2023 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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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 2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 problems
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 is a reliable workhorse for many businesses, but like any vehicle, it can experience common problems due to wear and tear or manufacturing issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, based on owner complaints and expert analysis:
- Faulty DEF Heater: The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) heater is a common issue in the 2020 and newer Sprinter models. The heater element can burn out, causing the engine light to come on, especially during winter months or colder climates. Ignoring this issue can lead to an active start countdown, which can prevent the engine from starting.
- Broken Exhaust Flex Pipe: This issue is prevalent in the 2007 or 906 chassis with the V6 OM642 diesel engine. The flex pipe is part of the catalytic converter in 2007-2009 models and the Diesel Particular Filter in 2010 and newer models. 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.
- No Start Count Down DEP-Counter: The Sprinter 2010 and newer models with Bluetec have a DEP-Counter that starts counting down remaining start cycles if there are issues with the DEF level or Nox sensors. If the countdown has started, it's recommended to have the van diagnosed before it gets to the last few remaining start cycles.
- Clogged DPF: The Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) in the Sprinter grabs soot from the exhaust to prevent black smoke from leaving the exhaust. If the DPF clogs and restricts exhaust flow, it can lead to reduced power or Limp Mode, a safety feature that protects the engine from damage.
- Reduced Power / Limp Mode: Sprinters have a Limp Mode, a safety feature that lowers engine power to prevent further damage to affected components. This mode can be activated if the engine is pushed too hard or if there are issues with the EGR, oxygen sensor, swirl flap motor, intercooler hoses, or actuator.
- 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. Repairing the oil cooler can be expensive due to the difficulty of reaching it and the need to remove the turbocharger, intake manifold, and other parts to gain access.
- Glow Plug Problems: The glow plugs and modules in the Sprinter will not last forever. Sometimes the plugs will break off in the cylinder head, requiring a special tool to drill out and extract the glow plug without removing the cylinder head.
- Injector Issue or "Black Death": This problem, also known as "Black Death," is caused by the copper seal ring located in the middle of the injectors. Over time, the seal can deteriorate, causing combustion gasses to escape and accumulate over the fuel injectors. This can lead to a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency.
These common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 can be addressed by staying up-to-date with regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly. It is essential to consult with a certified Mercedes-Benz technician or dealership for proper diagnosis and repair.
2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.
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2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The front left suspension strut bolt may not be secured properly, which can result in a loss of steering control.
- Consequence: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front left suspension strut bolt connection and repair the body contact surface as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3FEDDOR.
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The topcoat paint formula may cause the windows and interior lashing rails to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
- Consequence: An insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the paint adhesion and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any damage, DVUSA may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available anticipated November 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LACKHA.
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