Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train14
- Electronic stability control (esc)12
- Service brakes12
- Air bags12
- Vehicle speed control10
- Electrical system9
- Wheels7
- Engine5
- Unknown or other3
- Structure2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls in Canada
7 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500.
| 2019454 4 Sept 2019 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the p… |
| 2019455 4 Sept 2019 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the p… |
| 2017463 25 Sept 2017 | Label On certain vehicles, the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label located within the engine compartment, which may be required by intermediate and final-stage manufa… |
| 2017295 7 Jun 2017 | Label On certain vehicles, the tire pressure label located on the B-pillar may not contain the correct front axle tire pressure information. Incorrect tire pressure c… |
| 2017118 8 Mar 2017 | Structure On certain vehicles, the bracket for the intermediate bearing of the drive shaft may not have been welded correctly during assembly. The retaining function of t… |
| 2016445 13 Sept 2016 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles the lower seat belt anchorage bolts for the rear bench seat may not have been torqued to specification during assembly. This could cause the… |
| 2016192 28 Apr 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, the paint used on the body structure may contain a defect that could allow the top layer to separate. In the event of a crash, this could a… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, equipped with certain left side seat adjusters, model number 486077 manufactured by Atwood. The affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash. As such, these adjusters fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages", and 207 "Seating Systems."
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011223 | SMOG/Emissions Test fail due to one or more Readiness Monitors not set Complaint: The vehicle has failed the State Emissions Certification because one or more of the OBDII readiness monitors are not completely set. Cause: One or more of the following Readiness Monitors are not fully set within XENTRY: Misfire Monitoring - Injection System Fuel System Monitoring - Injection System, Fuel System, EGR Valve, O2 Sensor NMHC Catalyst Monitoring - NMHC/Diesel Oxidation Catalyst NOx Aftertreatment Monitoring - SCR Catalyst System Boost Pressure System Monitoring - Turbocharger, Charge Air System Exh |
| 11001114 | Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault c |
| 10235073 | Emissions. |
| 10232323 | Complaint MIL illuminated. Fault codes for 'position sensor of crankshaft' in combination with fault codes for 'Output stage fuel injectors' are set in the CDI control unit. |
| 10232322 | Complaint Engine runs irregularly and it shakes. Indicator lamp lights up. Information: Fault codes for injectors and/or combustion misfires may be stored in the CDI control unit: On engine 642 cylinder 6 is affected. On engine 651 cylinder 2 is affected. Cause Charge air from the exhaust gas recirculation is condensed after being introduced into the charge air section. Information: Under certain operating conditions, condensation that has collected in the charge air cooler can enter the combustion chamber to a damaging degree and a damage profile is then generated (connecting rod be |
| 10231020 | Complaint Various issues including control unit programming procedure will not complete successfully/no newer software found, communication faults, or sporadic malfunction of systems. Cause Aftermarket CAN device could be installed into the vehicle's CAN network. Such devices can be but are not limited to, remote start modules, CAN blockers, or high idle modules. Remedy A successful control unit programming session cannot be ensured while aftermarket devices are connected to the vehicle's CAN network. Some of the device companies supply a bypass to allow control unit programming. |
| 10228805 | Problem: Vehicle fails smog test Cause In the event the Engine Control Module (CDI) detects a fault with the Water Pump Short Circuit to Battery diagnostic, Fault Code P260312 and/or P260315 may set and prevent the readiness monitor from running. Even following a successful repair and/or clearing the Fault Code(s), the readiness monitor remains deactivated and self-healing is not possible. This deactivation may prevent the vehicle from passing state emissions inspection and SMOG Test and is only resolvable by installing new engine control unit software. Remedy 1. Perform XENTRY Qui |
| 10228610 | Software Update - Water Pump Diagnostics |
| 10227139 | SMOG Test will not complete successfully. NOTE: Customers may come to dealership as instructed by ISP (Independent Service Provider) based on instructions from a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin). Access to the TSBs can be found via https://www.obdclearinghouse.com/ or by viewing the TSBs in the attachments area of this LI. Cause In the event the Engine Control Module (CDI) detects a fault with the Water Pump Short Circuit to Battery diagnostic, Fault Code P260312 and/or P260315 may set and prevent the readiness monitor from running. Even following a successful repair and/or clearing th |
| 10220303 | 2020040001 |
| 10214960 | Complaint After installing new NOx sensors during the Approved Emission Modification (AEM), the Exhaust Aftertreatment Customer Service Measure in XENTRY/DAS displays incorrect NOx sensor part number values, X's, or no part numbers at all. The Approved Emission Modification (AEM) Exhaust Aftertreatment Customer Service Measure stops in error |
| 10212902 | Modification to the emission control system. |
| 10212897 | Modification to the emission control system. |
| 10207182 | Complaint Oil loss from engine or visible traces of oil in the engine compartment. Cause To be determined in each possible situation Remedy Procedure for cause analysis: 1. Clean the engine if necessary. 2. Apply leak tracing powder. 3. Perform a test drive. 4. Locate the oil leak. 5. Perform the repair in accordance with the specific WIS document appropriate for the cause of the oil leak. |
| 10206073 | Various complaints due to aftermarket OBDII device installed |
| 10206072 | "The monitor status this driving cycle (PID 41) can be displayed as disabled in the generic scan tool although no monitor of this group is disabled " |
| 10205221 | Headlamps and lamps fogged and/or leaking. |
| 10205151 | Coolant, vacuum, temperature fault codes. |
| 10202549 | Replace Wheel Speed Sensors |
| 10202548 | Replace Wheel Speed Sensors |
| 10191557 | Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles, the hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions and may cause hydraulic fluid to leak resulting in the loss of power steering. |
| 10191542 | Per Mercedes-Benz: In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, MBUSA is extending the warranty of the exhaust gas temperature sensor for the affected vehicles to a total of 11 years/ 120,000 miles from the vehicle's original New Vehicle Limited Warranty start date. This addendum to the exhaust gas temperature sensor coverage applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. |
| 10189036 | Initial NCU-eCall Software Update |
| 10187796 | Replace 3rd brake lamp, remove soft top compartment cover to access. |
| 10187793 | Mercedes-Benz AG (?MBAG?), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain Model Year (?MY?) 2013-2017 B-Class, C-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, GLA-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, GT-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, and SLK-Class (117, 156, 166, 172, 190, 204, 205, 207, 212, 217, 218, 222, 231, 242, 253, 292, and 463 platform), the software for the PASS control unit does not meet current series production configuration and therefore the possibility exists that a correct GPS position cannot be determined in the control unit for l |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation