2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Sprinter 2500 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has a Complaint Index of 93, ranking 2nd-worst of 16 model years, with 80 complaints and 22 recalls. Electrical System issues (25% of complaints) top the list, followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain (23% each). It's rated Avoid relative to other Sprinter years.
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 22
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Power steering hose slips off its fitting and sprays hydraulic fluid into the engine bay, sometimes disabling the van and requiring a tow.
- Active lane keeping assist pushes the van toward oncoming traffic or debris instead of keeping it centered, prompting some owners to cover the camera to disable it.
- Vehicle rolls out of park unexpectedly, in one case striking a house and in another causing collision damage after the parking brake failed to hold.
- A dashboard drink holder sits above a vent leading to the starter electrical module, raising concern about liquid spills reaching the circuit board.
- 4WD system does not disengage properly following the owner's manual procedure, occurring under 1,000 miles of use.
- An electrical system fire occurred while the van was idling with the heater running, producing haze and smoke near the engine.
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?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Sprinter 2500 has a Complaint Index of 93, the second-highest among 16 model years, and is rated Avoid relative to other Sprinter 2500 years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2020 Sprinter 2500?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System complaints lead at 25% of the total, followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues, each at 23%, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras problems at 21%.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Sprinter 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2020 Sprinter 2500, covering areas including the electrical system, structure and body, and transmission and powertrain, though none are marked do-not-drive.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2020 Sprinter 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data lists a median mileage at failure of 3,000 miles overall, with brake-related complaints having a much lower median mileage of 725 miles.
- 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 the 2020 model's Complaint Index of 93 and 80 complaints.