46 of the
595 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500
are about the steering —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
NHTSA complaint #11744838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
NHTSA complaint #11728470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of an electrical burning odor. Upon touching the steering wheel, the steering wheel was extremely hot. After the vehicle was driven, the steering wheel gradually cooled down. The owner expressed concerns that the air bag might inadvertently deploy due to the heat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Power steering hose is too short from factory, mine came loose while driving and I lost power steering assist unexpectedly. In checking forums, this is an EXTREMELY common problem and has existed since at least 2018 - mine is a 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11710729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11667211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11667211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle is activating “crosswind assist” and applying the brakes automatically, unilaterally, and abruptly while traveling at speeds over 40 mph on the highway, even when conditions are NOT windy. It seems that the sensor is overactive in detecting wind. I have taken it to the Mercedes dealer and they have stated they found no problems with the ESP sensors and state that the vehicle is responding to perceived wind conditions/instability normally and as it should. However, this was NOT like this for the first two years I drove the vehicle. It is DANGEROUS and not normal and the unilateral application of the brakes while I’m going 60 or 70 miles an hour on the highway forces my vehicle out of the lane and into parallel traffic lanes! The unilateral braking is sometimes so severe that my vehicle fishtails and feels like it is going to roll over into an adjacent lane or off the highway. This is going to cause a major accident to me and fellow drivers. Since the problem started six months ago and has steadily worsened, I have been advised to upgrade the suspension and install an “swaybar” and also to change the tires to make the vehicle more stable. I have done both. Neither has helped at all. I don’t know what to do or where to take it. It seems like deactivating the crosswind assist would be helpful in determining if the sensors are too sensitive or defective and whether it drives safely without them. But there is no way to deactivate that system. I have owned my vehicle for three years and for the first 2 1/2 years it drove perfectly, without this issue ever happening. My vehicle has not been in any collision and has had no damage, so I do not know where this came from. It seems like an electrical or sensor issue that has arised and neither a sprinter specialist mechanic nor the Mercedes-Benz dealership with a sprinter technician have been able to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it. This is URGENT and I need help or there will be a catastrophe.
NHTSA complaint #11646502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The line for the automatic steering fluid blew. This was "repaired" Mercedes Benz during a recall but the repaired clamp did not hold. We lost the ability to steer the van easily which is dangerous to other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by the repair shop that we took it to. We did not have a warning light prior to the incident. It was instant, we lost all of the power steering fluid and instantly lost power steering.
NHTSA complaint #11598099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My issue is only the crosswind assist. We purchased this van new, it has 3000miles of use not driving to the dealership and back. We cannot drive this van on the freeway and due to this "safety" feature nobody but myself will get behind the wheel fearful of crashing when this turns on at 100% random times. Infact it went off 23times in an 18mile stretch the last time I drove it. I've contacted the customer service line 4 times. Nobody there has been any help and twice I've been hung up on. I've had it to the dealership 4 times for a total of 5 weeks. Finally the last time I refused to leave unless the test drove it. Which they did and lo and behold the tech walked in absolutely pissed because he just about got rear ended by a semi due to the crosswind assist. So, your own employees have experienced this and cannot fix it. I'm beyond irritated. 65,000$ service van I have paid on for a year, ins, custom racks, shelving, decals. Mercedes sold me on reliability and service. I own a van that will eventually hurt somebody. I am currently drafting legal docs to move this forward with the help of your own employees testimony. I'm done wasting my time Your vans are a death trap
NHTSA complaint #11591184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The “Cross Wind Assist” my vehicle came equipped from the factory with has nearly caused me to have a serious accident due directly to -totally - distracting me when driving the speed limit on a major highway. The “Cross Wind Assist” activates with no notice to the driver and indiscriminately applies the brakes with out any warning and momentarily causes loss of steering control as the vehicle overcorrects to compensate for detected crosswinds. The majority of the time this happens when passing or being passed by large fast moving tractor trailers. I am not the only one with this complaint as noted on this forum stream: [XXX] I firmly believe this will cause me, or other drivers of Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans - to wreck and potentially harm innocent drivers around me when the “Cross Wind Assist” is activated with no notice to me as I am driving by overcorrecting while fighting the aggressive automatic “cross wind assist”. The “Cross Wind Assist” is NOT driver selectable, i.e., the driver cannot turn this feature off. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11548553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The crosswind assist on my vehicle causes me to momentarily loose control of my Sprinter. When passing a tractor-trailer or when I experience any crosswind, the result is a forceful jerking of the vehicle so severe that I almost crashed into the tractor-trailer. I have researched this and found no way to turn this off or any way to make this less reactive. I have also found online others who are experiencing this same problem. Mercedes does not respond to my inquiries, saying that this is standard and no way to regulate the severity of the response. Please help me to get this resolved BEFORE I become a statistic. Thank you!
NHTSA complaint #11548698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11526686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, he noticed fluid dripping from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the power steering hose was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V663000 (Steering) The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11514446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello and happy holidays! NHTSA RECALL 21V241000 or DVUSA NV3LETULPX This recall is marked completed by a dealer MB of Nanuet (99 NY-304, Nanuet, NY 10954 ) or MB of Paramus (755 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652) Today I discovered my power steering liquid reservoir is dry empty, I couldn’t believe myself and poke chopstick inside to see it dry. I looked down at the hoses and one of them was off the position where it must sit. I reached by hand I find this hose oiled on the bottom and completely loose (I can pull it out by hand, while it secured by clamp). What surprised me even more, I found second “fix solution” clamp mounted by someone not qualified to work as MB Technician.
NHTSA complaint #11498808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Serpentine belt shredded, cooling fan separated from clutch, pulley screws missing and pulley completely freed from mount and loss of power steering. This seems very similar to previous recall which my vehicle was supposedly not impacted by. Losing power steering in a large vehicle like this is extremely dangerous. Loose components in engine bay has potential to cause more problems. Fan and pulley completely free to come off and fly around bay. This problem has been seen by 10+ Revel owners in the last few weeks. This topic is being openly discussed on public forums and social media. It is currently sitting at MB of Littleton in Littleton, CO and has yet to be inspected. There were no warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11485848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I brought my 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van in for a campaign recall for the power steering hoses and clamps. The dealership said they made the repairs as necessary and sent me on my way. A few weeks later the power steering hoses blew while driving and almost caused an accident. I was stuck on the side of the road and lost all steering capabilities. Come to find out the dealership lied and never made the repairs as necessary as far as replacing the faulty clamps. After getting the vehicle towed back to the dealership they replace the clamps with cheap hardware store clamps and I have had problems with my power steering ever Since then. I’ve taken my vehicle back multiple times for them to make the repairs and they replace the power steering pump once with a remanufactured one unfortunately I continue to have power steering issues. This is all due to the faulty hose clamps on the power steering unit for the 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van. If they would’ve replace the hoses with longer hoses and the proper fittings this would’ve all been prevented and could potentially prevent a serious accident while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11435232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my vehicle in for a recall on power steering hose 12/20. They said it was fixed. Last week I was driving down a 9000 foot mountain with my family when the power steering hose disconnected and I lost power steering while coming down an 8% grade. We almost went over the edge but luckily I was able to engage my brake fast enough to stop us just before the guard rail. We nearly died. This recall was supposedly fixed and it wasn't. I contacted the MB dealer where I bought the van and was given a non-reassuring answer that they'll take a look at it but no real concrete reasoning as to why this happened even after having it fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11431125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOUGHT VEHICLE 26 SEP 20 FROM GENERAL RV IN DRAPER, UTAH I WAS INFORMED OF THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 2ND ALTERNATOR RECALL NUMBER 162 HAD TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE I DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT. SO, I WAS TOLD [PER MANAGER MIKE MALLORY] IT WAS COMPLETED ON OCTOBER 10TH AND THUS DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ON OCTOBER 22ND, 2020. FAST FORWARD FOUR MONTHS TO FEB 2021 AS STARTED TO NOTICE A GOD-AWFUL SQUEALING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHAT TEMPERATURES AND IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE UP UNTIL APRIL NOW. ON 8 APRIL 21 WHILE AT A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UT I WAS TOLD THE SECONDARY ALTERNATOR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE ONE AND ONLY SERPENTINE BELT HAD EXCESSIVE WEAR, PLUS THE ISSUE WAS NOT A MERCEDES-BENZ WARRANTY ISSUE,, BUT RATHER A AN UP-FITTER (WINNEBAGO) PROBLEM PER MECHANIC TREVOR AND SERVICE REP ALEX! SO, ON 9 APR 21 I CONTACTED GENERAL RV AGAIN & SAID WHAT THE MERCEDES DEALER TOLD ME AND ON THE 22ND OF APRIL I PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE ALTERNATOR ISSUE, SO THEY (PAUL DELUCA LEAD SVC REP) ORDERED THE RECALL KIT #162 FROM WB. HOWEVER, HERE'S THE REAL KICK IN THE FACE AKA COMPLAINT... WHY WOULD THEY NEED TO ORDER ANOTHER RECALL KIT WHEN THEY TOLD ME THEY STALLED IT IN OCTOBER 2020 BEFORE I COULD EVEN DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT? THEREFORE, GENERAL RV FLAT OUT LIED TO ME WHICH IS UNBELIEVABLE AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE ESPECIALLY WITH THE SEVERITY OF A SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE AT SPEED EQUALS LOSS OF STEERING AND CRASH AND/OR DEATH NO TO MENTION TOTALLED VEHICLE! SECOND ISSUE/COMPLAINT IS MY ACTIVE BRAKE AND DISTANCE SENSOR BEHIND THE GRILL HAS BEEN RANDOMLY FAILING ESPECIALLY AT THE WORST TIMES I.E. LONG ROAD TRIPS! SO, THIS RENDERS THE CRUISE CONTROL & SMART BRAKING INOPERABLE WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE ON A NEW VEHICLE WITH ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON IT. SO, I HAVE BEEN TO THE SAME MB DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UT 3NOR 4 TIMES TO FINALLY FIX IT, BUT NO FIX!!
NHTSA complaint #11414506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.