2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 59, ranking 8th worst out of 18 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 21 complaints, 12 recall campaigns, and no crashes, fires, or deaths tied to this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 59/100
- #8 of 18 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear wheel speed sensors fail and trigger ABS, ESP, and traction control warning lights, sometimes causing the transmission to surge or the vehicle to enter limp mode.
- Brake pedal has been reported to sink to the floorboard at various speeds before resetting after a second press.
- Dashboard speedometer, tachometer, and turn signal indicators become nearly unreadable in sunlight, according to owners.
- Owners installing RV bodies report unstable handling, with the chassis rocking on uneven roads or shallow curves.
- A tow bar and receiver hitch reportedly fractured from the chassis after a grating noise was heard while stopping.
- Owners waiting on the passenger-side airbag recall reported delays in getting replacement parts.
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?
- It carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a Complaint Index of 59 ranking 8th worst among 18 model years. Brakes are the top problem area, making up 57% of complaints.
- What year Sprinter 3500 should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023 as Avoid years, all with higher Complaint Index scores than 2015's 59. The 2016 model year has the highest index at 100.
- Does the 2015 Sprinter 3500 have brake problems?
- Yes. Brakes account for 12 of 21 complaints (57%), with a median mileage at failure of 24,225 miles, mostly tied to rear wheel speed sensor failures affecting ABS and traction control.
- What recalls affect the 2015 Sprinter 3500?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns touching this model year, including steering hose detachment, airbag inflator replacement, a fuel tank replacement for missing protective plates, and an ESC wheel speed sensor issue on camper conversions.
- How does the 2015 Sprinter 3500 compare to the best year?
- The 2011 Sprinter 3500 is rated Best with a Complaint Index of 24, far below the 2015 model's 59.