2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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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Common 2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 problems
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, a popular choice among drivers, is known for its dependability and ability to run over 300,000 miles with regular maintenance. However, like any vehicle, it comes with its own set of common problems. Here are some of the issues that have been reported by owners:
- Faulty DEF Heater: A common problem in the 2020 model and newer Sprinters is a faulty DEF heater. The heater element can burn out, causing the engine light to come on. This issue is more noticeable during winter months or in colder climates, and if ignored, it can lead to an active start countdown.
- Broken Exhaust Flex Pipe: This issue is prevalent in 2007 or the 906 chassis with the V6 OM642 diesel engine. Leaks from the exhaust, coming from the flex pipe, can melt the nearby wiring, causing the engine to shut off, not restart, and start the counter.
- The No Start Count Down DEP-Counter: This problem affects Sprinter 2010 and newer models with Bluetec. If there are issues with the DEF level, the Nox sensors, or other components related to the DEF/Adblue, the van will start counting down any remaining start cycles. If the countdown has started, it's recommended to have the van diagnosed before it gets to the last few remaining start cycles.
- A Clogged DPF: The Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) in Sprinters grabs soot from the exhaust to prevent black smoke from leaving the exhaust. However, if the ash builds up inside the DPF, it can clog and restrict exhaust flow. If the content of ash is too high, manual DPF regeneration with an SDS Start Scanner may be necessary, and if that fails, the only option is to replace the DPF.
- Issues That Can Prevent DPF Regeneration: Faulty temperature sensor, swirl flap motor, EGR valve, or running issues can prevent the DPF from performing its regeneration. If not properly corrected, the exhaust will have severe restrictions, and the van will lose power as the clogging increases.
- Reduced Power / Limp Mode: Sprinters have a Limp Mode, a safety feature that protects the engine from damage. It can be activated if the engine is pushed too hard, and when the MIL illuminates or the check engine light starts flashing, it's an indicator of Limp Mode. The onboard computer will switch the turbo off to reduce power, forcing the driver to get the van to a reputable Sprinter shop and have it serviced.
- Oil Cooler Leaks: Oil cooler leaks are common in the 2007 to present models with the OM642 engine. The oil cooler seals are where most of the engine oil leaks take place. As of late, Mercedes has updated the seals with a better material made from Viton, which increases their life. However, reaching it can be difficult, making the oil cooler expensive to repair.
- Glow Plug Problems: Just like all diesel engines, the glow plugs and modules in the Sprinter will not last forever. Sometimes the plugs will break off in the cylinder head, and there is a special tool to drill out and extract the glow plug without removing the cylinder head.
- Injector Issue or Black Death: Another problem, usually called "Black Death," is the copper seal ring located in the middle of the injectors and the cylinder head. If the seal ring deteriorates, combustion gasses can escape, causing a black tar and coal-like material to accumulate over the fuel injectors. Removing and/or replacing injectors are usually required to fix this issue.
These problems can lead to expensive repairs, with parts such as N0x sensors, EGR valves, SCR catalytic converters, and particulate filters costing anywhere from $600 to a few thousand dollars.
2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-01
- VIN: WDAPE7CC5C5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on various occasions after coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was stalling and shaking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine revved loudly before accelerating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers for routine maintenance services, and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-15
- VIN: WDAPF4CC9C9
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Wheel speed sensor malfunction, partially addressed in NHTSA recall ID: 21V042 Why only rear speed sensors? As of Aug. 2, 2022, I am facing the replacement of both front speed sensors one of which was replaced a year ago. No ABS braking, No stability control, faulty parts creating on going safety problems not addressed in recall 21V042.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-12
- VIN: Wd4pe7cc7c5
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Had a service call to repair recall items. Technician forgot to install bolts holding the transmission which led to multiple light alerts. Could have been dangerous for driver.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-21
- VIN: WD3PE7CC570
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VAN WILL AT TIMES ACCELERATE ON IT OWN.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-12
- VIN: WDAPF4CC6C9
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE AND DEF LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I CAN ONLY PUT A QUART OF DEF IN TANK ONLY HAVE 23000 MILES ON ENGINE. LIGHT CLEARS AFTER ADDING ONLY A QUART AND RESTATRTING AND DRIVING. THEN RETURNS IN A SHORT WHILE. SHOULDNT THIS BE COVERED UNDER THE EMISSION WTTY. YEAR 2012 MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-01
- VIN: WDAPF4CC1C5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL- WE HAVE BEEN WAITING 3 YEARS FOR A FIX FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL SINCE WE WERE FIRST NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG. THE RECALL WAS EFFECTIVE 02/11/2016. WE WERE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM NEARLY A YEAR BEFORE THE RECALL BECAME EFFECTIVE. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN WAITING FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT SINCE 01/10/2017. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND WE FEEL MERCEDES SHOULD BUY OUR VEHICLE BACK FROM US FOR THE BLUE BOOK VALUE IMMEDIATELY.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-27
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE WAY THEY DESIGN THE WIPER IT IS THE MOST UNSAFE VAN I HAVE EVER DRIVE SPECIALLY WHEN IT IS SNOWY.THERE IS NO HEAT WHERE THE WIPERS STOPS AND THE ICE BUILDS UNDER THE WIPER SO EVERY TWENTY MINUTES THE WIPERS NEED TO BE HAND CLEANED. IT IS MAKE IT VERY UNSAFE WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE IN THE HIGHWAY IN SNOW.VERY BAD ENGINEERING.I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS VAN GET APPROVED TO SELL. I DROVE FOR FEDEX SAVE DRIVER IN LAST TEN YEARS. I'M VERY SCARED THEN I HAVE DRIVE THAT VAN IN SNOW. I HOPE THEY COME WITH BETTER DESIGN FOR THEIR FUTURE VANS. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-28
- VIN: WD3PE7CC9C5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, AND TAIL LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO OUT AND HAVE FREQUENT REPLACEMENT. LEFT REAR FOG LIGHT WILL NOT FUNCTION EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT WITH NEW BULB. *TR
2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on January 12, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-025.
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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