Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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 (vs30) model years
Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) problems
Common Problems with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) Cars
- Fire Risk due to Wiring Harness Overheating
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 vans, including the 2019-2020 models, have been recalled due to a fire risk caused by wiring harnesses that may overheat. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor circuit may not be adequate, causing the harness to overheat. Mercedes-Benz identified 11 thermal incidents in the U.S., with two fires traced to the fuse boxes. The company advised Sprinter drivers to only operate the HVAC front blower in manual mode and avoid using the maximum blower or lowest/highest temperature settings until the van is repaired.
- Electrical Issue and Potential Vehicle Fire
A total of 31 examples of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz VS30 Sprinter van were recalled due to a potential electrical issue relating to the wiring harness. The cable duct of the starter-alternator wiring may become loose and damaged over time, leading to a short-circuit and increasing the chance of a vehicle fire. Mercedes-Benz will contact affected owners, but they can also contact the company directly or visit a dealership for assistance.
- Brake Fault
Mercedes-Benz Australia recalled 2882 examples of its VS30-series Sprinter van due to a potential fault with the brake system. Brake fluid may leak internally at the rear axle brake calliper, causing stopping power to be compromised. This issue increases the risk of an accident, potentially resulting in injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
- Roof Joint Seal Failure
A new Sprinter purchased in October 2020 experienced a roof joint seal failure, leading to rust in the roof and a delay in the fitout process for over three months. The issue involved inspections, quotes from panel shops, warranty approval procedures, roof panel delivery from Singapore, and repair time. Despite the inconvenience and potential losses incurred by the owner, Mercedes-Benz refused to offer compensation.
- Lowered Reliability Expectations
Based on the Mercedes-Benz brand scores, the 2024 Sprinter is expected to be less reliable than other new cars. Consumer Reports obtains reliability data from a questionnaire sent to subscribers, who are asked to identify serious problems with their cars in the past 12 months. The sample size for each model year typically ranges from 200 to 400 samples. However, for some model years, particularly those of older or less popular cars, the sample size may not be large enough to provide results of statistical confidence.
Are Mercedes Benz sprinters reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse and one of the most popular vans by drivers. The Sprinter van runs on a diesel engine and can run over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay up on regular maintenance, this van will last you for a very long time.
What year is a VS30 Sprinter?
VS30 is the 3rd generation, 2019 and up, they are available with the 3.0 V-6 diesel or a 2.0 turbo gas engine. All the diesel engines available are turbo. If you are trying to determine the year of your Mercedes Sprinter van after 2009, the eighth digit back on the dash VIN will be a letter - A, B, C, etc.
Which year is the best Sprinter?
Overall, yes, the 2021 model is the best year for the Sprinter based on improved technology, safety, and durability features.
What is the life expectancy of a Mercedes Sprinter engine?
250,000 to 300,000 miles
Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) years
We have researched Mercedes-benz problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 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 (vs30) car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sprinter (vs30) model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. 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 (vs30) . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) vehicles.
List of Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) complaints
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WDAPF4CD8KN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: At approximately 104 miles into a recent trip in our RV, while traveling at highway speed under cruise control, we noticed a strange odor. Almost at the same moment we immediately lost engine and braking power. The check engine light came on. We then noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment and noxious fumes had begun to enter the cabin area. After pulling to the side of the highway by use of the emergency brake, we were able to exit the vehicle. Flames could be seen coming from the engine bay and quickly engulfed the RV giving my wife, myself, and our dog only enough time to exit and get a safe distance away. The RV burned to basically nothing but the frame left.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-10
- VIN: W1X8E33Y0LE
- Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Winnebago View built on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V695000 (Structure, Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-03
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-20
- VIN: W1X8ED6Y1LP
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: When the object proximity sensors in the front or rear bumpers detect an object, the vehicle completely or severely limits the throttle. For instance, the rear bumper sensors detect the bike rack attached to my van and therefore limit the throttle response, regardless of transmission direction (forward or reverse). This seems to happen intermittently. When I mute the bumper sensor’s warning by tapping a button, then the throttle responds as expected. This is a known problem on the 2019+ VS30 Mercedes Sprinters, which affects all vans; it is not isolated to my specific van. This presents a safety issue, when the driver expects the vehicle to move but it does not. For instance, when rolling into traffic yet the throttle does not respond.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-27
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-27
- VIN: WDAPF4CD3KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while seated in the swivel chair inside the vehicle, she turned the swivel chair around to watch the television and several unknown warning lights started flashing on and off and the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted and arrived at the residence to service the vehicle. An unknown repair was performed and the vehicle was able to be started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the seat wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that by using electrical tape in the repair, the repair was not properly completed. The contact stated that while researching the failure, she became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention) which she related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-17
- VIN: wdapf4cd8k
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer Motorhome built on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500/4500 chassis. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-65 MPH, the water tank fell onto the exhaust system. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V610000 (Trailer Hitches) and 21V753000 (Equipment). The contact called the local dealer who stated additional hours were needed to complete the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, declined the repairs. Parts distribution disconnect. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-23
- VIN: W1X8E33Y9LN
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Active brake assist inoperable and cruise control is not available when this occurs
Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-25
- VIN: W1x8e33y7ln
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. After the purchase of the vehicle, the contact was informed that he was unable to take possession of the vehicle because of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V055000 (Electrical System) and that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the recall and initially informed him that the recall update would be available in mid-June however, the contact was recently informed that the update was still unavailable and there was no estimated date for the availability for the update. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 17 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30).You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-02-17
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 and Freightliner Sprinter VS30 vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor circuit may be inadequate, which can allow the wiring harness to overheat.
- Consequence: A wiring harness that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to only operate the HVAC front blower in manual (not automatic) mode whenever the engine is on. Do not use the maximum blower or lowest/highest temperature settings until the remedy is performed. Dealers will relocate and replace the fuse and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 8297010.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-02-17
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 and Freightliner Sprinter VS30 vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor circuit may be inadequate, which can allow the wiring harness to overheat.
- Consequence: A wiring harness that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to only operate the HVAC front blower in manual (not automatic) mode whenever the engine is on. Do not use the maximum blower or lowest/highest temperature settings until the remedy is performed. Dealers will relocate and replace the fuse and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 8297010.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2020
- Report Received Date: 2021-11-03
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling one 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicle. The front axle was equipped with the incorrect-size brake discs.
- Consequence: The incorrect-size brake discs may affect braking performance, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: A dealer will replace the brake discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BRESCHE.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-05-17
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles equipped with the camper upfit option. The Electronic Stability Control (ESP) software was not updated for vehicles with a higher center of gravity.
- Consequence: The ESP may not respond as intended during certain driving scenarios, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HOLAPLI.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sprinter (vs30) 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-06
- Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.
- Consequence: A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.
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