41 of the
480 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
are about the electrical system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
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.
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.
I am filing a formal complaint against Lazydays RV (Tampa, FL) for repeat violations of NHTSA safety standards and probable violation of their 2022 Consent Agreement and Compliance Monitoring Order. In May 2024, I purchased a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter RV from Lazydays. The vehicle was sold as “new” and delivered to South Carolina. Upon delivery, I discovered it had been stripped of OEM parts and tampered with prior to shipment, including a non-OEM “Tampa Bay Battery” substituted for the factory-installed Mercedes-Benz battery. That non-compliant battery failed in May 2025, leaving us stranded and requiring an emergency replacement. Lazydays also failed to register the manufacturer’s warranty with MBUSA for nearly one year, preventing factory coverage during that time. I later obtained confirmation from the RV manufacturer (Thor Motor Coach) that the vehicle was missing several required OEM components (bike rack, ladder, seat and door covers), and they were forced to replace these at their own cost — not Lazydays’. The dealership also collected $1,600 in SC registration/title fees, then failed to perform the service or refund the charge. This case reflects a pattern of deceptive delivery, false documentation, and equipment tampering, all of which directly impact vehicle safety, warranty integrity, and federal compliance. Lazydays’ behavior is consistent with violations described in their 2022 NHTSA Consent Order. I am formally requesting NHTSA investigate this matter as a repeat offense under active probation and compliance oversight. Please initiate a formal compliance review of Lazydays RV under its existing NHTSA oversight. This is no longer a single instance — it is a persistent pattern of regulatory violations that impact consumer safety and vehicle compliance.
NHTSA complaint #11674564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were driving on Rt. 32 north of Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia. Suddenly the dashboard display began flickering on and off, displaying numerous multiple warning errors and alarms, and the windshield wipers began working and would not shut off. Turn signals would not function. Warning messages included instructions not to shift gears, lane keeping assist and automatic braking disabled, "Steering Malfunction", and many other errors. We have a partial video showing part on the incident. Dealer found evidence of corrosion on the Electronic Ignition System module, and sticking ignition on/off switch, which was indicated as the cause of the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11624745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I did spend lots from my pocket to maintain this vehicle.I parked my vehicle for few days in my driveway.i try to start my vehicle once I get back from break.It won’t started.I even changed the new battery but I couldn’t be able to start.I towed to the dealership yesterday.Not sure what is the problem
NHTSA complaint #11567269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test showed that the wires in the front driver’s side seat belt buckle were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 49,587.
NHTSA complaint #11506458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V360000 (Electrical System, Communication) 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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11483702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V360000 (Electrical System, Communication) 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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11483702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.
NHTSA complaint #11466047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.
NHTSA complaint #11466047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Midwest Automotive Passage MD4 RV built on the chassis of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control and Forward Collision Avoidance would not activate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the recalls but informed the contact that appointments were not available until March 2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125.
NHTSA complaint #11442279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.