2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#8 most-complained of 15 Sprinter 3500 years
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 8th worst of 15 model years, with a Caution verdict. Brakes account for 57% of its 21 NHTSA complaints, followed by engine issues at 33%, and 12 recalls have been issued.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes12 (57%)
- Engine7 (33%)
- Electrical System3 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
What owners report
- Rear-wheel ABS speed sensors fail repeatedly, triggering ABS, ESP, and traction control warning lights together.
- When the wheel speed sensor faults, owners report the transmission surging or hesitating, sometimes requiring hard braking to avoid a collision.
- The brake pedal has extended toward the floorboard at various speeds with a delayed vehicle response, though dealers could not always duplicate the issue.
- Dashboard gauges and turn signal indicators become nearly invisible in sunlight because the backlighting is too dim.
- Owners of RV conversions on the Sprinter 3500 chassis report unstable handling, describing rocking and rolling on uneven roads and curves.
- A structural fracture at the chassis receiver hitch occurred on an RV build, producing a loud grating noise near a stop.
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
12 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 20V663000Oct 28, 2020Steering47,667 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.
Risk: The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.
- NHTSA 19V238000Mar 26, 2019Structure & Body12 vehicles
Seats
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
See all 12 recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 →
2015 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- Compared to other Sprinter 3500 model years, 2015 gets a Caution verdict with a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 8th worst out of 15 years tracked. It is not among the best years, but it is far below the worst years like 2016 (index 100) and 2014 (index 93).
- What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Sprinter 3500?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 57% of complaints (12 of 21), with owners reporting failed wheel speed sensors and ABS/ESP warning lights. Median mileage at brake-related failure was 24,225 miles.
- Does the 2015 Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls tied to the 2015 Sprinter 3500, covering brakes, steering, airbags, fuel system, and structural components. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does 2015 compare to other Sprinter 3500 years?
- The 2015 model year (index 50) ranks better than 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019, all of which carry an Avoid verdict, but it ranks worse than 2011, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022, which are rated Good or Best.