How common are brake complaints on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

NHTSA lists 21 brake complaints for the 2016 Sprinter 3500, which is 34% of the 62 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

Yes. Recall 21V042000 covers 2012-2018 Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or RVs, addressing an Electronic Stability Control issue; the remedy is replacing the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust part.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on this year?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2016 Sprinter 3500 is 17,500 miles.

What is the most common brake issue owners describe?

The most frequently described pattern is rear-wheel speed sensor failure, which triggers ABS and ESP warning lights and can push the transmission into limp mode.

Have brake problems on the 2016 Sprinter 3500 led to crashes?

NHTSA data for this component and year shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 21 brake complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, 34% of all 62 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 17,500 miles. A related recall (21V042000) covers the rear-wheel speed sensor on camper/RV upfits.

Brakes complaints: 21; 34% of 62
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 17,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Rear-wheel speed sensors fail repeatedly, sometimes on both sides, triggering ABS, ESP, and traction control warning lights.
Sensor failures push the transmission into limp mode or cause it to stick in a lower gear, limiting speed on the highway.
Some owners report the vehicle surging or continuing to accelerate even when the brake pedal is applied.
One owner described excessive brake pedal free-play before the brakes engaged, delaying stopping response.
A rear brake line failure caused fluid loss and reduced braking during a hard stop.
One incident involved a fire under the dash and brake failure while descending a mountain road, resulting in a crash.

When 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 30, 2016, latest Jan 3, 2022.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Jan 2022; peak Oct 2020 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 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 on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?: NHTSA lists 21 brake complaints for the 2016 Sprinter 3500, which is 34% of the 62 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?: Yes. Recall 21V042000 covers 2012-2018 Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or RVs, addressing an Electronic Stability Control issue; the remedy is replacing the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust part.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on this year?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2016 Sprinter 3500 is 17,500 miles.
What is the most common brake issue owners describe?: The most frequently described pattern is rear-wheel speed sensor failure, which triggers ABS and ESP warning lights and can push the transmission into limp mode.
Have brake problems on the 2016 Sprinter 3500 led to crashes?: NHTSA data for this component and year shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.