2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 47 and ranks 10th worst out of 18 model years, earning a Caution verdict. That verdict is capped because of 14 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, even though its raw complaint count of 8 is relatively low.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #10 of 18 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 16
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes3 (38%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (38%)
- Other2 (25%)
- Airbags1 (13%)
- Engine1 (13%)
- Steering1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the van rolling out of park on its own, in one case causing a crash into a garage.
- Some owners with the torsion bar suspension recall said replacement parts were not available for over 120 days after the recall was issued.
- One owner reported a dealership refusing to schedule a brake-related safety recall repair for over a month with no timeframe given.
- An airbag warning message showed the driver's side airbag deactivated at 8,000 miles; a dealer rewired the wiring harness but the message returned.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
16 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 16 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 →
2021 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a Complaint Index of 47 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 18 Sprinter 3500 model years. The verdict is capped to Caution because of 14 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, not because of high complaint volume.
- What problems does the 2021 Sprinter 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 8 complaints for this year, mostly involving brakes and suspension, each accounting for 38% of complaints. There is also one airbag complaint reported at 8,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Sprinter 3500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns tied to the 2021 model year, covering areas like structure and body, electrical system, transmission, and collision avoidance.
- How does the 2021 Sprinter 3500 compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 47 is lower than Avoid years like 2016 (100) and 2014 (94), but its recall count still pushes it to a Caution verdict rather than Good.