2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has a complaint index of 65 and ranks 7th worst of 18 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area, with 15 recalls filed, including Takata airbag replacements that owners said faced long parts delays.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #7 of 18 Sprinter 2500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 28
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 15
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags9 (32%)
- Engine7 (25%)
- Brakes5 (18%)
- Electrical System4 (14%)
- Structure & Body4 (14%)
- Seat Belts3 (11%)
- Steering3 (11%)
- Other2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Passenger-side Takata airbags reportedly deployed on their own while driving, without any crash occurring, and owners said replacement parts were slow to arrive at dealers.
- A transfer switch on an RV conversion caught fire while the vehicle was parked, with the owner suspecting loosened screws from vibration.
- Wheel speed sensors reportedly failed repeatedly at short intervals, triggering erratic transmission behavior and anti-lock brake system engagement and disengagement even in normal driving.
- A rear passenger sliding door latch failed to lock and the door would not open, discovered after an abnormal noise at low speed.
- Some owners reported transmission problems that recurred within a few years of purchase, alongside separate issues with the diesel particulate filter/DOC system.
- Powertrain-related recall repairs (campaign 17V149000) were reported as delayed for months due to parts unavailability.
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
15 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V663000Oct 28, 2020Steering47,667 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.
Risk: The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.
- NHTSA 19V004000Jan 8, 2019Airbags88,388 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 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. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
- NHTSA 19V003000Jan 8, 2019Airbags71,301 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 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 driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver 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 driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
See all 15 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 →
2016 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst among 18 model years of the Sprinter 2500. Airbags, engine, and brakes are the top reported problem areas.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Sprinter 2500?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 32% of complaints, largely tied to Takata airbag recalls covering front driver and passenger modules.
- Does the 2016 Sprinter 2500 have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two separate 2019 Takata airbag recalls (19V003000 and 19V004000) covering front driver and passenger airbag modules, plus other 2016-related recalls totaling 15 campaigns.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Sprinter 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2016 Sprinter 2500, covering airbags, steering, transmission/powertrain, and labeling issues.
- How does the 2016 Sprinter 2500 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 65 is worse than earlier years like 2012 (index 12, Best) and 2011 (index 41, Good), but better than 2019 and 2020, which scored 100 and 94 with Avoid verdicts.