2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 carries a Complaint Index of 65 and ranks 7th worst out of 18 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 13 complaints, 22 recall campaigns, and 1 crash, with Electrical System issues making up 46% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #7 of 18 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 22
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System6 (46%)
- Brakes4 (31%)
- Structure & Body4 (31%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (23%)
- Airbags2 (15%)
- Engine1 (8%)
- Other1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Instrument cluster and dashboard displays flicker or show multiple warning errors while driving, sometimes with wipers and turn signals malfunctioning at the same time.
- Cruise control and adaptive cruise control disengage unexpectedly or stop working after software updates, with owners reporting the systems function only a small fraction of the time.
- Crosswind Assist has activated on its own at highway speed, abruptly braking and turning the steering wheel without driver input.
- A 'Brake Assist Inoperable' warning message appeared and stayed lit for several miles before clearing, later traced to a low sensor reading.
- Backup camera and lane watch images are hard to see in daylight, and side mirrors have been reported as insufficient for viewing towed loads.
- Floor seat-mounting tracks have sharp edges that owners say cut their legs when entering or exiting the vehicle.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
22 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V930000Dec 13, 2024Electrical System697 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.
- NHTSA 23V875000Dec 21, 2023Structure & Body3,739 vehicles
Structure:critical fasteners
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.
Risk: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
- NHTSA 23V876000Dec 21, 2023Structure & Body387 vehicles
Structure:critical fasteners
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.
Risk: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
See all 22 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 →
2020 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Sprinter 3500 a Complaint Index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranking it 7th worst among the 18 model years with data. It has fewer complaints (13) than several other years, but carries 22 recall campaigns.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Sprinter 3500?
- Electrical System complaints are the largest category, making up 46% of all complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 125 miles.
- Does the 2020 Sprinter 3500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns tied to this year range, covering electrical, structure/body, brakes, transmission, and collision-avoidance systems.
- How does the 2020 Sprinter 3500 compare to other Sprinter years?
- Its complaint index of 65 is lower than 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019, all of which carry Avoid verdicts, but higher than years like 2011 and 2022, which are rated Best and Good.
- Were there any crashes reported for the 2020 Sprinter 3500?
- NHTSA records 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to complaints for this model year.