2024 Mercedes Sprinter

My vehicle was inspected and it was found that the seatbelt B-pillar anchor bolt was stripped at the factory. This problem seems widespread online.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Second alternator has gone bad twice. Went to Van conversions in Utah and had system completely replaced

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Rear Axle Drivetrain Assembly failed. Specifically, a critical structural fastener (bolt) associated with NHTSA Recall #25V090 (MBUSA #2025020010) completely detached from the rear axle. The vehicle is currently in my possession and the failed component/repair is photographed. The detachment of this structural bolt caused a complete loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in a commercial driveway. Had this occurred minutes earlier during my 500-mile round trip on the I-95 highway, it would have resulted in a catastrophic drivetrain separation or axle lock-up at highway speeds (65+ mph). This posed a fatal risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The failure was confirmed and documented by an independent service center (Crown Auto, [XXX] ) and subsequently confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer (Mercedes-Benz of White Plains). White Plains issued a strict "Do Not Drive" order and dispatched emergency roadside assistance to transport the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by Mercedes-Benz of White Plains (authorized manufacturer representative) and Crown Auto. I have photographic evidence of the failed component prior to the re-repair. Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon (the originating dealer) has also been provided with photographic evidence but has refused to acknowledge the failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the failure. The first symptom was a complete loss of propulsion and a "spinning" sensation from the rear axle upon arriving in Queens. This lack of warning is particularly dangerous as the vehicle gave no indication of the impending structural failure during a 500-mile highway journey. The Service Director at the originating dealership, Ernie Serrano, initially denied the existence of the safety recall in writing and subsequently suggested that I misrepresent the nature of the failure to avoid a 'failed recall' record. This suggests a systemic attempt to hide safety-critical repair failures from the manufacturer a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I removed the drive side seat belt bolt in order to remove the pillar it is mounted to and found the bolt extremely hard to turn and ultimately somewhat stripped upon removal. The bolt remains defiant in re-installation procedure. The passenger side was removed without stripping but did attempt to cross-thread itself upon re-installation which was remedied by simple hand threading. Safety put at risk in that these seat belt bolts and their installation process may not restrain passengers in an accident. Not confirmed by dealer or service center - pictures should be self evident. The component hasn't been inspected by any party - I'm just going to buy a new bolt and re-tap the hole it was installed in. No warning lights for this isssue.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 experienced unusually rapid brake, tire, and battery wear at low mileage. Front brakes required replacement at approximately 29,000 miles. Rear brakes were already worn low by approximately 37,000 miles. Rear tires required replacement by approximately 37,000 miles. Vehicle battery also failed and required replacement before approximately 37,000 miles. Vehicle had earlier emissions/sensor related repairs as well. This creates safety concerns because premature brake wear can reduce stopping ability and increase stopping distance. Premature tire wear can reduce traction, especially in rain, and increase risk of tire failure or blowout. Unexpected battery failure can disable the vehicle without warning in traffic or roadside conditions. Vehicle is used in normal commercial delivery service and is generally not heavily loaded. I have owned and operated multiple prior Sprinter vans over many years, and previous model years achieved substantially longer brake, tire, and battery life under similar or heavier use. A newer comparable fleet vehicle with similar mileage has not required these repairs. The issue appears abnormal compared with prior ownership experience and may indicate brake system drag, an alignment issue, defective components, battery charging issue, or another unresolved defect. Vehicle has been serviced by dealer and components were replaced, but premature wear remains the concern. In addition, rear brake wear occurring this early suggests possible imbalance or excessive brake application that should be investigated. Rapid tire wear combined with brake wear may indicate alignment or braking system issues affecting vehicle control and safety. I am submitting this complaint so the condition can be reviewed for potential defect trends affecting other similar vehicles. Defective parts may be available from prior repairs depending on service center retention.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E Sprinter. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle for an hour. The vehicle was then restarted and worked as intended; however, after the vehicle was parked in a public parking lot, several undisclosed electrical failures occurred. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the A-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 215/85/R16, DOT Number: 1H23PLDV9. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with his wife and dog inside the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact slowed down and parked the RV at a local gas station. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was examining it. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle: 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 148,000 The vehicle is experiencing a serious safety-related defect where the starter motor remains engaged even after the engine is turned off. This results in the starter continuing to run and stay powered, which can cause severe mechanical damage, overheating, and presents a potential fire risk. The starter has already been replaced, but the issue persists, indicating the problem is within the vehicle’s electrical control system (such as wiring harness, relay, or control module). Additionally, I was informed that this same vehicle had a prior wire harness-related issue in 2024 under the previous owner, suggesting a recurring or unresolved electrical defect. This condition can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior and poses a safety hazard due to the risk of electrical failure or fire. The vehicle is currently at a Mercedes-Benz dealership for diagnosis, and a case has been opened with Mercedes-Benz USA under case #XXX. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect and request investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Complaint Description I am filing this complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a safety issue with my new Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. I purchased this vehicle brand new from Mercedes Benz Manhattan. From the first day of ownership, I began experiencing multiple serious problems with the van. The main issue is that exhaust smoke and/or crankcase gases enter the cabin while driving. In addition, the vehicle experiences strong vibrations and the transmission frequently kicks or shifts abruptly. On several occasions this issue has caused the engine to stall while driving. (Traffic light stop) These problems create a potentially dangerous situation and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership, Mercedes Benz Manhattan, has attempted to repair the vehicle many times, but the problems persist and have not been resolved. Because of the ongoing safety risks, I believe this issue should be investigated.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Yes the wind assist in my opinion is more dangerous than dealing with the wind itself. No safe!

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The van has a cross wind assist mode. When it activates it aggressively activates only one front wheel brake so dramatically that the van dives down and swerves out of the lane into the adjacent lane. The front wheel happened to be on wet pavement and it was chattering from braking so hard and not getting traction. I passed a slower motorcycle on the road and the crosswind assist almost caused me to run him off the road. The problem has not been reported to the dealer because i have read on several forums that dealers wont do anything about it. many people are complaining about this and it happens without warning. the problem started as soon as I bought the van, it now has 10,000 miles on it. This is a feature that is included with the van. When the dashboard lights do come on when the cross wind assist activates. No other warnings nor is thier any warning before the wind assist activates. Thanks for reading my concern

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

We purchased a new 2025 Jayco Melbourne and afterwards discovered the MBZ 3500 Chassis was a 2024.(6/19/2024) A 2025 MBZ 3500 chassis has a TPMS -factory installed system; 2024 no TPMS. I started to install an aftermarket TPMS and noted the tire valve stems were rubber. I couldn’t install the end cap sensors due to safety concerns about centrifugal force causing a failure of the rubber valve stems on the wheels. My next contact was MBZ customer service. They referred me to Walter’s Mercedes-Benz Van Center, 7979 Auto Drive, Riverside, Ca. 82504. I contacted Service Advisor Brennan Ruiz at 951-552-2145. After a couple of phone calls back and forth and me researching the parts through MBZ, I made an appointment on 6/11/2025 to have my 2025 Jayco retrofitted with the factory TPMS. The cost for me was approximately $3;000.00 including parts and labor. On 6/112025, Brennan took care of a warranty issue not related to this and was very helpful with the TPMS retrofit process. He did inform me that his tech would not be able to install the parts due to MBZ on the east coast refusing to release the computer code unless there was prior documentation or campaign bulletins for reference. The TPMS is standard on the 3500 MBZ Sprinter chassis, but MBZ will not release the code to their own dealership when I am willing to pay $3,000.00 for the entire retrofit process. It does not make sense to me since MBZ has the Motto on their web site: “How Mercedes-Benz Safety Features Prevent Accidents Before They Happen.” That’s what I am attempting to have completed! Resolution: First, I want this documented in case of tire failure/accident. Secondly, hopefully this will help me getting the Factory TPMS retrofit completed! I am not asking MBZ to pay anything other than releasing the computer code for the retrofit. This is for the safety of my family and all the other motorists that I encounter while driving on the highways in the US. Thank you for your help,

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Our 2024 Sprinter Van, manufactured in 2023, with less than 10,000 miles caught fire in the engine compart shortly after my wife picking me up at the airport.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

The driver and passenger side mirror glass on 2024 Sprinter 144" Awd Passenger Van shakes violently while driving at any speed over 50mph. This creates a safety issue where it is nearly impossible to judge the type and speed of vehicle that is in your side mirror view. The Mercedes Benz dealership has been asked to investigate the issue but has stated, "Everything is secure, shakes and rattles are inherent to these vans." This response is unacceptable given the public and personal safety risk associated with decreased visibility in such a large vehicle. There is additional anecdotal evidence of this problem spanning multiple production years on online forums dedicated to Sprinter van ownership experiences. This information and a potential remedy of investigating and replacing an improperly installed rivet nut, has been provided to the Mercedes-Benz Baton Rouge dealership.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN PARK RUNNING, AFTER 2 MINUTES I HEARD A POP AND IT POPPED OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE AND SPED OFF RUNNING INTO A WALL.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

Tried to drive over Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. About halfway up, the vehicle started losing power and eventually lost all power. The engine was running but even with the pedal to the floor it was totally unresponsive. This put us in a dangerous situation as I had to park on the side of the road with huge drop offs and semi trucks. I managed to turn it around to come down the pass coasting. The engine finally became responsive again at lower altitude. The yellow “check engine” icon was on when this started. Managed to come back to Pagosa Springs and shut it down several times and re started. The engine light finally went off.

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle revved but failed to respond. The contact was able to pull to the side of the emergency lane. The contact had called the dealer at that point who advised the contact to turn off the vehicle and lock the vehicle, then reopen and restart the vehicle to reset the computer system. The contact completed the instructions, and the failure did not reoccur. The contact stated that approximately 2 to 3 months later while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the ABS suddenly activated causing the vehicle to stop unintendedly. The instrument panel displayed that the vehicle had detected an object nearby, causing the brake assist to activate and then go completely black. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal causing the vehicle to accelerate abruptly. The dealer had not been contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The drive shaft to front differential (part # A9070410-09-00) in MY23 and MY24 Sprinter AWD has structural flaw in the sense that: (1) it is so short that the shaft can easily fall off during normal road conditions. (2) the clip and O-ring to secure the A9070410-09-00 is not strong enough to handle the normal stress of this driver shaft. If A9070410-09-00 falls off, severe vibration occurs and the Sprinter can only drive 2mile/hour or even stop functioning. There is a good chance that the driver can get stuck in the middle of nowhere without the reach to any help. This is a SERIOUS design failure and needs to have a recall and permanent fix ASAP! For more information, pls refer to this Youtube video by [XXX]: [XXX] My brand-new van only has 2600 miles on it and there is no offroad at all. The front drive shaft is almost completely falling off and it sits in a MB dealer for repair now. Pls address this serious safety risk ASAP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported