Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Best and Worst Years (2007–2024)

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 100 · 62 complaints · 16 recalls

2016 has the worst complaint index in the model's history at 100, with 62 total complaints and 16 recall campaigns. Brakes make up 34% of complaints at a median 17,500 miles, while engine and transmission problems each account for 23%, with transmission failures appearing as early as 11,250 miles. Recalls cover wheel-speed sensors, power steering hose detachment, and Takata airbags. Owners reported a fire and smoke event from the engine compartment that also caused brake failure, plus a case where airbags failed to deploy in a crash with a school bus.

2016 brakes problems →

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 94 · 54 complaints · 7 recalls

2014 posts a complaint index of 94, the second-highest of all years. Brakes lead complaints at 37% with a median failure mileage of 22,000, followed closely by airbags at 35% (19,000 miles) and engine at 26% (20,000 miles). Seven recall campaigns hit this year, including a rear-wheel speed sensor replacement and a Takata airbag module swap. Owners described power steering loss leading to a crash, transmission shifting problems paired with flashing dash warnings, and turn signal and brake light failures traced to wiring.

2014 brakes problems →2014 airbags problems →

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 88 · 27 complaints · 41 recalls

2019 carries a complaint index of 88 and the highest recall count among the avoid years at 41 campaigns. Engine problems lead at 30% of complaints (median 15,500 miles), followed by brakes at 26% (2,200 miles) and electrical and transmission issues each at 22%. Recalls address instrument cluster brightness, missing frame reinforcement fasteners, and a partition wall that could detach in a crash. Owners reported a parked van rolling downhill after a transmission pop-and-grind sound, and an engine stall with smoke entering the cabin while driving with passengers aboard.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 82 · 21 complaints · 4 recalls

NHTSA gives 2012 a complaint index of 82, the fourth-worst in the lineup. Brakes and engine problems each make up 29% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 45,692 miles for brakes and 25,000 for engine issues. Airbags account for another 19% of complaints. This year carries four recall campaigns, including a wheel-speed sensor fix for upfitted campers and a Takata airbag inflator replacement. Owners reported delays getting replacement airbag parts and, separately, a case of unexpected loss of steering, brake, and electrical power while driving at highway speed.

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Index 76 · 17 complaints · 6 recalls

2023 has a complaint index of 76 with 17 complaints and 6 recall campaigns. Engine issues lead at 24% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 21,300 miles, while electrical, collision-avoidance, and transmission problems each account for 18%. Recalls cover weak rear-axle U-bolts, an unsecured 12-volt ground connection, and a wiring harness that could chafe against the drive shaft. Owners described an unexpectedly lowered suspension, intermittent shutdowns of adaptive cruise and braking-assist systems, and a hood that opened on its own while driving.