Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 45 safety complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 with the US government. Of those, 2 describe a crash, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. 18 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 9 complaints, 20% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 3,200 miles, the median across the 5 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers May 2021 to June 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

45 complaints on file

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9 · 20% 9 20%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 9 · 20% 9 20%

LANE DEPARTURE 7 · 16% 7 16%

SERVICE BRAKES 7 · 16% 7 16%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6 · 13% 6 13%

ENGINE 5 · 11% 5 11%

POWER TRAIN 5 · 11% 5 11%

STRUCTURE 4 · 9% 4 9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 · 7% 3 7%

SEATS 3 · 7% 3 7%

STEERING 3 · 7% 3 7%

AIR BAGS 2 · 4% 2 4%

0 4 8

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 45.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 9.

12 9 6 3

21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

18 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

24V930000 · December 13, 2024

The defect: 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 697 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

23V876000 · December 21, 2023

The defect: 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.
The risk: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 387 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

23V875000 · December 21, 2023

The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 3,739 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

23V806000 · December 1, 2023

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The topcoat paint formula may cause the windows and interior lashing rails to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
The risk: An insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the paint adhesion and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any damage, DVUSA may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LACKHA.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 131 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

23V444000 · June 26, 2023

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Sprinter and 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 4790205.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 20,500 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

23V204000 · March 24, 2023

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
The risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 6,857 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL

22V796000 · October 21, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.
The risk: Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 124,305 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

22V491000 · July 11, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 vehicles. The generator wiring harness may be incorrectly connected to the electric power steering, which can result in an electrical surge.
The risk: An electrical surge can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the wiring harness connection, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 10, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LE54ELE.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 2 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V360000 · May 20, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
The risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 19,937 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

22V281000 · April 27, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 12,086 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR

22V131000 · March 8, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC. (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly.
The risk: An incorrectly assembled torsion bar may fail at the connection between the torsion bar and linkage, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VADREH.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 2,153 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

22V073000 · February 9, 2022

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may be improperly stated on the tire and loading label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."
The risk: The operator may overload the vehicle, resulting in excessive tire wear and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the tire and loading information label. Additionally, tires will be inspected for excessive wear and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed to owners on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RE58HIN.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 2,564 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE

21V934000 · December 1, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened.
The risk: Loose bolt fasteners may allow the rear step to separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will tighten the bolt fasteners and replace the console and attaching hardware, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HECKTRI.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 30 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

21V933000 · December 1, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The front axle fender liner and brake hose may be too close, allowing the fender liner to contact and damage the brake hose.
The risk: A damaged brake hose may leak brake fluid, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the condition and clearance of the brake hose, modify the fender liner trim, and replace the brake hose as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BAURAVE.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 98 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

21V779000 · October 6, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. A cable duct may drop out of place due to unlatched engagement hooks inside the battery case. This may cause the starter-generator wiring harness to chafe against the transmission carrier, which could result in an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the engagement hooks on the affected cable duct with expanding rivets, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KABKAN.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 38 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

21V513000 · July 7, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Metris, and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt assemblies. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 21, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 1,514 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V411000 · June 2, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 33,437 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21V410000 · June 2, 2021

The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.
The risk: Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 4,078 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SEATS Filed January 19, 2024

1 injured

This sprinter van is a 2500 4x4 to exit or enter the vehicle you must use the step, this requires, you to twist sideways and reach down with your foot to the step. On the seat which is attached to the metal frame there is a plastic piece which holds the seat switch, which is held on by a plastic plug and a reusable plastic rivet. As you enter or exit the van and use the step your weight pushes the leather seat against the plastic which holds the seat switch and causes the attachments to fail causing you to fall. I Have fallen twice once into traffic.

NHTSA complaint 11566588. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES Filed August 9, 2021

crash · towed

Delivery driver parked at top of customer's driveway. Driver placed van in park and engaged the ebrake. Driver went to rear of vehicle, retrieved customer's package, and exited the van. Driver was handing customer the package when the driver and customer heard clicking sounds coming from van. Van began sliding down the driveway and hit customer's trees. If trees had not been there, van would have hit the customer's house.

NHTSA complaint 11428296. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING Filed April 1, 2026

crash

Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!

NHTSA complaint 11728470. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Filed June 17, 2026

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.

NHTSA complaint 11744838. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES Filed April 6, 2026

I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.

NHTSA complaint 11729522. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Filed January 6, 2026

Following Jayco and Entegra instructions, I delivered my coach to Blue Compass RV. It has now been more than SIX MONTHS out of service. Jayco Pre-Authorization has denied the required battery replacement and referred me to the battery manufacturer, even though Entegra bulletins and recall procedures identify and correct the conditions that caused the damage. Completed Recall and TSB Work Approved by Entegra and Jayco · 22-075 (TSB) A/C Electrical Connection Instructions, September 2022. Replaces WAGO connectors. · 22-076 (TSB) Firefly Terminator G4 Tap Connector, September 2022. Corrects communication errors within the lithium battery network. · 23-101 (TSB) Front Spotlight Electrical

NHTSA complaint 11709064, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY Filed October 18, 2025

Sprinter hood came unlatched and flew up smashing the windshield. Luckily we were able to pull over safely.

NHTSA complaint 11694263. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed October 15, 2025

While driving in the freeway, the crosswind assist feature over-engaged and skewed the vehicle dangerously while also drastically slowing the vehicle and causing a hazardous near collision with the following vehicle. The system is way too aggressive and cannot be turned off or desensitized.

NHTSA complaint 11693693. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2024	12	4	—
2023	17	7	—
2022	40	7	—
2020	80	22	—
2019	67	42	—
2018	14	9	—
2017	13	7	—
2016	28	15	—
2015	23	14	—
2014	38	6	—
2013	21	3	—
2012	8	2	—
2011	14	4	—
2010	14	6	—

Other 2021 Mercedes-Benz models

GLC 300 66 GLE 350 48 S 580 33 GLS450 30 GLB 250 29 GLA 250 18 AMG GLE53 16 GLE 450 15

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 227 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed December 13, 2024.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst