Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle (van) built by Mercedes-Benz Group AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a large van, chassis cab, minibus, and pickup truck. In the past, the Sprinter had been sold under the Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner nameplates. In the U.S., it was built from complete knock down (CKD) kits by Freightliner. Re-badged and re-engined Sprinters were also sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the Volkswagen LT and the Volkswagen Crafter. They are now primarily marketed by Mercedes-Benz.
In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, the Sprinter is the largest model offered, followed by the mid-size Vito (aka Viano, V-Class, and EQV) and small Citan.
First generation (1995–2006, T1N)
Europe
The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977. Compared to the T1, the Sprinter had reduced the aerodynamic drag and moved the engine 290 mm (11 in) further forward to increase cabin space. It was the first Mercedes-Benz product to carry a name rather than an alphanumeric designation. It was released with four-wheel disc brakes equipped with an antilock braking system and was driven by the most powerful diesel engine in its class, with a power output of 90 kW (120 hp). The Sprinter was voted International Van of the Year for 1995.
The styling was updated in 2000 and 2002, accompanied by technical changes that included standard electronic stability control (2002).
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Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 model years
Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 is a popular vehicle known for its versatility and high-quality construction. However, like any other vehicle, it is prone to certain issues and problems. Here are some common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, based on complaints from owners:
- Turbo Resonator Air Leak: The original turbo resonators in the Sprinter Van are known to have problematic seals and O-Rings, leading to an air leak. This leak can cause a "Turbo leaking oil" symptom, but it is actually an air leak. The repair cost for this issue can range from $1,200 to $1,350.
- Injector Issue or "Black Death": The copper seal ring located between the injector and cylinder head can fail, allowing combustion gasses to leak and accumulate over fuel injectors. This creates a black tar and coal-like black material that can affect the engine's performance. The repair cost for this issue depends on the severity of the problem.
- Limp Mode/Sprinter Losing Power: The Sprinter has a safety feature called Limp Mode, which protects the engine from damage by lowering engine power when the Check Engine Light is flashing. This can be caused by EGR, faulty oxygen sensor, swirl flap motor, intercooler hoses leaking, actuator, resonator, or other issues. The repair cost for this issue depends on the root cause.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are common in the Sprinter, with the most common issue being the transmission park position not engaging fully, allowing the vehicle to roll away. This issue can lead to a recall, and the repair cost depends on the specific issue.
- Battery Issues: The Sprinter's battery can last for 3 to 5 years, but it should be tested frequently for extreme drops in voltage to ensure reliable operation. The repair cost for battery issues depends on the severity of the problem and whether or not you want a dealership to install the new battery.
It is important to note that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 has an above-average reliability rating, with an average annual repair cost of $908 and an average of 0.7 visits to a repair shop per year. However, these common problems should be taken into consideration when purchasing or maintaining a Sprinter 1500.
Are Mercedes-Benz sprinters reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse and one of the most popular vans by drivers. The Sprinter van runs on a diesel engine and can run over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay up on regular maintenance, this van will last you for a very long time.
What is the life expectancy of a Sprinter engine?
Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.
Are Mercedes Sprinter vans expensive to fix?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Maintenance Costs
The national average for the Mercedes-Benz annual maintenance cost is about $908.
Which year is the best Sprinter?
Overall, yes, the 2021 model is the best year for the Sprinter based on improved technology, safety, and durability features.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 years
We have researched Mercedes-benz problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 model years:
- Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2018
- Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2016
- Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2020
- Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2021
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sprinter 1500 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 vehicles.
List of Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 complaints
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-20
- VIN: W1W70BGY7KT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: After vehicle was placed in park it rolled by it self and damaged garage door to a property. Also I have a recording of vehicle rolling after placed in park. Vehicle has been at dealer for last 4 weeks and they can not duplicate problem according to them. no warning lamps
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-13
- Components: STRUCTURE,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact is a fleet manager for a business which owns multiple 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the SRS warning light would remain illuminated due to the metal driver side seat frame tearing under the seat and also the driver side seat material becoming worn and open were the airbag is located. In addition the front driver side door would not secure when closed due to a faulty door hinge. The vehicle was take to the local dealer who diagnosed that occupant sensor and driver side door hinge was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that all nineteen vehicles in the fleet had been serviced for the same failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 68,154.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-20
- VIN: WD4PE7EDXKT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Air blower, defrost, and heat failure in heavy rain creating a dangerous situation while driving 70mph on a two lane highway with oncoming traffic. I could not see and had to pull over. Visibility through the window became low very fast. Two years ago the same issue happened. The dealer updated software which fixed the issue, until now. When my vehicle was in the shop, they had another in as well with the same issue and they couldn't find a solution. The software update did not fix the problem for them. Long forum posts on the internet with many people having the same issue.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-04
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-08
- VIN: WD3PE8CD4JP
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Seems that the DEF system is out. 16 remaining to start the engine. Called dealership, got told the the extended warranty doesn’t cover my vehicle. There’s a recall and the DEF system, but for some reason it doesn’t cover my vehicle. It’s only 125K mi, already replaced the EGR and now I have to deal with a DEF system
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-06
- VIN: WDAPF4CC0GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN CRUISE CONTROL ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSES POWER. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO PULL OVER THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY OR WHILE GOING UPHILL. ERROR CODE WAS P0087- LOW FUEL RAIL PRESSURE! AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RE-STARTING IT THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. NEED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS IT IS VERY UNSAFE! IT HAPPENED 4X DURING MY TRAVEL OF 8000 MILES
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-07
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-09
- VIN: 8BNPF4CC2JE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SENSORS GO OUT ALL THE TIME ON THESE VEHICLES'.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-14
- VIN: WD4FF0CD4KT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS A WINNEBAGO REVEL RV BUILD ON A MERCEDES 4X4 SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED FROM THE RADIATOR, DUMPED ALL THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE STEERING. I WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UP A WINDING GRAVEL MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH VERY SHARP CURVES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AS I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES SPRINTER, WELL-KNOWN TO THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 4X4 FACEBOOK GROUP. THE HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE IS TOO SHORT AND THE SPRING CLAMP INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE HOSE ON TO THE RADIATOR FITTING.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-30
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-12
- VIN: WDAPF0CD4KP
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE 2019 SPRINTER HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE ("ALKA") A FEW WEEKS AGO I DROVE THE VAN FROM SAN DIEGO TO MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (BISHOP, CA. I DIDN'T FEEL THE CROSSWIND WAS A DANGER BUT I HAD TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO BE PREPARED JUST IN CASE AS I HAD EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE IN THE PAST AND IT CAN NOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED. A BURST OF WIND HIT ME AND IT PUSHED ME ONTO THE RIGHT SOLID WHITE LINE. I HAD A FAIR AMOUNT OF TARMAC OUTSIDE THE LINE TO MY RIGHT SO I WASN'T THAT CONCERNED WITH MY TIRES BEING ON TOP OF THE LINE BUT THE VAN HAD OTHER IDEAS FOR ME. ALKA KICKED IN SUPER HARD AND CORRECTED ME BACK TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME AS THE ALKA HIT A LOT HARDER THAN I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE PULLING ME BACK TOWARDS THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC GOING THE OTHER WAY! I RECALL MY INITIAL REACTION AS THINKING I HAD IMPACTED AN ANIMAL OR SOMETHING IT "HIT" SO HARD. I WENT INTO PANIC MODE AS I THOUGHT ALKA WAS GOING TO PUSH ME INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I INSTINCTIVELY COUNTER STEERED RIGHT TO CORRECT AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE NET RESULT WAS A VIOLENT RIGHT (WIND), LEFT (ALKA), RIGHT (DRIVER) COMBO THAT HAD ME THINKING FOR A SECOND I AS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VAN AND FLIP IT. AN EXPERIENCE MY PILOT FRIENDS WOULD CALL HAVING A PUCKER FACTOR. I MANAGED TO CONTROL IT BUT IF I'M BEING HONEST, JUST BARELY. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK A LITTLE BREAK FROM DRIVING BEFORE MAKING SURE ALKA WAS TOTALLY OFF AND CONTINUING ON. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM THE SPRINTER SOURCE INTERNET FORUM FROM OTHER DRIVERS THAT THEY ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS OF MY EXACT VAN AGREE THAT THIS SYSTEM HAS SERIOUS FLAWS THAT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH AS IT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND OVERREACTING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-16
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WD4PE7EDXKT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN I WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET I ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN MY 2019 SPRINTER AFTER PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON THAT IS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE LEVER. THIS PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME KNOWING, WITHOUT A BEEP OR ANY SIGNAL THAT IT WAS NOT IN PARK ANY LONGER. I ENDED UP ROLLING THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED. BODY DAMAGE WAS CAUSED ON BOTH VEHICLES, AND SINCE THE INCIDENT I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE LEVER DESIGN WHICH SEEMS TO BE UNIQUE TO MERCEDES WHICH HAS CAUSED DEATHS IN NEW YORK. JAKE FISHER, THE DIRECTOR OF AUTO TESTING AT CONSUMER REPORTS WAS CONNECTED TO THE ACCIDENT AND HAS A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE INEFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF THE DESIGN. HTTPS://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/NEW-YORK/DONOHUE-SUV-GEARSHIFT-DESIGN-EYED-METRO-NORTH-TRAGEDY-ARTICLE-1.2125193
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-21
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-23
- VIN: WD4FF0CD4KP
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CLAMP ON THE POWER STEER HOSE CAME OFF. THE SPRING CLAMP DID NOT HOLD AND THE HOSE IS STRETCHED TOO TIGHT. WE LIVE IN FAIRBANKS, AK AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS -30 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT ANOTHER CLAMP ON, WITH ONLY GETTING MINOR FROSTBITE ON FINGERS. WE WERE LUCKY THIS HAPPENED IN TOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS BEING PROMOTED AS A VEHICLE TO ACCESS MORE REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS COULD LEAVE PEOPLE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY ON THIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA SITES. WE WERE LUCKILY PARKED IN A WALMART PARKING LOT, AND WHEN WE STARTED TO DRIVE OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. AS WE HAD BEEN WARNED OF THIS HAPPENING, WE KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. THERE WAS A POOL OF POWER STEERING FLUID BENEATH THE ENGINE. SHOULDNT THIS BE A RECALL ISSUE?
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-26
- Date Complaint: 2019-11-22
- VIN: WD4PF0CD0KP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST OPTION - DANGEROUS AND DEADLY DESIGN IN CROSS WINDS, PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY OTHER TALL VEHICLES, ETCHING OUT OF ROAD TRAFFIC LANE MARKINGS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS, AND ATTEMPTING ANY SWERVING EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION - THE VEHICLE BRAKES SUDDENLY LOCK UP AND THE STEERING BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE, THIS CAUSES ABRUPT RAPID DECELERATION AND LITTLE TO NO STEERING CONTROL. I ALMOST CAUSED A 6 VEHICLE PILE UP ON THE INTERSTATE THE FIRST TIME I DROVE MY NEW 2019 SPRINTER. AS IF THE ABOVE IS NOT HORRIBLE ENOUGH AND COUNTER TO ANY NORMAL DRIVING CORRECTION MANEUVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT EVEN COME ON... INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION.
Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 88 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-09
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring U-bolts for the rear axle may have reduced strength due to improper heat-treatment, which can cause the rear axle to shift out of position.
- Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the spring U-bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3FEDERB.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-24
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection may not be secured properly, which can result in the ground connection overheating and a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire, and a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the 12-Volt ground connection, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HVERSL.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-01
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The main wiring harness may chafe against the drive shaft and short circuit, which can result in a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control.
- Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the routing of the main wiring harness and correct it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEFHAU.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.
- Consequence: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.
- Consequence: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
Are you having problems with your Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500?
