2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a complaint index of 35, ranking 12th worst out of 18 model years, but it carries a Caution verdict because of 10 recall campaigns. Brakes are the top problem area, cited in 56% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #12 of 18 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 9
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes can fail unexpectedly, with the pedal sinking to the floorboard and requiring hard, repeated pumping to stop the vehicle.
- Wheel speed sensor failures trigger ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights and have required repeat dealer visits.
- Some owners report the engine surging toward 45 mph on its own while cornering, forcing them to shift into neutral to regain control.
- A sulfur-like odor from the engine at low speeds has been linked to acid leaking from a component, causing eye irritation and headaches.
- The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light has come on due to DEF tank failure, leaving the vehicle undrivable until repaired.
- One owner reported a recall part for steering and stability control repairs was not yet available at the dealer.
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?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 35, ranking 12th worst among 18 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, driven mainly by 10 recall campaigns rather than a high complaint volume.
- What problems does the 2018 Sprinter 3500 have?
- Owners most often report brake issues, cited in 56% of complaints, followed by engine problems at 33% and electrical system issues at 22%.
- Does the 2018 Sprinter 3500 have brake recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA campaign 21V042000 covers a rear-wheel speed sensor issue affecting the Electronic Stability Control system on camper-upfitted 2012-2018 Sprinter 3500 vans.
- Why is the 2018 Sprinter 3500 rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its verdict is capped at Caution because of 10 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, even though its complaint index of 35 is relatively low compared to other years.
- What year Sprinter 3500 should I avoid instead?
- NHTSA data flags 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023 as Avoid years, with 2016 having the highest complaint index at 100.