2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Sprinter 2500 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 ranks 13th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Sprinter 2500 years. It has 13 complaints and 3 recalls, mostly tied to Takata airbags.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags9 (69%)
- Electrical System2 (15%)
- Engine2 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
What owners report
- Owners report delays getting Takata airbag recall parts, sometimes exceeding a reasonable amount of time for repair.
- Some owners had only the driver's side airbag replaced under recall while the passenger side airbag was left unaddressed.
- Water intrusion into both headlight assemblies caused condensation buildup and triggered the low beam warning indicator, sometimes reported around 10,000 miles.
- The engine warning light and EBT warning light illuminated with messages limiting remaining engine starts, reported at 132,977 miles on a V6 diesel.
- Cruise control disengaged unexpectedly at highway speed while multiple warning lights, including ABS, activated at 33,500 miles.
2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V032000Jan 9, 2018Airbags17,413 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on March 13, 2018. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
- NHTSA 17V093000Feb 10, 2017Airbags15,338 vehicles
Air bags
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Risk: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
- NHTSA 16V077000Feb 10, 2016Airbags136,361 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 a good year?
- Relative to other Sprinter 2500 model years, 2013 is rated "Best," with a complaint index of 20 and rank 13 out of 16 years, meaning fewer reported problems than most other years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 Sprinter 2500?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 9 of 13 complaints, or 69% of all complaints for this year.
- Does the 2013 Sprinter 2500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Sprinter 2500, all related to airbags, including Takata inflator issues and a missing reinforcement plate around the airbag control unit.
- How does the 2013 Sprinter 2500 compare to the 2019 and 2020 model years?
- The 2013 model has a complaint index of 20, far below the 2019 model's index of 100 and the 2020 model's index of 93, both rated "Avoid."