25 of the
480 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
are about the engine —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal metal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with pinion bearing failure and the LIMP Mode failure causing an Emissions issue. The rear axle, air charger GPS, turbo, and oil sensor were all replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened to discuss a buy-back offer for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,600.
NHTSA complaint #11747880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to shift to neutral and restart the vehicle. The failure reoccurred at approximately 40,000. The failure became more frequent and was recurring every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an inoperable air charger for the turbo charger. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to another dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead (9260 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) to be diagnosed and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened to discuss a buy-back offer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
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 FOLLOWING HAS BEEN SENT TO MERCEDES CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE All of the following has started happening since an exhaust recall was done by Mercedes. In September 2022, we were driving cross country to Denver Colorado and enough codes piled up in the background that we went into limp mode in the middle of 70 MPH highway traffic. This happened without warning and was an extreme safety concern. But I was lucky to be near an exit and already in the right lane. I reset these codes and finished going to Denver the next day. The two Sprinter dealers in Denver were backlogged several weeks; so we spent over $600 trying to troubleshoot the issues with Colorado Fleetworks, a qualified Sprinter specialist. He checked codes too; ran other diagnostics; replaced the fuel filter and air filter even though they had been done only 10,000 miles earlier; and performed a forced DPF regeneration. He also replaced the DPF pressure sensor. This work did not help change the daily multiple code problems. We had to reset them every day coming back from our trip. When we returned home we took it to the dealer. They confirmed the codes, reset them, and test drove it 25 miles. Since codes didn't return, they said, "There is nothing we can do if we don't witness active codes." I said, "How active do they have to be? I will have codes in the next 20 to 30 miles like I do every day I drive it." These never happened in the 6 years prior to the recall wok. Either the programming is confused, some of the new sensors are faulty, or something. A totally separate problem is the faulty factory crimps on the connector of the rail pressure sensor. This is a known defect; and we've had the exact same symptoms and code as noted in Xentry TSB MC-10135520-9999. The engine has actually cut off when turning into traffic a few times. This is an extreme safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11505086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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 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.
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START UP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,400.
NHTSA complaint #11416594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP CAN NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON TEH "ECALL" OR THE "BRAKE PEDAL BOLT" BOTH WHICH ARE LIFE THREATENING THEY DEALERSHIP ADVICED ME ON CONTACTING YOU?
NHTSA complaint #11416307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RAIN AND 3 MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON THE DASH: 1) ESP (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM) VISIT WORKSHOP, 2) ASR (ACCELERATION SLIP REGULATION) ICON VISIT WORKSHOP AND 3) ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) VISIT WORKSHOP. ALSO RECEIVED COLLISION AVOIDANCE ASSIST INOPERATIVE NOTIFICATION. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND ERRATIC GEAR SHIFTING RESULTING IN EXTREMELY UNSAFE OPERATION. LATER, MERCEDES SERVICE DETERMINED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM (SEE ATTACHED). DIAGNOSIS AND FIX WAS $473.99 PLUS TAX. THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SPRINTERS ESPECIALLY IF UPLIFTED TO RV. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN ONGOING NHTSA INVESTIGATION OF THIS PROBLEM. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THESE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THEIR EFFECT ON ESP, ASR, ABS AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE ASSIST CAUSING UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND ERRATIC GEAR SHIFTING WHICH RESULTS IN EXTREMELY UNSAFE OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #11375403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT APPROXIMATELY 11,600 VEHICLE MILES THE DEF WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON STATING THAT THERE WERE ONLY 10 REMAINING STARTS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE. PREVIOUS MESSAGE PRIOR TO THIS WAS TO CHECK THE DEF SYSTEM LEVEL. DEF HAD BEEN ADDED FOR THE PREVIOUS 2500 MILES EVERY 500 MILES TO MAINTAIN A FULL TANK. SINCE I WAS IN WYOMING THERE WERE NO MERCEDES DEALERS AVAILABLE TO TROUBLESHOOT THE WARNING MESSAGES. AFTER THE LIMITING START MESSAGE I CONTACTED THE NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UTAH FOR AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 260 MILES FROM THE TETONS IN WYOMING TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. THE REPAIR REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEF TANK AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS AT A COST OF $3,400.00. MERCEDES REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR DUE TO VEHICLE AGE FOR THE STATE( NC ) NOT COVERED IN EXTENDED EMISSIONS WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11354416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FOREST RIVER SOLERA RV TRAILERED TO A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WHERE, THE KNOCK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHENEVER ONE OF THE SPEED SENSORS ON THE WHEELS FAILED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SUN MOTOR CARS, INC LOCATED AT 6677 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,100.
NHTSA complaint #11352380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SPRINTER COMPLETELY LOST ELECTRICAL POWER, ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN PROPULSION. THE TACH AND SPEEDOMETER FROZE IN PLACE AT 2500 RPM AND 15MPH. 60 SECONDS PASSED AND THE DASH LIGHTS BLINKED AND THEN ALLOWED ME TO RESTART VEHICLE. IT WAS LIKE THE SYSTEM RE-BOOTED ITSELF. LUCKILY I WAS NOT AT SPEED OR IN A DRIVING LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAD JUST FILLED THE TANK WITH DIESEL, MY DEF WAS AT 80% FULL AND I WAS DEPARTING THE SERVICE STATION. I WAS ABLE TO START VEHICLE AND RETURN HOME, 10 MILES. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AT HOME THE STARTER MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND THE MB DEALERSHIP HAS HEARD THE SAME NOISE. CALLLED MERCEDES SPRINTER HOTLINE AND GOT THE SPRINTER TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *DT CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER FOR THE SERVICE CALL.
NHTSA complaint #11185622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.