Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Best and Worst Years (2010–2024)
Avoid the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model years, which carry Complaint Index scores of 79, 93, 100, and 86 — the highest in the lineup. The 2011 and 2018 model years score lowest (7 and 14) and are rated Best based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- Model years
- 15
- 2010–2024
- NHTSA complaints
- 310
- Recall campaigns
- 89
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 5
- Top problem area
- Brakes
Sprinter 3500 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | No verdict | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Engine | — | — |
| 2011 | Best | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 79 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 57 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2014 | Avoid | 93 | 54 | 2 | 1 | 7 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2015 | Caution | 50 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 12 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 100 | 62 | 3 | 2 | 16 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 64 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2018 | Best | 14 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 10 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 86 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 41 | Engine | — | — |
| 2020 | Good | 43 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 22 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2021 | Good | 36 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 16 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2022 | Good | 29 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2023 | Caution | 71 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Engine | — | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
Sprinter 3500 years to avoid: what went wrong
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 100 · 62 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2016 Sprinter 3500 ranks worst overall with a Complaint Index of 100. Brakes lead complaints at 34% (median mileage 17,500), followed by engine and transmission/powertrain each at 23% (median mileage 18,000 and 11,250), and airbags at 19%. NHTSA issued 16 recalls, including a power steering hose detachment campaign and airbag module replacements. Owners reported engine compartment fire and smoke leading to brake failure, airbags not deploying in a school bus collision, and excessive brake pedal free-play. This year had 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries.
2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 93 · 54 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2014 Sprinter 3500 posts a Complaint Index of 93. Brakes account for 37% of complaints (median mileage 22,000), airbags 35% (median mileage 19,000), and engine 26% (median mileage 20,000). NHTSA recorded 7 recalls, including the ESC rear-wheel speed sensor campaign and a Takata airbag inflator replacement. Owners reported power steering loss leading to a crash, transmission shifting problems with flashing dash warnings, and rear turn signal and brake light failures. Two crashes and one fire were reported.
2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 86 · 27 complaints · 41 recalls
The 2019 Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 86. Engine problems make up 30% of complaints (median mileage 15,500), brakes 26% (median mileage 2,200), and electrical system and transmission/powertrain each 22%. NHTSA logged 41 recall campaigns, including frame reinforcement fastener and partition wall bolt recalls. Owners reported vehicles rolling away after being parked, engine stalling with smoke in the cabin, and unintended acceleration near stop lights. This year had 3 crashes and 1 injury.
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 79 · 21 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2012 Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 79, tied largely to brakes and engine problems, each making up 29% of its complaints, with airbags at 19%. Median mileage at brake failure was 45,692 and at engine failure was 25,000. NHTSA logged 4 recall campaigns, including a rear-wheel speed sensor fix for camper/RV upfits and a Takata airbag inflator replacement. Owners reported sudden electrical shutdowns while driving and passenger seat rail failures. One crash and one fire were reported for this year.
Most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Brakes102 (33%)
- Engine74 (24%)
- Airbags62 (20%)
- Electrical System43 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires37 (12%)
- Other32 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain32 (10%)
- Structure & Body21 (7%)
- Fuel System14 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019 Sprinter 3500 model years rank worst, with Complaint Index scores of 79, 93, 100, and 86 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
- The 2011 and 2018 model years are rated Best, with the lowest Complaint Index scores in the lineup at 7 and 14.
- Is the 2016 Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- The 2016 Sprinter 3500 has the highest Complaint Index of any year, at 100, with brakes making up 34% of its complaints and 16 recall campaigns filed against it.
- What are the most common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
- Across all model years, brakes account for 33% of complaints, engine 24%, airbags 20%, electrical system 14%, suspension/wheels/tires 12%, and transmission/powertrain 10%.
- Does the 2019 Sprinter 3500 have a lot of recalls?
- Yes, the 2019 Sprinter 3500 has 41 recall campaigns, the most of any avoid-listed year, including frame reinforcement and partition wall bolt issues.