Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 other reported problems
28 of the
480 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
are about the other systems —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
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.
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.
We purchased a new 2025 Jayco Melbourne and afterwards discovered the MBZ 3500 Chassis was a 2024.(6/19/2024) A 2025 MBZ 3500 chassis has a TPMS -factory installed system; 2024 no TPMS. I started to install an aftermarket TPMS and noted the tire valve stems were rubber. I couldn’t install the end cap sensors due to safety concerns about centrifugal force causing a failure of the rubber valve stems on the wheels. My next contact was MBZ customer service. They referred me to Walter’s Mercedes-Benz Van Center, 7979 Auto Drive, Riverside, Ca. 82504. I contacted Service Advisor Brennan Ruiz at 951-552-2145. After a couple of phone calls back and forth and me researching the parts through MBZ, I made an appointment on 6/11/2025 to have my 2025 Jayco retrofitted with the factory TPMS. The cost for me was approximately $3;000.00 including parts and labor. On 6/112025, Brennan took care of a warranty issue not related to this and was very helpful with the TPMS retrofit process. He did inform me that his tech would not be able to install the parts due to MBZ on the east coast refusing to release the computer code unless there was prior documentation or campaign bulletins for reference. The TPMS is standard on the 3500 MBZ Sprinter chassis, but MBZ will not release the code to their own dealership when I am willing to pay $3,000.00 for the entire retrofit process. It does not make sense to me since MBZ has the Motto on their web site: “How Mercedes-Benz Safety Features Prevent Accidents Before They Happen.” That’s what I am attempting to have completed! Resolution: First, I want this documented in case of tire failure/accident. Secondly, hopefully this will help me getting the Factory TPMS retrofit completed! I am not asking MBZ to pay anything other than releasing the computer code for the retrofit. This is for the safety of my family and all the other motorists that I encounter while driving on the highways in the US. Thank you for your help,
NHTSA complaint #11666477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally raise a critical safety concern regarding the performance and behavior of the Crosswind Assist system in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, upfitted by Airstream as a B-Class RV. This vehicle, identified by VIN [XXX] , exhibited behavior that I believe constitutes a significant and potentially dangerous flaw in its integrated driver-assistance programming. During a westbound trip from Minnesota to Nevada—traversing high-wind corridors in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah—the Crosswind Assist system activated on multiple occasions while overtaking large trucks during gusty wind conditions. The system appeared to override driver input by abruptly applying the brakes and modulating throttle response. On one particular occasion, this intervention forced our vehicle laterally toward a semi-truck in the adjacent lane while simultaneously initiating a hard brake event. This caused not only a near side-impact collision but also a chain reaction behind us, as trailing vehicles panic-braked, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. This level of autonomous intervention, especially under highway-speed wind shear, presents what I consider a severe safety risk to occupants and other motorists. No reasonable amount of driver anticipation, route planning, or wind-speed awareness could have prevented the unintended and forceful application of braking and steering commands we experienced. Upon referring to the owner’s manual and engaging in discussions on several Airstream and Sprinter-owner forums, I discovered that other owners have experienced similar incidents. Some users referenced the ability to disable the system through authorized Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software. Based on this information, I scheduled a service appointment at Mercedes-Benz of Farmington, Utah on March 17, service invoice [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11651549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My van has periodic lack of acceleration or dead pedal. There are no warnings that this will occur. This shows itself when trying to advance from a stopped position. When I push the accelerator the van either does not move at all or barely crawls forward. This can last 15-45 seconds. There are no RPMs from the engine. Once the pedal starts to respond, the issue will resolve. The problem is you need to get to that point where the engine can make rated power. Once you put in in drive, and if you're able to idle away from the parking spot, you may find that when you need power to move up a hill or through an intersection, it just isn't there. You can't wait a minute with your foot to the floor when you're in the middle of an intersection. sometimes it will slowly accelerate. This has caused multiple situations where I thought I was going to die due to being out in cross traffic and failing to be able to move. It happens both in reverse and forward. It happens even though I have warmed up the engine for 5 minutes or more. It seems to happen more at altitude but has also happened at sea level. It doesn't seem to matter if the outdoor temperature is warm or cold. The dealer can not detect a problem. I have read many accounts of this happening on MBZ forums. This must be a known issue with MBZ yet they have failed to solve it. Some think it is a sensor initiation issue after a cold soak. Someone is going to die because of this problem if MBZ is not forced to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11625256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I noticed there was a reall of the front hub assemblies, however my truck must not be on the list of vins affected. I’m not sure where the problem originated, but I just passed over 20k miles and im experiencing signs and symptoms of what that recall would affect, this started a few weeks ago, not getting any better. It just stars vibrating and shaking pretty violently. like a wheels coming off. My father is also experiencing similar issues in is 2022 king ranch with 40k miles. Both trucks, very low mileage shouldn’t show these sort of symptoms yet. I’m not sure if they go hand and hand but it also disengages advanced track and all the front sensors and what not when it happens. After reading a few articles I do not feel the truck is safe on the road until probably inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11611821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This report concerns the crosswind assistance function on a Mercedes Sprinter van. Whenever a crosswind is detected, vehicle will radically and unevenly apply brakes. In my case, it most often seems to apply the front driver’s side brake. This results in a sudden dive towards the braking wheel and an uncommanded dramatic slowing of the vehicle. This is unnerving to say the least, and cannot be safe when doing 70 mph on an interstate alongside a tractor trailer, with another behind me, as I was doing in southern Nevada the first time I experienced it. While this form asks for the date the incident occurs, I am citing the first time I experienced it, but it is ongoing.
NHTSA complaint #11605849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During the week of [XXX], 2024 my Sprinter 3500, engine will not start. All lights come on dash. Called AAA insurance and they tried to jump start, vehicle would not start. Battery voltage good 12. 3 voltages. Towed the vehicle to Dealer. Dealer performed several tests, found ground W105 /3 missing securing nut. W105 is ground under the driver's seat grounded to the vehicle to provide grounding. This can only be reached by removing the driver's seat. The grounding nut was missing. The Dealer charged me $916.08. I mention to Mecedes-Benz Service advisor Brock Keck in Sacramento, it should be covered under warranty. They told me it is not covered under warranty. I bought the vehicle in 2022. I strongly believe that the ground nut was not installed properly by the Mercedes-Benz where the vehicle was assembled or manufactured. The millage in the vehicle is approximately 5,800 miles now. I am the first owner. Please help me to resolve this issue with the dealer. Thank you for your assistance to this matter. My email is [XXX] my phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11581143 — 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 front left wheel cover shifted and nearly sheared off the tire valve stem. Had this happened while we were on the road, the tire would have had a very fast deflate/explosion. This would have put the 24ft. RV into an uncontrollable nose-dive and possible crash situation. The nearly-sheared valve stem was discovered by technicians while we were having routine maintenance done at the authorized Mercedes dealership. They removed the tire and replaced the valve stem. We were told by the Service Manager that this usually happens to the rear dual wheels, not the front. We have had zip ties put on to keep the wheel "hubcaps" (beauty rings) on the wheels because they are notorious for flying off. There are no warning lights etc. to indicate any wheel issues. This RV (Sprinter) has been in to authorized Mercedes Sprinter dealership for regular service over the past 4 years and only this time (June 26, 2023) was the problem discovered. The Mercedes Service Dept. in Eugene is the only technicians this RV has been in contact with. They seem to be aware that this "sheering" of valve stems is a reoccurring problem with Sprinters.
NHTSA complaint #11530098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and the braking distance is increased which can cause an accident. The cruise control is also affected and could increase speed on its own. The ESP can also be affected and can increase the risk of skidding and accidents. We have spoken to many other motorhome owners with the same chassis and they have also had problems with the sensors. Mercedes is aware of this problem and we feel they should replace all the sensors before they fail and cause a serious accident and injury or death. We would like to travel to remote areas of our country but haven't done so because there is no place to get the sensor replaced if it fails. We have spoken to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota FL and Mercedes Corporate and they are unwilling to do anything to replace the 4th sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11508752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE.IT MAY START EACH TIME FOR WEEKS AND THEN YOU MIGHT TRY 30 TOMES BEFORE IT WOULD START AGAIN. IF ONE HAD AN EMERGENCY AND NEEDED TO FIND A DOCTOR QUICK YOU WOULD BE HOPING THAT IT WOULD START. I WOULD ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO GOOGLE" WHY WANT MY SPRINTER START" ONE COULD SEE HOW WIDE SPEED THIS IS IN THE SPRINTER WORLD. THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES FROM 2017-2021.
NHTSA complaint #11416600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SIDE ENTRY DOOR OPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING. 1ST WE THOUGHT WE DIDN'T CLOSE IT RIGHT, BUT I CHECKED AND DOOR HAD LOCKS ENGAGED. THE 2ND TIME THAT DOOR OPENED UP, I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED AND ENGAGED ALL LOCKS ON DOOR AND THEN PUSHED IT A BIT AND TO MY SURPRISE THE DOOR OPENED UP! IT TURNS OUT THE SCREWS WERE LOSE SO THE LOCKS WERE NOT ENGAGING. SO I TIGHTENED THEM UP WITH THE DRILL AND PROBLEM SOLVED. THIS IS AN RV AND IT IS DRIVEN MANY MILES AND ON BUMPY ROADS SO THE SCREWS WILL LOOSEN UP CAUSING THE DEADBOLT LOCKS NOT TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. 2ND ISSUE, HOLES UNDERNEATH BED DESIGNED TO ALLOW SLIDEOUT ROLLERS TO EXTEND BED IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS GAS FUMES ENTER THE RV.
NHTSA complaint #11407752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I( HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 YEARS AND I CANNOT COUNT THE TIMES IT FAILED TO START. WHEN YOU TRIED TO START IT THE ENGINE NEVER WOULD TURN OVER.SOME TIMES I WOULD TRY TO START IT FOR DOZENS OF TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER. THIS COULD BE S SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR SENIOR PEOPLE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE SPRINTER FORUM. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER FAILED TO START. IT MIGHT TAKE YOU 30 TIMES OR SOMETIMES IT STARTS ON THE FIRST TURN OF THE KEY
NHTSA complaint #11395895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY SON CHRISTOPHER JOHN LEE HOWARD WAS IS TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN DALLAS ON SEPT 11,2020 AND DIED AS A RESULT SEVERE INJURIES INTERNAL INJURIES THAT LEAD TO MAJOR BLEEDING OF THE STOMACH AND UPPER TORSO.*DT*DT
NHTSA complaint #11395332 — 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.