2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
14/100
#13 most-complained of 15 Sprinter 3500 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 14 and ranks 13th out of 15 model years, making it one of the better years. It logged 9 complaints, 10 recalls, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries or deaths.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes5 (56%)
- Engine3 (33%)
- Electrical System2 (22%)
- Fuel System1 (11%)
- Other1 (11%)
- Steering1 (11%)
- Structure & Body1 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (11%)
What owners report
- Brakes fail to respond normally, with the pedal traveling to the floor and requiring hard pumping to stop the vehicle.
- Wheel speed sensor failures trigger ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights and increase stopping distance.
- Engine emits an abnormal sulfur odor at low speeds, linked to leaking acid, with the failure reported at 7,400 miles.
- Unexpected engine acceleration to 45 mph without throttle input while turning, forcing the driver to shift into neutral to regain control.
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank failure triggers a warning light and leaves the vehicle undriveable until repaired, reported at 15,000 miles.
- Steering and Electronic Stability Control recall parts were reported as unavailable at the dealer at the time owners sought repairs.
2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
10 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 20V156000Mar 18, 2020Other332 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.
Risk: Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.
See all 10 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 →
2018 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- Among Sprinter 3500 model years, 2018 ranks 13th out of 15 with a Complaint Index of 14, placing it in the 'Best' verdict tier for this model. It had 9 complaints and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Sprinter 3500?
- Brakes account for 56% of complaints (5 of 9), followed by engine issues at 33% (3 of 9). Median mileage at failure across all complaints was 15,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2018 Sprinter 3500, covering brakes, steering, airbags, structure and body, and visibility/wipers, among other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does 2018 compare to other Sprinter 3500 years?
- 2018's Complaint Index of 14 is much lower than the worst year, 2016, which has an index of 100 and an 'Avoid' verdict. Years like 2011 (index 7) and 2024 (index 21) are similarly low among the 15 years with data.