2010 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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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 2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources, here is a detailed list of common problems reported by owners of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2010:

Glow Plug Failure: The glow plugs in the Mercedes Sprinter Van can fail over time, leading to difficulties in starting the engine. When these electrical heating components fail, it is crucial to have them repaired promptly to ensure proper engine function.
Damaged or Broken Flex Pipe: The flex pipe in the Sprinter Van is prone to malfunction, causing issues with the engine. A damaged flex pipe can lead to exhaust leaks and potential engine shutdowns, necessitating immediate replacement to prevent further damage.
Rumbling Sound or Bad Torque Converter (TC): Owners have reported experiencing a rumble strip noise while driving, often attributed to incorrect or low transmission fluid levels. This issue can be linked to a faulty or worn-out torque converter clutch, which may require rebuilding to resolve the rough driving experience.
Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): The Diesel Particulate Filter plays a crucial role in filtering exhaust particles. Over time, debris can clog the DPF, disrupting exhaust flow and causing performance issues. Ignoring this problem can lead to significant engine performance issues and potential shutdowns.
Limp Mode Activation: The Limp Mode safety feature in the Sprinter Van activates to protect the engine from damage when pushed to its limits. When the Check Engine Light flashes, indicating Limp Mode, the vehicle reduces engine power to prevent further damage, requiring comprehensive diagnostics to address the underlying issue.
DEF Heater Failure: The Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) heater is essential for preventing the DEF from freezing. DEF heater problems can trigger the Check Engine Light, especially in colder months, potentially leading to engine issues. Prompt repair or replacement of the DEF heater is necessary to avoid engine damage.
Turbo Resonator "Oil Leak": The Turbo Resonators in Sprinter Vans are known for problematic seals and O-Rings, often leading to air leaks misinterpreted as oil leaks. Addressing this issue involves replacing seals and O-Rings to prevent further air leaks and maintain engine performance.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2010. Owners should address these issues promptly to avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future.

2010 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:

Engine problems
Service brakes problems
Air problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500.

2021-09-08

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-07-01
VIN: WDAPF4CCXA9
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact stated that he had to pump the brake pedal several times for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he had the brake pads and rotors replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they performed an inspection and found no defects with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed him that there were no open recalls on his vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,500.

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2018-08-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-05-02
VIN: WDPPF4CC6A9
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 (F3CC170). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V379000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V077000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO THE VEHICLE TYPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. KENWORTH NORTHEAST ROCHESTER (25 AIRLINE DR, ROCHESTER, NY) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS DUE TO COMPANY POLICY. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ROCHESTER (4296 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY) ALSO REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE COMPANY POLICY OF NOT SERVICING SPRINTER RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS OR TRY A DEALER IN ANOTHER STATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. **TR CONSUMER STATED: SHOULD BE FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER. KENWORTH NORTHEAST ROCHESTER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS ISSUE. THEY DO NOT AND NEVER HAVE SOLD THE SPRINTER VAN. THE COMPANIES I CONTACTED WERE FREIGHTLINER OF ROCHESTER 300 MIDDLE RD. HENRIETTA, NY AND FLEET MAINTENANCE USED TO SERVICE MY VAN BUT NO LONGER SERVICES ANY SPRINTER VAN. I MUST GO TO THE MERCEDES BENZ OF ROCHESTER FOR SERVICE. "NOT SERVICING SPRINTER RECALLS" SHOULD READ "NOT SERVICING ANY FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER RECALLS." I AM TOLD THIS IS DUE TO A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT IN NEW YORK STATE ONLY. I CAN PAY OVER $1000.00 OR DRIVE TO A DEALER SIX HOURS AWAY OUT OF STATE. HAD MY SPRINTER VAN BEEN MANUFACTERED A FEW MONTHS LATER AND BADGED AS A MERCEDES AND NOT A FREIGHTLINER, THIS RECALL WOULD BE HANDLED PROMPTLY BY THE MERCEDES DEALER WITHOUT COST, OR EXTREME INCONVENIENCE TO THE CONSUMER. UPDATED 10/29/18*JB

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2018-05-30

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-05-23
VIN: WDAPF4CA2A9
Components: ENGINE
Summary: LOSS OF POWER WILL NOT GO MORE THAN 15-20 MPH VEHICLE IN MOTION ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOSS OF EXCELLERATION ON HIGHWAY

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2018-03-28

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-03-24
VIN: WDAPF4CCXA9
Components: ENGINE
Summary: VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 19000 MILES.. MANIFOLD ACTUATOR MOTOR WENT OUT.. ($1700.00). MERCEDES MECHANIC SAYS THIS ACTUATOR BREAKS "FREQUENTLY".

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2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2010 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500.

2017-07-28

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2010-2011 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 began on January 12, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-379.

2016-02-10

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.

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.

2011-03-30

Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC - DBA SPRINTER
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THREE-SEAT BENCH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED SUCH THAT A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.

2010-12-29

Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC - DBA SPRINTER
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2010 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES. THE CORRECT INTERIOR TRIM COVERING THE A-PILLARS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. IF INCORRECT TRIM WAS INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE VEHICLES MAY NOT PROVIDE THE PROTECTION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD IF AN OCCUPANT STRIKES THE A-PILLAR TRIM.
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL CHECK TO SEE IF THE CORRECT TRIM COVER WAS INSTALLED AND, IF NOT, REPLACE THAT TRIM COVER WITH THE CORRECT ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.

2010-06-29

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: SPRINTER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2009 THROUGH MARCH 2010 AND SOLD UNDER THE MERCEDES-BENZ, FREIGHTLINER, AND DODGE BRAND NAME. THE SPRING PLATE WHICH ATTACHES THE OIL FILLER NECK TO THE CYLINDER-HEAD COVER MAY CRACK.
Consequence: A CRACK IN THE SPRING PLATE MAY RESULT IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM THE OIL FILLER NECK, POSSIBLY LEADING TO THE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH SUBSEQUENT SOILING OF THE ROAD SURFACE WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL FILLER NECK FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS HANDLING THE MERCEDES-BENZ AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN, AND CHRYSLER IS HANDLING THE DODGE SPRINTER OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 4, 2010. MERCEDES-BENZ AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER OWNERS MAY CONTACT MBUSA, LLC AT 1-877-762-8276, AND DODGE SPRINTER OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.