How common are brake complaints for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

NHTSA lists 20 brake complaints for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, accounting for 37% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

Yes. Recall 21V042000, reported February 3, 2021, covers 2012-2018 Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or RVs, addressing an Electronic Stability Control issue; dealers replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust part.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 22,000 at the time of the brake-related failure for the 2014 Sprinter 3500.

Did the brake issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA records 2 crashes among the brake complaints for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, with no reported fires or injuries.

What specific brake parts fail most often?

Sample complaints most often point to wheel speed sensors triggering ABS, ESP, and traction control warnings, along with reports of soft or spongy brake pedal feel.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 20 brake-related complaints for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, 37% of all 54 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 22,000. A related recall (21V042000) covers wheel-speed sensor replacement on upfitted campers/RVs.

Brakes complaints: 20; 37% of 54
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 22,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners describe soft, spongy brake pedals that sink close to the floor and require pumping to stop, especially under load.
Several report ABS, ESP, ASR/BAS, and traction control warning lights illuminating together, followed by a sudden loss of braking assist at various speeds.
Multiple complaints trace the warning-light events to a failed wheel speed sensor, sometimes on the same vehicle at both rear wheels.
Some drivers say the wheel speed sensor's exposed mounting position leaves it vulnerable to road debris and moisture, leading to repeat failures.
A few incidents involved sudden downshifting or jerking combined with brake warning lights while driving at highway speed, forcing the driver to pull over.

When 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 18, 2015, latest Aug 26, 2021.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2015 to Aug 2021; peak Sep 2015 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

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.

Brakes complaints by Sprinter 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20101 (25%)
20110 (0%)
20126 (29%)
20139 (33%)
201420 (37%)
201512 (57%)
201621 (34%)
201710 (36%)
20185 (56%)
20197 (26%)
20204 (31%)
20213 (38%)
20223 (38%)
20231 (6%)
20240 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake complaints for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?: NHTSA lists 20 brake complaints for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, accounting for 37% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?: Yes. Recall 21V042000, reported February 3, 2021, covers 2012-2018 Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or RVs, addressing an Electronic Stability Control issue; dealers replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust part.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 22,000 at the time of the brake-related failure for the 2014 Sprinter 3500.
Did the brake issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA records 2 crashes among the brake complaints for the 2014 Sprinter 3500, with no reported fires or injuries.
What specific brake parts fail most often?: Sample complaints most often point to wheel speed sensors triggering ABS, ESP, and traction control warnings, along with reports of soft or spongy brake pedal feel.