2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Sprinter 2500 has a complaint index of 47, ranks 10th out of 18 model years, and carries a Caution verdict capped by 9 recall campaigns despite a moderate complaint level. Engine issues account for 43% of complaints, with median failure mileage around 27,367 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #10 of 18 Sprinter 2500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (43%)
- Steering3 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (21%)
- Electrical System2 (14%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Seat Belts2 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (14%)
- Fuel System1 (7%)
- Lane Departure1 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report loss of power steering assist when the lower power steering hose loosens or disconnects from the cooler unit.
- Some vans intermittently shift into limp mode at various speeds with no warning, then return to normal after a restart.
- Engine warning messages (ESP, ABS, blind spot assist) appear together with erratic transmission shifting, later traced to a defective rear wheel speed sensor.
- Drivers describe a sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above 45 MPH after hearing an abnormal engine noise at highway speed.
- Seat belts fail to retract properly or the buckle cable strands shear over repeated use, sometimes within a few months.
- Structural complaints include air conditioning seals fracturing and leaking moisture into the cabin, and loose bolts found near the fuel tank.
2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
9 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 20V156000Mar 18, 2020Other332 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.
Risk: Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.
- NHTSA 20V155000Mar 18, 2020Other289 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).
Risk: With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed at higher speeds than the tire can withstand, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace it with the label with the correct maximum speed information indicated in miles per hour, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGRESS.
See all 9 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 →
2018 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 47 and ranks it 10th of 18 model years for the Sprinter 2500. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by 9 recall campaigns rather than a high complaint count.
- What problems does the 2018 Sprinter 2500 have?
- Engine issues make up 43% of complaints, with steering and transmission/powertrain problems each at 21%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 27,367 miles.
- Does the 2018 Sprinter 2500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2018 Sprinter 2500, covering areas including steering hoses, airbags, missing final quality inspections, hood catch screws, and window glass.
- How does the 2018 Sprinter 2500 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 47 is lower than 2019 (100), 2020 (94), and 2021 (82), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2012 (12, rated Best) and 2013 (29, rated Good).