2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#7 most-complained of 16 Sprinter 2500 years
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has a complaint index of 60 and ranks 7th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution rating. It has 28 complaints, 15 recalls, and no crashes, fires (1), injuries, or deaths reported to NHTSA.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report Takata airbag inflators failing to deploy properly or triggering false deployment while driving without any collision.
- Some report the RV transfer switch caught fire, possibly from loosened screws caused by vibration.
- Owners describe long delays getting Takata airbag recall parts, with vans left unusable for months.
- Wheel speed sensors reportedly fail repeatedly, causing the transmission and anti-lock brake system to behave erratically and affecting the ability to stop.
- Some report a passenger side sliding door latch failing to lock or open properly after hearing an abnormal noise while driving.
- One owner reported the bench seat seatbelts were too short for adult or child seat use.
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?
- Compared to other Sprinter 2500 model years, 2016 is rated Caution, ranking 7th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 60.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Sprinter 2500?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 32% of complaints, followed by Engine issues at 25% and Brakes at 18%.
- Does the 2016 Sprinter 2500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2016 Sprinter 2500, including two separate Takata airbag inflator recalls and a driveshaft catch strap recall.
- How does 2016 compare to other Sprinter 2500 years?
- 2016 is worse than years like 2012, 2013, and 2015, which are rated Best, but better than 2019-2022, which are rated Avoid with complaint indexes between 80 and 100.