be paying $800 to fix this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11588842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesBradenton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the instrument panel failed to display properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was hazardous to drive and could be severely injured if the instrument panel failed to display warning features as needed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
TIRES
Tire size: 245/75 R16 LT 120/116Q Tire: Kumho Crugen HT51 I was driving on [XXX] and had only been driving about 30 minutes. I heard a sound and could see rubber from rear passenger side tire separating from the tire. I assumed I had a flat tire and immediately pulled over to the right shoulder of highway. When I stepped out I was surprised to see a lot of damage due to the tire tread separating and thrashing around on rear passenger side of vehicle. A small section of the rear corner bumper that included a small door panel to get to propane tank was completely gone. There was a jagged hole in another section of bumper as well. A small section of the body panel had been torn off and was laying by tire. Also, tire tread had damaged side of RV with black rubber markings and scratches. There are some small dents too. The tire was NOT flat, but the tread was almost entirely gone leaving the tire without any rubber tread. This is a 2020 Mercedes Benz Airstream Interstate 19. So this is an RV Camper Van. Had this been the front tire, I believe it would’ve resulted in an accident or injury. Vehicle & tires were inspected by Mercedes Dealership just last June 2023. I’m very concerned that the remaining tires will have the tire tread separate as well. These are the factory tires that were on my vehicle when purchased new. I purchased this vehicle with only 17,500 miles. Vehicle only has 27,473 miles on it now and has only been driven on streets or highways. Tires do NOT show any signs of cracking or dry rotting. I drive vehicle often for weekend trips. So it hasn’t set for any lengthy amount of time to cause damage to tires. I believe these tires are defective and that’s why the tread separated with tires only having about 27,500 miles on them. I believe these tires are rated for 70,000 miles. I’m hoping for an investigation into these tires as I strongly believe they are defective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11585870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Exhaust smells started coming through the air vents while driving, after the catalytic converter was changed. I discovered through my own inspection, that exhaust was leaking at the connection point between the catalytic converter and the turbocharger. The fumes were entering the airflow for the passenger cabin through the cabin air intake drain valve because it is in the engine compartment. I realized that this is pouring carbon monoxide into the cabin ventilation system.
NHTSA complaint #11584859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesStaten Island, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the stability crosswinds feature engaged in windy weather, the brakes independently activated without driver input, and the vehicle swerved and was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11581121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesStaten Island, NY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the stability crosswinds feature engaged in windy weather, the brakes independently activated without driver input, and the vehicle swerved and was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11581121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenmore, WA
POWER TRAIN
My EIS module rendered my vehicle inoperable and left me stranded in the winter and left me stranded 54 miles away from the closest repair shop. Only because this is a know issue (see below) AND I had cell phone service enough to research this problem AND I had an air compressor to blow the wet/corroded connector out AND I was lucky enough it worked was I not left in a potentially life threatening situation. The weather was below freezing and this situation could have ended up requiring rescue, or worse. The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect.
NHTSA complaint #11574286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The locking mechanism on the sliding door of our 2019 15-passenger Mercedes Sprinter seems to be defective at best, and at worst, may be a safety hazard. The hand-locking part has been broken twice during our less than three-year stint with this vehicle. Twice we’ve had the lock looked at when we’ve had the van serviced or in for repairs. Once it was put back together by our local Mercedes dealership. The second time, we were informed that we would need to pay over $300+ to repair the lock, even though the van is still under the three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and has approximately 12,000 miles on it. We were also told to not use the locking mechanism to lock/unlock the door from the inside, as it’s not really designed for such usage. And since it had been broken by such usage, repairs would not be covered under the warranty. Anyone looking at the locking mechanism would find it reasonable to think that the locking mechanism should be able to be used to unlock the door from the inside. Furthermore, the fact that the door cannot be easily unlocked from the inside provides a significant safety concern should passengers need to quickly exit the van for any reason. Finally, the ease of breaking the locking mechanism, without any unreasonable force used, is an insult to the Mercedes brand and certainly not up to par with the quality of the vehicle we thought we were purchasing. And we found it additionally disappointing for the dealership to then inform us that Mercedes would not honor these repairs under our bumper-to-bumper warranty period and to attempt to charge us for this diagnosis. Please investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11558131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Margate, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact purchased the vehicle with open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11525594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Margate, FL
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact purchased the vehicle with open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11525594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NMFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A fire started in the engine compartment our our vehicle while driving home. I was unable to put out the fire and the entire van burned
NHTSA complaint #11524395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesForney, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer determined that the rear driver's side brake caliper was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11512185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.