Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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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Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 model years
Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 problems
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 owners have reported several common problems related to the vehicle's turbocharger, emissions, and other components. These issues can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the Sprinter 4500, causing inconvenience and potentially higher repair costs for owners.
- Emissions Issues: New diesel-equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter turbos may turn off based on EPA emissions, causing a loss of power. This is referred to as "limp mode," which can be caused by several factors, including a faulty EFR valve, leaking inter-cooler hoses, or a faulty turbo actuator.
- Engine and Transmission: The Sprinter 4500 relies exclusively on diesel power, with two turbocharged diesel engines available. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel rated for 168 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the optional high-output engine is rated for 208 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. However, these engines may show decreased performance and fuel efficiency over time, especially if not properly maintained.
- Suspension and Steering: Some Sprinter 4500 owners have reported issues with the vehicle's suspension and steering systems, including excessive play, noise, and reduced steering feel. These issues can impact the vehicle's handling and safety, particularly at high speeds or during sudden maneuvers.
- Electrical Issues: The Sprinter 4500 has been subject to recalls due to faulty airbag wiring, which may prevent side airbags from working properly in the event of a side-impact crash. This issue can significantly increase the risk of injury in an accident.
In summary, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 owners have reported several common problems related to the vehicle's turbocharger, emissions, engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and electrical systems. These issues can impact the vehicle's performance, reliability, and safety, potentially leading to higher repair costs and inconvenience for owners.
Are Mercedes Sprinter engines reliable?
The Mercedes 2.1 diesel engine is known for its durability and longevity. With proper maintenance and care, this engine can last for hundreds of thousands of miles. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel system cleanings can help prolong the life of the engine.
Why won't my Mercedes Sprinter start?
In short, there are a variety of reasons why a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will not start. Some of the most common reasons are faulty ignition switches, dead batteries, and a clogged fuel filter. Don't forget to have your key fob nearby.
Are Mercedes Sprinters galvanised?
Altered Sprinter
Lower frame is galivensed plus waxed. with MB sealants. just keep the frame under the van clean.
Is the 313 CDI reliable?
The 313 CDI is a good chain driven engine, but at 15 years old it'll be reaching the end of its life. I'd recommend having it serviced, with a full oil and filter change. Keep an eye on oil consumption though. Propshafts can also break on higher mileage vans, so check when this was last replaced.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 years
We have researched Mercedes-benz problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Lane departure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sprinter 4500 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 vehicles.
List of Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 complaints
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-10
- VIN: WD4PF4CD5KP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The active distance assist inoperative appears when using the cruise control. This comes on when no traffic in front of the vehicle for 1 hour or less. Also Active Brake Assist functions limited - see operators Manual To reset: follow another vehicle for 5 minutes. This is Very Very Very frustrating and UNSAFE. This function should not automatically shut off. I paid a lot of money to try and figure out the problem. This is VERY UNSAFE for this feature of instantly shut off for no reason and is dangerous. Please fix this with a software update and allow me to download it at my dealer for no charge. Not happy as I use my cruise control on long trips in the USA.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-03
- VIN: WDAPF4CD2KN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Cruse control will sometimes disengage and display these error messages: "Active Distance Assist Inoperative" "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" Cruse control kicks out and the power cuts off abruptly. After some variable time the cruise control function will work again. This is an intermittent problem that occurs without warning. When cruise control set to 65-70 mph, the deceleration is very pronounced, as if brakes are applied. This can be very starling to the driver, passengers, and any vehicles tailing behind. I reported this to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, and they stated a released software update addressed this problem. However, after the dealer servicing, it still happens several times a day when traveling in our RV.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2021-09-09
- VIN: wd4ff1cdxkt
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect. Please help? Thank you You can also refer to this thread from other Sprinter owners with the same issue: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/83054/
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-12
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-23
- VIN: WD4FF1CD8KP
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The Lane Assist and Crosswind Assist do not work properly. When a gust of wind hits you or when you're passing a semi, the van immediately forces your vehicle off the road or into the other lane where there is another vehicle or a concrete barrier. It's very difficult to hold onto the steering wheel and try to maneuver the vehicle to stay in your lane. The only way to turn off these features are to turn off them off every time you start your vehicle. Mercedes Benz has told me there is no way to turn it off completely and they have had numerous complaints of unsafe vehicle responses from the assist features.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-26
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-26
- VIN: WDAPF4CC3G9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN 15000 MOLES. WHEN THE SENSOR FAILS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUDDERS TO A LOS SPEED WHICH CAN CREATE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-23
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WD4PF1CD4KP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLISION AT RIGHT FRONT.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-01
- VIN: WD3PF4CC1KP
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE WHEELS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, AND WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST COMPLETELY FAILED. IT TOOK EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. MERCEDES-BENZ IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR ON THE 15-MONTH OLD VAN THAT HAS 43000 MILES ON IT. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FAILED ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.
Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 38 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
- 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.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.
- Consequence: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-24
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
- Consequence: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-21
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.
- Consequence: Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-05-20
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.
Are you having problems with your Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4500?
