2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Sprinter 2500 years
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 ranks 4th worst out of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 80, 45 complaints, and 18 recalls. NHTSA data show Electrical System and Collision Avoidance & Cameras as the top problem areas, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Sprinter 2500 years.
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (24%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (22%)
- Brakes8 (18%)
- Lane Departure7 (16%)
- Other7 (16%)
- Structure & Body7 (16%)
- Engine6 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (11%)
- Fuel System3 (7%)
- Steering3 (7%)
What owners report
- Owners report the instrument cluster and back-over prevention camera systems tied to unavailable recall parts, delaying repairs.
- Some drivers experienced the active lane departure system illuminating and shaking the steering wheel during highway construction zones at 65 MPH.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance and Dynamic Brake Support systems have triggered abrupt, unexpected stops roughly every 20 minutes at a median mileage of 3,200.
- Active brake assist and distance warning systems reportedly activate without any real hazard present, impeding brakes and steering and startling drivers.
- One owner found the alternator and serpentine belts hanging loose after the air conditioning failed, at 54,000 miles.
- At altitudes over 5,000 feet, some vans reportedly would not move in Drive or Reverse, with no throttle response.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
18 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 18 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 →
2021 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 a bad year?
- NHTSA data rank it 4th worst of 16 model years for the Sprinter 2500, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 45 complaints, so it is rated Avoid relative to other years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Sprinter 2500?
- Electrical System complaints make up 24% of reports, followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 22% and Brakes at 18%, according to NHTSA.
- Does the 2021 Sprinter 2500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2021 Sprinter 2500, including electrical wiring harness issues, frame reinforcement, partition wall bolts, and a fuel pump shutdown recall.
- At what mileage do problems show up on the 2021 Sprinter 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data show a median mileage at failure of 3,200 miles overall, with the Lane Departure issue reported around 400 miles and Collision Avoidance issues around 3,200 miles.
- How does 2021 compare to other Sprinter 2500 years?
- The 2021 model's Complaint Index of 80 is worse than most years but slightly better than 2019 (100) and 2020 (93), and worse than 2022 (87), placing it among the years to avoid.