2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Sprinter 2500
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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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 2500 problems

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 is a popular commercial vehicle known for its robustness and reliability. However, like any other vehicle, it is prone to certain issues that owners have reported. This article will discuss some of these problems based on the complaints of 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 owners.

Gearshift Issue: Some owners have reported difficulty shifting into and out of gears, particularly fifth and sixth, due to gearshift cables falling out of adjustment. This issue can be particularly problematic on the motorway and may require adjusting the cables, which is a relatively straightforward task with the help of the Haynes Sprinter manual.

Alternator Voltage Regulator Fault: A faulty alternator voltage regulator can cause the alternator to output too small a voltage, leading to dim lights, slow wipers, and eventually a complete halt of the vehicle due to a drained battery. Replacing the regulator or the entire alternator may be necessary to resolve this issue.

Front Shock Absorber Leaks: The suspension system of the Sprinter gets a hard time due to constant movement, potholes, and kerbs. As a result, the front shock absorbers can leak due to the stress, requiring replacement.

Engine Noise: Some owners have reported an untoward rattling noise from the engine, often caused by a faulty pulley. This issue may require replacing the pulley to resolve.

Starting Issues: Difficulty starting the vehicle can be caused by various factors, including faulty starter motor wiring, clogged oil filters, or incorrectly secured starter motor wiring. These issues may require software updates, replacement of parts, or a thorough inspection of the starting system.

DEF Heater Failure: The Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) heater can fail, causing the emission fluid to freeze during colder months.

Turbo Resonator Air Leak: The original Sprinter Van Turbo Resonators are known to have problematic seals and O-Rings, often leading to an air leak from the turbo output. This issue may require rebuilding the turbo resonator with HD parts or replacing it entirely.

These are some of the common problems reported by 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 owners. Regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

2018 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
Power train problems
Steering problems
Seat belts problems
Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.

2024-10-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
VIN: WDAFE7CD3JP
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Mercedes Benz of Billings (3045 King Ave W, Billings, MT 59102); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

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2024-07-02

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
VIN: WD3FE7CD6JP
Components: STEERING
Summary: The line for the automatic steering fluid blew. This was "repaired" Mercedes Benz during a recall but the repaired clamp did not hold. We lost the ability to steer the van easily which is dangerous to other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by the repair shop that we took it to. We did not have a warning light prior to the incident. It was instant, we lost all of the power steering fluid and instantly lost power steering.

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2024-03-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment. After which, the vehicle lost significant motive power and was unable to accelerate above 45 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the EGR valve and EGR cooler. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 90,000.

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2023-01-24

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-24
VIN: WD3PE7CD4JP
Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: it grovernor at 7o mph which you can not pass. you can not go up some hills at the speed limit it will not idle it turn off all the time, to keep the van idling you have to put it in drive and put on the e brake and hope it does not move the back doors are always lock and when you unlock the back doors, the van turn off , in the cold months your passengers freeze. This may not sound like must to you but come and drive this van this could be a bad safety issue. this van is wrongfully and poorly engineer.

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2022-12-09

SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-05-07
VIN: WD3FE7CD4JP
Components: SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: The driver's side seat belt is slow to retract or doesn't retract at all. Started back in May 2022, one month after the warranty expired with less than 20k miles on it. Originally, Mercedes Benz of El Cajon said they would fix, then declined. We called MBUSA and opened a ticket 2-33281290644 and they said set up the same repair with another local dealer and give them this ticket number. We did and after several delays by the second dealer, Mercedes Benz of San Diego, we were told MBUSA denied the warranty claim and that they could only fix it if we paid $749.49 which includes $298.80 for Labor, $418.27 for parts and $32.42 for taxes. This seems out of line and we are now more than 6 months away from the original complaint. No one doubts the problem of a bad seat belt, they just don't want to cover the repair. The mechanism to adjust the seat belt up and down is also broken, but I'm told that is not difficult to fix as they replace the belt.

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2021-08-26

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-11
VIN: WDZPE8CD0JP
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the air conditioning was draining into the interior cabin allowing moisture to the carpet, wall panels, and head liner. The RV was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air conditioning seal was fractured and needed to be replaced. The RV was repaired 4 additional times however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the RV dealer. The contact was afraid of black mold appearing inside the cabin. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

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2021-01-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-08-01
VIN: WDAPE7CD7JP
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT INTO LIMP MODE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO RALLYE MOTORS (1600 NORTHERN BLVD, ROSLYN, NY 11576) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000.

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2020-12-17

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-11-10
VIN: WDAPF4CC0JP
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: FOLLOW UP TO COMPLAINT NUMBER 11374151. CAUSE DETERMINED: LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED

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2020-11-11

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-11-10
VIN: WDAPF4CC0JP
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Summary: 2018 MB SPRINTER PLEASURE WAY RV SUDDENLY ERRATICALLY ACCELERATED WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING, MULTIPLE WARNING MESSAGES INCLUDING ESP, ABS, BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERATIVE, ASR/BAS SYMBOL APPEARED. AWAIT SERVICE APPOINTMENT. ?REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR?

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2020-08-14

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-08-14
VIN: WD3FE7CD5JP
Components: STEERING
Summary: THE PRESSURIZED LOWER POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE IS INADEQUATELY CLAMPED AT THE COOLER UNIT AND IS OF INSUFFICIENT LENGTH, RESULTING IN THE HOSE LOOSENING AND EVENTUALLY DISCONNECTING. THIS CAUSES A LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING ASSIST. UPON THE ADVICE OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC STEERING LOSS, I INSPECTED THE LOWER HOSE CONNECTION IN MY DRIVEWAY AND FOUND IT HAD COME PARTIALLY DISCONNECTED. I HAD TO REATTACH THE HOSE AND SECURE IT WITH A TRADITIONAL WORM-STYLE HOSE CLAMP.

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2020-04-22

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-10-02
VIN: WD3PE8CD0JP
Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
Summary: SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019 WITH AROUND 4500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, LOOSE BOLTS WERE FOUND THAT HOLDS UP FUEL TANK. SEVERAL DRIVESHAFTS (AKA PILOT SHAFTS) FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. SEVERAL TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OVER 80 DAYS TO CURE THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM. PHOTOS WERE SENT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT WAGNER MERCEDES BENZ ON 10/2/2019 SHOWING LOOSE BOLTS WHICH THEY SECURED FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 7400 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED RECALLS ON THE SPRINTER VANS BUILT AROUND THE SAME TIME WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT COULD BE POSSIBLE THAT THIS VEHICLE FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS.

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2020-02-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-08
VIN: WD3PE7CD6JP
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECEIVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE BREAKS VERY FREQUENTLY. THE CABLES ARE VERY THIN WITH SMALL GAUGE STRANDS SO THE STRANDS SHEAR AT THE INTERNAL MOUNT POINT ONE BY ONE UNTIL THE ENTIRE CABLE BREAKS. THIS HAPPENS OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS. THIS VEHICLE IS A DELIVERY VAN AND THE SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. WE HAVE 20 OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND IT IS HAPPENING ON MANY OF THEM.

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2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2018 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.

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 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.

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.

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.

2019-03-20

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The affected 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 dealers will complete the final quality inspection, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

2018-10-24

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The right side door latches may have been built with incorrect components. As a result, when the doors are electronically unlocked, the right-side doors may not be able to be opened from inside or outside of the vehicle.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the right side doors cannot be opened, it could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the locks if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267.