2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Sprinter 2500 has a complaint index of 94, ranking 2nd worst of 18 model years, with 80 complaints, 22 recalls, and a verdict of Avoid. Electrical System issues top the list at 25% of complaints, with Engine and Transmission & Powertrain each at 23%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 18 Sprinter 2500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 80
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 22
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System20 (25%)
- Engine18 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (23%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras17 (21%)
- Brakes12 (15%)
- Other10 (13%)
- Steering8 (10%)
- Lane Departure7 (9%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
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 the power steering hose slipping off its fitting and spraying hydraulic fluid into the engine bay, disabling the vehicle.
- Some describe the parking brake disengaging on its own, letting the van roll away and strike objects like a wall or a house.
- Owners report lane keeping assist steering the van toward oncoming traffic or roadside debris instead of staying centered.
- One owner reported a vehicle fire starting while the engine idled with the heater running, producing haze and smoke smell.
- Some describe the 4WD system failing to disengage properly after being used off-road, even when following the owner's manual steps.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
22 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V930000Dec 13, 2024Electrical System697 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.
- NHTSA 23V875000Dec 21, 2023Structure & Body3,739 vehicles
Structure:critical fasteners
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.
Risk: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
- NHTSA 23V876000Dec 21, 2023Structure & Body387 vehicles
Structure:critical fasteners
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.
Risk: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
See all 22 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 →
2020 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Sprinter 2500 a complaint index of 94, the second worst of 18 model years for this model, and the verdict is Avoid based on complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2020 Sprinter 2500 have?
- Owners filed 80 complaints, led by Electrical System issues at 25% share, followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain each at 23%, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 21%.
- Does the 2020 Sprinter 2500 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns tied to the 2020 Sprinter 2500, covering areas including the electrical system, structure and body, and transmission and powertrain.
- Which Sprinter 2500 years are worse than 2020?
- Only the 2019 model year ranks worse, with a complaint index of 100 and 67 complaints, compared to 94 and 80 complaints for 2020.
- What is the median mileage at failure for the 2020 Sprinter 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 3,000 miles for the 2020 Sprinter 2500 overall, with the Brakes category showing a median of 725 miles.