55 of the 595 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 are about the transmission — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2020.
55
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
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.
POWER TRAIN
Subject: Transmission Failure Safety Complaint I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious transmission problem with my vehicle. While driving, the transmission suddenly failed, and the vehicle lost the ability to move properly. The car would not accelerate as expected and had difficulty. In some instances, the vehicle would not move forward or reverse. Warning indicators appeared, and the transmission Fault Stop began showing abnormal behavior such as delayed shifting, jerking, slipping, or sudden loss of power. This created a dangerous safety risk, especially while driving in traffic and at intersections. The vehicle has been maintained regularly, and this issue occurred unexpectedly. I believe this transmission defect may affect other vehicles of the same make and model and should be investigated for consumer safety. The dealership attributed the issue to wrong fuel, but I am concerned the actual issue involves transmission failure. I have a fuel purchase receipt showing the correct fuel was purchased before the incident. Despite this, the dealership suggested wrong fuel as the cause. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and appropriate action be taken. Vehicle Information: Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van 2500 Year: 2025 Mileage: 71599 VIN [XXX] Date of Incident:03/24/2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Description I am filing this complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a safety issue with my new Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. I purchased this vehicle brand new from Mercedes Benz Manhattan. From the first day of ownership, I began experiencing multiple serious problems with the van. The main issue is that exhaust smoke and/or crankcase gases enter the cabin while driving. In addition, the vehicle experiences strong vibrations and the transmission frequently kicks or shifts abruptly. On several occasions this issue has caused the engine to stall while driving. (Traffic light stop) These problems create a potentially dangerous situation and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership, Mercedes Benz Manhattan, has attempted to repair the vehicle many times, but the problems persist and have not been resolved. Because of the ongoing safety risks, I believe this issue should be investigated.
NHTSA complaint #11724480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I’ve had two issues with my sprinter van that were transmission shift module that left me stranded with no way to shift the car into neutral. I was blocking a fuel pump and couldn’t get the car into gear. The first time I was stuck in a parking lot with the same issue. I can’t believe no one else had this issue. The screen message said “Service required do not shift gears” I purchased the van new in 2020. It only has 17000 miles on it. The dealerships Mercedes Benz in Sioux Falls and Mercedes Benz in Rochester Minnesota repaired the van.
NHTSA complaint #11686750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Vehicle shifts into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence, could roll over passengers. Component of concern: Electronic "Wiper" stalk shifter is easily shifted into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence. Problem encountered several times in our 2021 Mercedes Sprinter- the stalk shifter is located directly in front of the "START/STOP" ignition button. To start the vehicle, you must: 1) Press and hold the brake 2) Reach under the shifter and press the "START/STOP" button The problem is pressing the brake is also the "safety interlock" for shifting out of PARK. The breakout force on the shifter stalk is VERY LOW, causing it to be inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL during a normal start sequence. This is a safety concern, because often we will start the vehicle, and then exit the drivers seat to load passengers (small children and/or wheelchair users). The vehicle does not give any indication (no physical movement of the shifter) of shifting out of park- other than white letter on mid-dash indicator going from "P" to "N". The vehicle could easily be shifted into NEUTRAL and run over passengers during the loading operations.
NHTSA complaint #11683080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
repeated EGR clogging and malfunction: bucking or stumbling behavior, inability to accelerate properly, disabled shifting affecting ability to slow or stop without excessive use of brakes, Limp Home Mode suddenly without warning including inability to maintain a safe speed on highway and speed minimums that the vehicle cannot keep up (20 mph max while climbing moderately), unable to downshift when going downhill - relying solely on braking to keep speed below safe limit or speed limits. EGR failed again after cleaning, in as little as 3 months. No repair seems possible, only repeated cleanings. Since this happened so much, we have been in several unsafe situations due to the sudden and unheralded degradation of performance and safe use of the vehicle. Once repaired, the condition can come back immediately due to the computer still guessing that it is still in failure (limp home mode returned suddenly without warning as we merged onto an interstate with no exit for 7 miles uphill… and only made 20mph). Check Engine light could come on, and did, but never during the actual degradation of performance - and went often after a few run cycles. Mercedes dealers have confirmed and performed all services on the EGR and related issues (malfunction once caused the aircleaner element to be sucked in and that caused a MAF to be destroyed by contaminants): 1) first signs of issue before 43,000 miles (when check engine light and/or LHM happened -repaired 18sep2023, 51,871 miles, MB service code: LI14.20-N-073867); 2) 26 DEC 2023 - EGR failure diagnosed and replaced by MB dealer. Cleaning had not fixed the issue or failure was final as found by driving by technician and not by codes! 3) 09/jul/2024 - MAF replaced, EGR codes noted - but functioning, fix by MB/Canada 4) 07/24/2024 - 70,547 miles - EGR Clean by MB Missoula MT - failed upon highway same day 5) 07/25/2025 - 70,600 miles - MB Missoula MT cleared computer 6) 88,340 MB cleaned EGR - runs ok again
NHTSA complaint #11674336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
While driving the vehicle, 4x4 and low range would engage on its own. It would cause the transfer case to grind, clunk, and lock up. This happened while the vehicle was in motion and could have easily sent the vehicle out of control. Some warning lights appeared on the dash. I took it into the dealership, they diagnosed it as a glitch in the transfer case actuator software. They updated the software and declined my warranty claim since the powertrain warranty did not cover software updates. I had to pay out of pocket for this fix. The issue is common to this model.
NHTSA complaint #11654889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Since date of purchase, May 2022, the electrical components have not worked properly. The solar panels have never worked, the second alternator used to only charge while driving intermittently now it doesn't work at all, and plugging into shore power sometimes melts the cord. The chassis battery frequently drains requiring constant starting or a jump. It has been replaced four times. The cabin lights continue to flicker when turned on. I sought help from the dealer just weeks after purchasing the van. Due to parts and labor shortages, it wouldn't be for 5 months that they could work on the vehicle. Which they did on and off for five months before sending me from Oregon to Alabama to have the manufacturer work on it. They sent me 2300 miles to fix a brand new vehicle that they sold me. After having been to over 15 Mercedes dealers, towed to many, and to the Tiffin manufacturer (and when it turned out not to be fixed. I took it right back but then when it still wasn't fixed. I sought help from Mercedes.), the van is still not fixed and I am often without power.
NHTSA complaint #11632275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
My front driveshaft is backing out of both the front differential and the transfer case. This could detach, and potentially take out fuel, brake, and electrical lines (poss. incl. Electric Steering). And cause full loss of drive power. MBZ reportedly has an internal TSB but has not issued a recall. There are MANY similar reports at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experiences complete loss of power (dead peddle) in 2 situation. both of which happen completely randomly. 1. From the start at zero miles per hour. In this situation you will start to move and then there is no power no matter how hard you press the peddle. This is very dangerous when turning into traffic. The vehicle has completely stopped running the risk of T bone collision. 2. There is also "dead peddle" while driving on the highway. The problem happens quite often. There have been situations where I have slowed from 60mph down to 20mph forcing me to pull off the road before the vehicle has regained power again.
NHTSA complaint #11626585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Noticed the driveshaft to my front differential is very close to falling out. Also rusting & flinging grease everywhere as it pulls out of its seating. This is an issue other owners have seen, with severe consequences when the driveshaft becomes complete unseated including sudden severe vibrations, loss of drive power, and potentially damaging steering components, brake lines/components, and electrical harnesses.
NHTSA complaint #11588123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The front driveshaft for the vehicle referenced has a safety design flaw that makes it too short. There is a risk of the front driveshaft separating from the front differential splines completely and wrecking havoc to the vehicles essential driving components like steering rack, wiring harness, and potentially causing an accident. Mercedes Benz has increased wait times at their shops and are currently 5-6 weeks out to even look at the vehicles issue. Currently my vehicle is experiencing major vibrations due to the front driveshaft barely hanging on to the front differential splines as the manufactures design is not robust enough for simply driving on the road and allows the front driveshaft to simply slip off what is designed to retain the shaft to the front differential. Before every drive I have to push the drive shaft further onto the splines and am hoping it doesn't fully come off while driving. This issue began around 6k miles and now have 12k miles on the vehicle. Just now finding the main cause of the issue when discussing with other owners. MB needs to do something about this ASAP. As of right now MB has no solution.
NHTSA complaint #11579218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The drive shaft to front differential (part # A9070410-09-00) in MY23 and MY24 Sprinter AWD has structural flaw in the sense that: (1) it is so short that the shaft can easily fall off during normal road conditions. (2) the clip and O-ring to secure the A9070410-09-00 is not strong enough to handle the normal stress of this driver shaft. If A9070410-09-00 falls off, severe vibration occurs and the Sprinter can only drive 2mile/hour or even stop functioning. There is a good chance that the driver can get stuck in the middle of nowhere without the reach to any help. This is a SERIOUS design failure and needs to have a recall and permanent fix ASAP! For more information, pls refer to this Youtube video by [XXX]: [XXX] My brand-new van only has 2600 miles on it and there is no offroad at all. The front drive shaft is almost completely falling off and it sits in a MB dealer for repair now. Pls address this serious safety risk ASAP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
POWER TRAIN
At 3,000 miles, my 2023 Van (purchased new) developed significant reduction in power and acceleration. The transmission also shifts incorrectly (too late, resulting in higher then normal RPM's) and then abruptly downshifts upon stopping. When going uphill, the van obtains a max speed of about 35-40MPH, forcing me to travel on the local Interstates on the shoulder with my hazards flashing so other vehicles know to pass me. Van was left at Mercedes Dealership for 1 month. Van was not repaired, no plan or remedy was communicated. Van has only been inspected by the dealership where it was purchased. A check engine light came on about 1 week after van lost power.
NHTSA complaint #11563046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
At 3,000 miles, my 2023 Van (purchased new) developed significant reduction in power and acceleration. The transmission also shifts incorrectly (too late, resulting in higher then normal RPM's) and then abruptly downshifts upon stopping. When going uphill, the van obtains a max speed of about 35-40MPH, forcing me to travel on the local Interstates on the shoulder with my hazards flashing so other vehicles know to pass me. Van was left at Mercedes Dealership for 1 month. Van was not repaired, no plan or remedy was communicated. Van has only been inspected by the dealership where it was purchased. A check engine light came on about 1 week after van lost power.
NHTSA complaint #11563046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
At least 5 occurneces, all at elevations above 7000' and in moderately warm weather. After normal engine start, put vehicle in reverse, able to roll out of parking spot, but throttle completely unaffected by accelerator position. Leaving vehicle in a dangerous position. Putting back in park, vehicle can rev to 5000RPM, but back in R or D, no throttle response. Eninge OFF/ON several times seems to clear the issue which appears to be software related. No indications or faults were given on the dashboard. The situation is potentially life threatening, and has been reported on multiple occasions on Sprinter Online forums. This needs a recall and fix.
NHTSA complaint #11550018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
After starting engine and putting transmission into drive, vehicle does not respond to throttle and will not move forward. If I put the transmission into neutral or park, the engine will respond to throttle input. Vehicle may respond to throttle when in reverse. This is an intermittent problem that seems to occur at higher altitudes than our home base of near sea level. The issue has occurred at 4,000 to 12,000 feet elevations. Sometimes the check engine light has come on during these events, but the check engine light clears by the time returning home. When taking the vehicle to Mercedes Van Service to have it checked, no diagnostics data can be found and they cannot reproduce the issue. This issue has occurred numerous times has has been to the Mercedes Van Service Center 4 or 5 times already for the issue. The last event occurred on 10/10/2023. The vehicle eventually behaves normally after several start attempts but makes it very difficult and potentially hazardous when attempting to leave remote campsites. When issue occurs, you don’t know when it will decide to behave normally or if you’ll need to call for emergency assistance via our Garmin satellite handheld unit because of being in a no cellphone service area.
NHTSA complaint #11549365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (Power Train) 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 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 #11524851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
None responsive throttle, driving on highway and engine loses power and loses all throttle response causing rapid slowing to traffic behind the vehicle. No warning lamps and CEL’s. Problem occurs at random times with no CEL or warning.
NHTSA complaint #11519989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.