2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Sprinter 1500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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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Common 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems

Common Problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 2018

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Pump Failure: The DEF pump is a critical component of the Sprinter's emissions system. When it fails, which often happens around 100,000 miles, it can cost between $600 and $1,500 to replace. The DEF pump consists of a DEF temperature sensor, level sensor, tank, and control unit sensors and actuators, all of which can fail and contribute to the overall cost of repair.

Limp Mode Activation: Limp mode is a safety feature that protects the engine from damage by reducing engine power. It is typically activated when the engine is pushed to its limits. When check engine light is flashing on the dashboard, it indicates limp mode. This is usually caused by faulty EGR, oxygen sensor, swirl flap motor, intercooler hoses leaking, actuator, or resonator.

DEF Heater Failure: The DEF heater's main function is to prevent the Diesel Emission Fluid from freezing. When it fails, the engine warning light turns on. This issue is more noticeable in colder months when the liquid is more likely to freeze. The cost of replacing the DEF heater is around $1,500.

Turbo Resonator Air Leak: The original turbo resonators in Sprinter Vans are known to have problematic seals and O-Rings, leading to an air leak that some mistakenly call "turbo leaking oil." This leak can affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Injector Issues: Injector issues, also known as "black death," are caused by the copper seal ring between the injector and cylinder head neglecting, allowing combustion gasses to leak over time. This can lead to a buildup of black tar and coal-like material on the fuel injectors, affecting the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.

Recall for Rollaway Risk: In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 124,000 Sprinter vans due to a rollaway risk linked to wear in the parking pawl mechanism. This issue can cause the van to roll away while parked due to a wear-related problem with the parking pawl's guide bushing.

Lower Reliability Expectations: Consumer Reports expects the 2024 Sprinter to be less reliable than other new cars, based on the Mercedes-Benz brand scores.

These common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 2018 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and the potential for costly repairs. It is crucial for owners to stay informed about these issues and take proactive steps to address them.

Are Mercedes Sprinters expensive to fix?

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Maintenance Costs

The national average for the Mercedes-Benz annual maintenance cost is about $908. Your Sprinter should be serviced at least once every year, and every other time your Sprinter is serviced, Service A* will be performed on it.

Which year is the best Sprinter?

Which is the BEST Sprinter year

2004. Votes: 115 11.7%
2005. Votes: 148 15.0%
2006. Votes: 395 40.1%
2007. Votes: 71 7.2%
2008. Votes: 138 14.0%
2009. Votes: 29 2.9%
2010. Votes: 89 9.0%

Is the Mercedes Sprinter engine reliable?

Is the Mercedes Sprinter Engine Reliable? Yes, the Mercedes Sprinter diesel engines, are known for reliability. These engines are detuned in comparison to their Mercedes passenger car variants, making them durable and long lasting.

How long will a Mercedes Sprinter engine last?

250,000 to 300,000 miles

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.

Is the Mercedes Sprinter engine reliable?

Are Mercedes Sprinters expensive to maintain?

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Maintenance Costs

Which year is the best Sprinter?

Which is the BEST Sprinter year

2004. Votes: 115 11.7%
2005. Votes: 148 15.0%
2006. Votes: 395 40.1%
2007. Votes: 71 7.2%
2008. Votes: 138 14.0%
2009. Votes: 29 2.9%
2010. Votes: 89 9.0%

How long will a Mercedes Sprinter engine last?

250,000 to 300,000 miles

2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500.

2021-11-08

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-11-04
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

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2021-03-09

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-03-07
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'.

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2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500.

2020-10-28

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.

2020-03-18

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.
Consequence: Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.

2020-03-18

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).
Consequence: With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed at higher speeds than the tire can withstand, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace it with the label with the correct maximum speed information indicated in miles per hour, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGRESS.

2019-10-02

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the airbag systems have been activated, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 22, 2019. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3AIRIGEL.

2019-10-02

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.
Consequence: Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and vehicles will be returned to the reassembly plant for comprehensive inspection and, if necessary, corrective action, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

2019-09-18

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened. As a result, factors such as the vehicle's speed, wind resistance and road conditions may cause the hood to open while the vehicle is being driven.
Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the screw connection, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HAUBOSS.

2019-07-02

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vehicles. The rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass.
Consequence: In the event of a side impact crash or vehicle rollover, the fitted side windows may not adequately protect the rear occupants from being ejected, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealers will replace the single-pane safety glass with laminated safety glass., free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on August 16, 2019. The recall began January 21, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VERGLAS.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 problems:

Sprinter Van 11 Most Common Problems (2002-2020) | San Diego

https://www.sprinter.repair/11-common-sprinter-problems

The Top 11 Most Common Issues with Sprinter Van: · The “Rumble” Sound / Torque converter TC · Injector issue or “Black death“ · Glow Plug & Module Failure · Exhaust ...

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https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/29992/

goes in but won't turn. Is this a common problem? Is a 2009 with low mileage ... If none of these DIY remedies work you may have to tow it to a Mercedes Benz ...

Common 2018 Mercedes Sprinter Problems: Q&A on P1864 & DTC ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/i0w52-getting-p1864-2018-mercedes-sprinter-2500-diesel.html

Nov 1, 2021 ... Im getting p1864 in my 2018 mercedes sprinter 2500 diesel I need support - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic.

NCV3 Sprinter, Best Year for least issues? | Sprinter-Source.com

https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/73734/

The 08-09s had the least problems to try and figure out, but Mercedes has made a decent number of improvements between 2014 and 2018. The 2019 are holding ...