Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 60
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
94% 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 3500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
613.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 2,000 mi
Electrical System
613.0%
Median failure at 14,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
613.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,485 mi
Engine & Cooling
510.9%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 59,500 mi
Other & Unspecified
48.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Seat Belts
36.5%
Median failure at 14,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
36.5%
Median failure at 7,814 miles
Body & Structure
36.5%
Median failure at 9,100 miles
Airbags
36.5%
Median failure at 5,628 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
24.3%
Stability & Traction Control
12.2%
Median failure at 2,400 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.2%
Median failure at 9,100 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
12.2%
Suspension
12.2%
Median failure at 6,200 miles
Steering
12.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
950.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
844.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.6%
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.
Feb 2019peak 8Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 21,000 milesYorba Linda, CAFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and six passengers in the rear seats, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming out of the hood and inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Both the contact and his wife exited the vehicle. The contact stated while he was contacting road side assistance, his wife noticed smoke and flame coming out of the front passenger's side Whewell of the vehicle. All the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire restarted and increased significantly. The contact stated that the fire burned the front end of the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The van rolled even though it was in park. the first time it hit multiple cars when it rolled. We took it to Mercedes but they insisted nothing was wrong with the van. Issue happened multiple times and each time Mercedes claimed nothing was wrong. Finally one day it just rolled back and turned over and was destroyed
NHTSA complaint #11436959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
NHTSA complaint #11428219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
NHTSA complaint #11428219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
NHTSA complaint #11428219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,400 milesLowell, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was inspecting under the hood of the vehicle. The grommets under the hood detached and the hood fell and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained bruising on the right arm which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,400.
NHTSA complaint #11420107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lansing, IL
AIR BAGS
Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11749207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, IL
STEERING
Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11749207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11749207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Oaks, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, I recently took the vehicle to the official Mercedes Benz dealership for recalls and they have completed all of them , Also have proof of correction document I can send it over, please update the system Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11690596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCanton, MA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under recall, and the contact was informed that the knock sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,100 milesRiverside, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.
NHTSA complaint #11586577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,100 milesRiverside, CA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.
NHTSA complaint #11586577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Post Falls, ID
ENGINE
At high elevations, at some times soon after a cold start the throttle becomes completely unresponsive. This is not a low power issue due to altitude--even putting the throttle pedal to the floor, the RPMs remain at idle and do not move at all. After I power down and restart, it worked briefly and then again became unresponsive. Once the engine is warm, the problem has not appeared. This put me in an unsafe situation on two occasions: 1) Pulling out of a parking lot onto a 2 lane snow covered highway, the throttle became completely unresponsive while I was sitting across both lanes of traffic, leaving me exposed to a collision. I had to shut off and restart the engine to get moving. Elevation 10,700 feet. 2) In a parking lot, moving to get out of the way of a snowplow. I had to restart the vehicle 5 times before I was able to get out of the snowplow's way. Elevation 9,700.
NHTSA complaint #11572799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewood, NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
NHTSA complaint #11566221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewood, NM
SERVICE BRAKES
Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
NHTSA complaint #11566221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewood, NM
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
NHTSA complaint #11566221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesDelavan, WI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11536565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesDelavan, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11536565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
POWER TRAIN
After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.
NHTSA complaint #11480168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
ENGINE
After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.
NHTSA complaint #11480168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.
NHTSA complaint #11480168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EIS controle module failed and Sprinter won't restart. Happened on the freeway when I was driving
NHTSA complaint #11465861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesYorba Linda, CAFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and six passengers in the rear seats, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming out of the hood and inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Both the contact and his wife exited the vehicle. The contact stated while he was contacting road side assistance, his wife noticed smoke and flame coming out of the front passenger's side Whewell of the vehicle. All the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire restarted and increased significantly. The contact stated that the fire burned the front end of the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Happy Valley, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The powertrain controller and the ignition switch module found to have water corrosion, due to moisture dripping from window condensation. This is a well-known and documented engineering/design flaw of 2019 and newer Sprinters, with the newer electronics located where they are highly susceptible to water damage from window condensation. This results in a sudden "kill" leaving passengers suddenly, unexpectedly, and without prior warning stranded, creating a serious safety issue. Possibly becoming stranded suddenly, without warning in an extreme cold or hot outdoor temperature, and in areas without cell phone reception is a serious safety concern. A tow is necessary to an authorized Mercedes Service Center. Our safety has unknowingly been put at risk, had this happened in an area of no cell reception and adverse weather conditions. Though well documented and known by Mercedes (Sprinter Source.com and Service Departments) this issue has not been escalated to a Recall level. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. We have since learned that this issue is not a matter of 'if it happens' but WHEN it will occur. Yet, warranty coverage is not available until until one becomes suddenly stuck and stranded with an inoperative Sprinter. Yes--this should be a Recall! Wilsonville, Oregon Mercedes Service Center says the above condition is well-known, and Mercedes has recommended a fix with a Mercedes plastic bag covering and a relocation of vulnerable electronics. Our corroded electronics were inspected and confirmed by above Wilsonville Service, and our Sprinter is currently awaiting parts for replacement, all under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11442307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The van rolled even though it was in park. the first time it hit multiple cars when it rolled. We took it to Mercedes but they insisted nothing was wrong with the van. Issue happened multiple times and each time Mercedes claimed nothing was wrong. Finally one day it just rolled back and turned over and was destroyed
NHTSA complaint #11436959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinckley, OH
POWER TRAIN
Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module 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 #11434117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinckley, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module 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 #11434117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module 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 #11434117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
POWER TRAIN
Driver reported that vehicle started rolling while the vehicle was in Park. The parking brake was engaged. Driver was able to stop the vehicle by physically keeping their foot on the brake. Vehicle sent to dealer. Dealer confirmed issue and repaired. Repair details and video of issue available. Other related issues have been identified on other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11428216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
NHTSA complaint #11428219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.