Owners have filed 95 complaints
about the 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 12 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 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
87% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2128.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3648.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1317.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
22.7%
150,000+ miles
11.3%
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.
Jul 2016peak 13Oct 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
san Diego, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe getting hot, and nbeing related to the generator was recognized by the dealer. There were no warning lamps, warning stickers near the electronic start switch in the vehicle; no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The design foreseeably exposes owners to fire risk, given owners only recognize the exhaust from the rear side of the vehicle; assume if the engine is off no exhaust heats up enough to start a grass or other fire. But, the majority of owners like myself do not know of any other exhaust outside of the vehicle is present. The shocking 12 inch proximity from the ground; at the rear of a 25 ft vehicle typically parking in car spaces with an overhang of the rear behind the rear wheels or a curb is a ridiculous fire risk to all owners, and the surrounding community. This is a design flaw still inherent in that same vehicle today,
NHTSA complaint #11691967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Diego, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe getting hot, and nbeing related to the generator was recognized by the dealer. There were no warning lamps, warning stickers near the electronic start switch in the vehicle; no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The design foreseeably exposes owners to fire risk, given owners only recognize the exhaust from the rear side of the vehicle; assume if the engine is off no exhaust heats up enough to start a grass or other fire. But, the majority of owners like myself do not know of any other exhaust outside of the vehicle is present. The shocking 12 inch proximity from the ground; at the rear of a 25 ft vehicle typically parking in car spaces with an overhang of the rear behind the rear wheels or a curb is a ridiculous fire risk to all owners, and the surrounding community. This is a design flaw still inherent in that same vehicle today,
NHTSA complaint #11691967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMountain View, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that one of the wheels must have failed to patch the ground. The manufacturer advised the contact to turn the vehicle on and off three times using the ignition key for the warning lights to disappear. The contact stated that he did so and the warning lights and warning messages disappeared; however, they reappeared the next day. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and towing his Volkswagen vehicle, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. Then the transmission reengaged and disengaged causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The RV was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle speed sensors, knock sensors needed to be replaced, and the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) was completed. The contact also stated that the dealer cross-fired the speed sensors which caused the computer to not allow the vehicle to drive more than 35 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle leaned on his right side and crashed into a street sign. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, The warning lights reappeared and the vehicle leaned and hit the curb. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and offered the contract to trade the vehicle. The vehicl
NHTSA complaint #11445998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMountain View, ARCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that one of the wheels must have failed to patch the ground. The manufacturer advised the contact to turn the vehicle on and off three times using the ignition key for the warning lights to disappear. The contact stated that he did so and the warning lights and warning messages disappeared; however, they reappeared the next day. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and towing his Volkswagen vehicle, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. Then the transmission reengaged and disengaged causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The RV was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle speed sensors, knock sensors needed to be replaced, and the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) was completed. The contact also stated that the dealer cross-fired the speed sensors which caused the computer to not allow the vehicle to drive more than 35 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle leaned on his right side and crashed into a street sign. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, The warning lights reappeared and the vehicle leaned and hit the curb. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and offered the contract to trade the vehicle. The vehicl
NHTSA complaint #11445998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH A SCHOOL BUS TRAVELING NORTH AT 30 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED; HOWEVER, SEVERAL CHILDREN ON THE SCHOOL BUS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THREE STUDENTS SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE TO A LOCAL TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. *DT 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB *DT *TR *DT
NHTSA complaint #11258988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,500 milesSanta Clarita, CACrashFire2 injured
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SEND FIRE, SMOKE AND STEAM FROM THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT UNDER THE DASH BOARD AND OVER THE WIND SHIELD, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO STOP RUNNING AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL SENDING MY WIFE AND I DOWN A WINDING MOUNTAIN AND ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A NEAR FATAL CRASH INTO A MOUNTAIN RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THIS VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW WHEN PURCHASED BY US AND ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD WITH 4500 MILES (2325 MILES WERE PUT ON VEHICLE BY THE TRANSPORTER TO GET IT FROM FACTORY TO POINT OF SALE). *TR*DT*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11079855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
san Diego, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe getting hot, and nbeing related to the generator was recognized by the dealer. There were no warning lamps, warning stickers near the electronic start switch in the vehicle; no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The design foreseeably exposes owners to fire risk, given owners only recognize the exhaust from the rear side of the vehicle; assume if the engine is off no exhaust heats up enough to start a grass or other fire. But, the majority of owners like myself do not know of any other exhaust outside of the vehicle is present. The shocking 12 inch proximity from the ground; at the rear of a 25 ft vehicle typically parking in car spaces with an overhang of the rear behind the rear wheels or a curb is a ridiculous fire risk to all owners, and the surrounding community. This is a design flaw still inherent in that same vehicle today,
NHTSA complaint #11691967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Diego, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been reproduced of confirmed by dealer or independent service center, however the fact of such pipe getting hot, and nbeing related to the generator was recognized by the dealer. There were no warning lamps, warning stickers near the electronic start switch in the vehicle; no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The design foreseeably exposes owners to fire risk, given owners only recognize the exhaust from the rear side of the vehicle; assume if the engine is off no exhaust heats up enough to start a grass or other fire. But, the majority of owners like myself do not know of any other exhaust outside of the vehicle is present. The shocking 12 inch proximity from the ground; at the rear of a 25 ft vehicle typically parking in car spaces with an overhang of the rear behind the rear wheels or a curb is a ridiculous fire risk to all owners, and the surrounding community. This is a design flaw still inherent in that same vehicle today,
NHTSA complaint #11691967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TX
STEERING
Power steering return hose slipped off 1/2” and fluid leak. Has a recall, but not applicable to this vin. Although it appears to be effecting it? Secured line to best abilities.
NHTSA complaint #11624000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesHillside, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened, striking the windshield. The contact pulled to the side of the road and became aware that the latch screws had detached; however, the latch was still welded to the vehicle. The contact was able to clamp the hood down with a ratchet. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V665000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact was referred by the Insurance provider to Safelite Auto Glass to have the windshield replaced. However, due to the damage done to the roof of the vehicle, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11590347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMountain View, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that one of the wheels must have failed to patch the ground. The manufacturer advised the contact to turn the vehicle on and off three times using the ignition key for the warning lights to disappear. The contact stated that he did so and the warning lights and warning messages disappeared; however, they reappeared the next day. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and towing his Volkswagen vehicle, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. Then the transmission reengaged and disengaged causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The RV was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle speed sensors, knock sensors needed to be replaced, and the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) was completed. The contact also stated that the dealer cross-fired the speed sensors which caused the computer to not allow the vehicle to drive more than 35 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle leaned on his right side and crashed into a street sign. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, The warning lights reappeared and the vehicle leaned and hit the curb. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and offered the contract to trade the vehicle. The vehicl
NHTSA complaint #11445998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMountain View, ARCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that one of the wheels must have failed to patch the ground. The manufacturer advised the contact to turn the vehicle on and off three times using the ignition key for the warning lights to disappear. The contact stated that he did so and the warning lights and warning messages disappeared; however, they reappeared the next day. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and towing his Volkswagen vehicle, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. Then the transmission reengaged and disengaged causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The RV was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle speed sensors, knock sensors needed to be replaced, and the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) was completed. The contact also stated that the dealer cross-fired the speed sensors which caused the computer to not allow the vehicle to drive more than 35 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle leaned on his right side and crashed into a street sign. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, The warning lights reappeared and the vehicle leaned and hit the curb. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and offered the contract to trade the vehicle. The vehicl
NHTSA complaint #11445998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selden, NY
POWER TRAIN
trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one drive back of me they are not accept that much speed change they are in dangers scarr to drive truck be couse same one get git back of truck and can get kill
NHTSA complaint #11440985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selden, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one drive back of me they are not accept that much speed change they are in dangers scarr to drive truck be couse same one get git back of truck and can get kill
NHTSA complaint #11440985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selden, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one drive back of me they are not accept that much speed change they are in dangers scarr to drive truck be couse same one get git back of truck and can get kill
NHTSA complaint #11440985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part 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 notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11437198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The NHTSA law requires that the recall be done on a timely manner . Mercedes benz is not doing this . The wheel sensor recall is being not being done in a timely manner by Mercedes benz. They are typically making appointments 1 month to 3 months out to do a recall that takes 40 minutes to accomplish. .They are purposely endangering sprinter RV owners by their untimely repair schedule.
NHTSA complaint #11434169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,580 milesSante Fe, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at a slow speed, the vehicle independently accelerated with the ABS, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle and shut-off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Due to the parts for the repair not being available, the dealer decided to place a new, yet defective, speed sensor on the vehicle as a temporary repair and the contact drove the vehicle back home. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact had called three separate dealers and it was confirmed that the part would not be available until the fourth quarter of 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,580. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11425081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plantation, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF WILSONVILLE (25035 SW PARKWAY AVE, WILSONVILLE, OR 97070, 503-454-5000) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11403912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,300 milesHOT Springs, NC
POWER TRAIN
ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN OUR RV, A 25' LTV UNITY ON A MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS, SUDDENLY LURCHED AND FELT OUT OF CONTROL. THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE UNRESPONSIVE, AND I WAS PUMPING THE BREAKS, HARD! AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF STRUGGLING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AROUND A CURVEY DOWNHILL ROAD, CONTROL WAS RESTORED. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH THAT NO ACCIDENT RESULTED, BUT IT REALLY SHOOK ME! A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE (STILL UNDER WARRANTY) WAS LOADED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK AND HAULED 2 HOURS AWAY TO KNOXVILLE, TN; THE CLOSEST MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN SERVICE CENTER. THEY REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. I WAS TOLD THE OTHER SENSORS MIGHT ALSO FAIL, BUT THEY COULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHER RVERS WITH MERCEDES SPRINTER CHASSIS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. FOR US, THE VEHICLE NO LONGER FEELS SAFE TO TAKE ON THE ROAD SINCE WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE NEXT SENSOR WILL FAIL. (PS - I TRIED TO SUBMIT THIS FORM EARLIER, BUT ACCIDENTALLY SELECTED 'I DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE SAFETY RECALL ALERTS' - I DO WISH TO RECEIVE THOSE ALERTS.
NHTSA complaint #11394837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,300 milesHOT Springs, NC
WHEELS
ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN OUR RV, A 25' LTV UNITY ON A MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS, SUDDENLY LURCHED AND FELT OUT OF CONTROL. THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE UNRESPONSIVE, AND I WAS PUMPING THE BREAKS, HARD! AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF STRUGGLING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AROUND A CURVEY DOWNHILL ROAD, CONTROL WAS RESTORED. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH THAT NO ACCIDENT RESULTED, BUT IT REALLY SHOOK ME! A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE (STILL UNDER WARRANTY) WAS LOADED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK AND HAULED 2 HOURS AWAY TO KNOXVILLE, TN; THE CLOSEST MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN SERVICE CENTER. THEY REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. I WAS TOLD THE OTHER SENSORS MIGHT ALSO FAIL, BUT THEY COULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHER RVERS WITH MERCEDES SPRINTER CHASSIS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. FOR US, THE VEHICLE NO LONGER FEELS SAFE TO TAKE ON THE ROAD SINCE WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE NEXT SENSOR WILL FAIL. (PS - I TRIED TO SUBMIT THIS FORM EARLIER, BUT ACCIDENTALLY SELECTED 'I DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE SAFETY RECALL ALERTS' - I DO WISH TO RECEIVE THOSE ALERTS.
NHTSA complaint #11394837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaint Augustine, FL
POWER TRAIN
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS KEEP FAILING. I HAVE HAD EIGHT SENSORS FAIL IN THREE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY, SPEED SURGES, ABS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKING IS IMPAIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11390889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaint Augustine, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS KEEP FAILING. I HAVE HAD EIGHT SENSORS FAIL IN THREE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY, SPEED SURGES, ABS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKING IS IMPAIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11390889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaint Augustine, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS KEEP FAILING. I HAVE HAD EIGHT SENSORS FAIL IN THREE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY, SPEED SURGES, ABS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKING IS IMPAIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11390889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNaples, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FOR THE THIRD TIME THE ESP AND ABS SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE IS SHOWN, AT FIRST THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE INCREASES, IN THIS CASE FROM THE SET 60 MPH TO 70, AT WHICH POINT I SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL DOWN. FROM THEN ON FOR THE REST OF THE DAYS TRAVEL C.A.200 MILES AND FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP (450 MILES) CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. EACH TIME IT HAPPENS A MECHANIC VISIT IS NECESSARY. THE VEHICLE IS A WINNEBAGO NAVION
NHTSA complaint #11389262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPensacola, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I OWN AN RV ON A MERCEDES 3500 SPRINTER CHASIS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE RV TO SPEED UP RAPIDLY AND I HAVE TO TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. USUALLY, I SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ~43,000 MILES ON MY RV AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE AND MERCEDES HAS REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS 6 DIFFERENT TIMES. ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY A MERCEDES DEALER SERVICE CENTER. DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR CITY STREETS, WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY, RPMS SKYROCKET, THE DASHBOARD GETS THREE TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT COME ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I AM PICKING UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER TODAY AFTER JUST HAVING ANOTHER SENSOR FAILURE. I WAS DRIVING ON I-10 WHEN THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, RPMS WENT VERY HIGH. VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" DATE I'VE ENTERED IS FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE NUMEROUS TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11387156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPensacola, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I OWN AN RV ON A MERCEDES 3500 SPRINTER CHASIS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE RV TO SPEED UP RAPIDLY AND I HAVE TO TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. USUALLY, I SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ~43,000 MILES ON MY RV AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE AND MERCEDES HAS REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS 6 DIFFERENT TIMES. ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY A MERCEDES DEALER SERVICE CENTER. DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR CITY STREETS, WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY, RPMS SKYROCKET, THE DASHBOARD GETS THREE TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT COME ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I AM PICKING UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER TODAY AFTER JUST HAVING ANOTHER SENSOR FAILURE. I WAS DRIVING ON I-10 WHEN THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, RPMS WENT VERY HIGH. VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" DATE I'VE ENTERED IS FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE NUMEROUS TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11387156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPensacola, FL
ENGINE
I OWN AN RV ON A MERCEDES 3500 SPRINTER CHASIS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE RV TO SPEED UP RAPIDLY AND I HAVE TO TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. USUALLY, I SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ~43,000 MILES ON MY RV AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE AND MERCEDES HAS REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS 6 DIFFERENT TIMES. ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY A MERCEDES DEALER SERVICE CENTER. DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR CITY STREETS, WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY, RPMS SKYROCKET, THE DASHBOARD GETS THREE TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT COME ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I AM PICKING UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER TODAY AFTER JUST HAVING ANOTHER SENSOR FAILURE. I WAS DRIVING ON I-10 WHEN THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, RPMS WENT VERY HIGH. VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" DATE I'VE ENTERED IS FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE NUMEROUS TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11387156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,200 milesAmelia Island, FL
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING ON A DRY DAY, SMOOTH ROAD, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON 65MPH AT 7:45PM. THIS VEHICLE IS CONVERTED WITH A THOR 24HL CAMPER ON THE CHASSIS. FIVE HOURS INTO THE DAYS DRIVE THE VEHICLE FLASHED ASR/ESP TRIANGLE - AND JERKED ABRUPTLY BUT INSTANTANEOUSLY BUT REMAINED ON CRUISE CONTROL. 2 SECONDS LATER: ABS LIGHT ON, ASR/BAS LIGHT ON, ESP LIGHT ON CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED FUNCTIONING (FYI - A VERY HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPRING MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULT, FOR HOURS ON END, WITHOUT CRUISE WORKING - ESPECIALLY FOR THE OLDER DRIVERS LIKELY TO BE DRIVING THIS RIG.) PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SET FLASHERS, AND TURNED OFF ENGINE FOR ONE MIN HOPING TO RESET THE FAULT. TURNED BACK ON - NO CHANGE OFF THEN BACK ON AND THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE CAME ON STEADY ALONG WITH THREE PREVIOUS AUCTION LIGHTS (ABOVE) VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED (WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER) A PREVIOUS 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' AND IT WAS REPAIRED. . 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' APPEAR AT EPIDEMIC LEVELS ON THE TWO RV FACEBOOK GROUPS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE 5TH KEY TURN AFTER INITIAL FAULT AND FAILURE OF CRUISE CONTROL THE THREE LIGHTS WENT OUT BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. ON APPROXIMATELY THE TENTH KEY TURN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT. VEHICLE RETURNED FOR SERVICE AT MERCEDES DEALERSHIP 'UNDER WARRANTY'. MY ISSUE LAYS IN THE POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO ENTER INTO THE LIMP MODE IF ANOTHER CENSOR SHOWS A FAULT AND I'M ON THE ALASKA HIGHWAY 200 MILES FROM THE NEAREST POSSIBLE SERVICE. DEALER REFUSES TO SHARE TECH DATA CONCERNING RESET OF FAULT CONDITION OR A MERCEDES FIX FOR THIS NOW WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED VEHICLE SHORTCOMING. THIS ISSUE CAN AND WILL GET PEOPLE KILLED AS THEY 'LIMP' DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO GET SERVICED OR ARE FORCED TO PULL OVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO CHECK OUT WHAT MERCEDES SHOULD BE WARNING IS ALL ABOUT PROACTIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #11386418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,200 milesAmelia Island, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING ON A DRY DAY, SMOOTH ROAD, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON 65MPH AT 7:45PM. THIS VEHICLE IS CONVERTED WITH A THOR 24HL CAMPER ON THE CHASSIS. FIVE HOURS INTO THE DAYS DRIVE THE VEHICLE FLASHED ASR/ESP TRIANGLE - AND JERKED ABRUPTLY BUT INSTANTANEOUSLY BUT REMAINED ON CRUISE CONTROL. 2 SECONDS LATER: ABS LIGHT ON, ASR/BAS LIGHT ON, ESP LIGHT ON CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED FUNCTIONING (FYI - A VERY HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPRING MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULT, FOR HOURS ON END, WITHOUT CRUISE WORKING - ESPECIALLY FOR THE OLDER DRIVERS LIKELY TO BE DRIVING THIS RIG.) PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SET FLASHERS, AND TURNED OFF ENGINE FOR ONE MIN HOPING TO RESET THE FAULT. TURNED BACK ON - NO CHANGE OFF THEN BACK ON AND THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE CAME ON STEADY ALONG WITH THREE PREVIOUS AUCTION LIGHTS (ABOVE) VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED (WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER) A PREVIOUS 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' AND IT WAS REPAIRED. . 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' APPEAR AT EPIDEMIC LEVELS ON THE TWO RV FACEBOOK GROUPS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE 5TH KEY TURN AFTER INITIAL FAULT AND FAILURE OF CRUISE CONTROL THE THREE LIGHTS WENT OUT BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. ON APPROXIMATELY THE TENTH KEY TURN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT. VEHICLE RETURNED FOR SERVICE AT MERCEDES DEALERSHIP 'UNDER WARRANTY'. MY ISSUE LAYS IN THE POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO ENTER INTO THE LIMP MODE IF ANOTHER CENSOR SHOWS A FAULT AND I'M ON THE ALASKA HIGHWAY 200 MILES FROM THE NEAREST POSSIBLE SERVICE. DEALER REFUSES TO SHARE TECH DATA CONCERNING RESET OF FAULT CONDITION OR A MERCEDES FIX FOR THIS NOW WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED VEHICLE SHORTCOMING. THIS ISSUE CAN AND WILL GET PEOPLE KILLED AS THEY 'LIMP' DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO GET SERVICED OR ARE FORCED TO PULL OVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO CHECK OUT WHAT MERCEDES SHOULD BE WARNING IS ALL ABOUT PROACTIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #11386418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,200 milesAmelia Island, FL
ENGINE
DRIVING ON A DRY DAY, SMOOTH ROAD, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON 65MPH AT 7:45PM. THIS VEHICLE IS CONVERTED WITH A THOR 24HL CAMPER ON THE CHASSIS. FIVE HOURS INTO THE DAYS DRIVE THE VEHICLE FLASHED ASR/ESP TRIANGLE - AND JERKED ABRUPTLY BUT INSTANTANEOUSLY BUT REMAINED ON CRUISE CONTROL. 2 SECONDS LATER: ABS LIGHT ON, ASR/BAS LIGHT ON, ESP LIGHT ON CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED FUNCTIONING (FYI - A VERY HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPRING MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULT, FOR HOURS ON END, WITHOUT CRUISE WORKING - ESPECIALLY FOR THE OLDER DRIVERS LIKELY TO BE DRIVING THIS RIG.) PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SET FLASHERS, AND TURNED OFF ENGINE FOR ONE MIN HOPING TO RESET THE FAULT. TURNED BACK ON - NO CHANGE OFF THEN BACK ON AND THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE CAME ON STEADY ALONG WITH THREE PREVIOUS AUCTION LIGHTS (ABOVE) VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED (WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER) A PREVIOUS 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' AND IT WAS REPAIRED. . 'WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURE' APPEAR AT EPIDEMIC LEVELS ON THE TWO RV FACEBOOK GROUPS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE 5TH KEY TURN AFTER INITIAL FAULT AND FAILURE OF CRUISE CONTROL THE THREE LIGHTS WENT OUT BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. ON APPROXIMATELY THE TENTH KEY TURN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT. VEHICLE RETURNED FOR SERVICE AT MERCEDES DEALERSHIP 'UNDER WARRANTY'. MY ISSUE LAYS IN THE POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO ENTER INTO THE LIMP MODE IF ANOTHER CENSOR SHOWS A FAULT AND I'M ON THE ALASKA HIGHWAY 200 MILES FROM THE NEAREST POSSIBLE SERVICE. DEALER REFUSES TO SHARE TECH DATA CONCERNING RESET OF FAULT CONDITION OR A MERCEDES FIX FOR THIS NOW WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED VEHICLE SHORTCOMING. THIS ISSUE CAN AND WILL GET PEOPLE KILLED AS THEY 'LIMP' DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO GET SERVICED OR ARE FORCED TO PULL OVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO CHECK OUT WHAT MERCEDES SHOULD BE WARNING IS ALL ABOUT PROACTIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #11386418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.