2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a complaint index of 94, the second-worst of 18 model years, and is rated Avoid. Brakes (37% of complaints) and airbags (35%) are the top problem areas, with 7 recalls including a Takata airbag campaign and an engine chain tensioner issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 18 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 54
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes20 (37%)
- Airbags19 (35%)
- Engine14 (26%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (11%)
- Electrical System4 (7%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Lane Departure2 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
- Fuel System1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes feel soft or ineffective on the first pedal application and require a second pump to stop the vehicle, even under 40 mph.
- Power steering reportedly cut out while driving, in one case leading to a crash.
- Transmission stopped shifting properly while dash warning lights flashed and cruise control dropped out.
- Medical attendant or auxiliary seat bases cracked at the welds and separated from the floor mounting.
- Dual rear wheel valve stem extenders failed within a few thousand miles, causing tire damage.
- Owners reported delays getting the Takata airbag inflator recall remedy despite being told not to drive the vehicle.
2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V042000Feb 3, 2021Brakes48,667 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Risk: If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
- NHTSA 19V004000Jan 8, 2019Airbags88,388 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
- NHTSA 17V786000Dec 8, 2017Other550 vehicles
Equipment
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
See all 7 recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 →
2014 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- It ranks second-worst among 18 model years of the Sprinter 3500 based on NHTSA complaints, with a complaint index of 94 and an Avoid verdict. Brakes and airbags are the most reported problem areas.
- What are the most common complaints on the 2014 Sprinter 3500?
- Brakes account for 37% of complaints, airbags for 35%, and engine issues for 26%. Median mileage at failure for brakes was 22,000 miles.
- Does the 2014 Sprinter 3500 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, covering brakes, airbags (including a Takata inflator recall), and an engine chain tensioner gasket issue.
- Which Sprinter 3500 model years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023 are rated Avoid, with 2016 having the highest complaint index at 100. The 2011 model year is rated Best.
- Were there crashes or fires linked to 2014 Sprinter 3500 complaints?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 fire among the 54 complaints filed for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, with no reported injuries or deaths.