2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Sprinter 3500
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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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 2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2009 has been reported to have several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues are primarily related to the vehicle's engine, transmission, exhaust system, and DEF/AdBlue system.

One of the most common problems reported is related to the gearshift, which can make it difficult to shift into and out of certain gears, particularly fifth and sixth. This issue is caused by the gearshift cables falling out of adjustment and can be resolved by adjusting the cables, a task that is relatively straightforward but requires some technical knowledge.

Another common problem is related to the alternator, which can put out too small a voltage when the vehicle is being driven at night, leading to dim lights and slow wipers. This issue is usually caused by a faulty alternator voltage regulator and requires the removal and replacement of the alternator or the regulator.

The exhaust system is also prone to issues, particularly the exhaust flex pipe, which can leak and cause the engine to shut off or not restart. This issue is more common in 2007-2009 models with the V6 OM642 diesel engine and can be caused by leaks from the exhaust, which can melt nearby wiring. The DEF heater is another component that can cause problems, particularly in 2020 models and newer, where a faulty DEF heater can lead to an active start countdown and engine shutdown.

The Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) is another component that can cause issues, as it can become clogged with soot and restrict exhaust flow. This issue can be caused by faulty temperature sensors, swirl flap motors, EGR valves, or running issues, and can lead to reduced power and limp mode.

Oil leaks, specifically oil cooler leaks, are also common in the Sprinter 3500 2009. These leaks are caused by the oil cooler seals and can be expensive to repair due to the difficulty of accessing the oil cooler.

Finally, the DEF/AdBlue system can cause problems, particularly in cold weather, where the DEF/AdBlue tank can freeze up without the heat supplied by the DEF heater. This issue can lead to a startup countdown and premature engine shutdown.

In summary, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2009 has several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues are primarily related to the vehicle's engine, transmission, exhaust system, and DEF/AdBlue system, and can be resolved with the appropriate technical knowledge and repairs.

2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500.

2020-02-14

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-13
Fire: 1
VIN: 4JGBB25E99A
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT AND THE PAINT AROUND IT BURNED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. THERE WAS NO POLICE OR FIRE REPORT AND NO INJURY WAS REPORTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE MIGHT HAVE BURNED FOR DAYS BUT NEITHER HE NOR THE NEIGHBORS SAW SMOKE OR FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A BUSINESS PARKING LOT AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY WHOSE AGENT CAME AND SIMPLY TOOK PICTURES. THE CONTACT SEARCHED THE VIN AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V076000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND VERIFIED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V076000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), WAS ALREADY PERFORMED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF STATE COLLEGE (3220 W COLLEGE AVE, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801) AND WAS NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BUT WAS NOT TOWED AWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

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2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500.

2014-11-05

Manufacturer: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.