CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

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

8

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have filed 8 safety complaints with NHTSA between April 2022 and March 2026. The most complained-about system is the brakes, named in 3 of them (38%). The typical failure was reported at 8,000 miles, the median across the 1 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 16 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (16)

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

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: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

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 8.

SERVICE BRAKES 3 38%
SUSPENSION 3 38%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 25%
AIR BAGS 1 13%
STEERING 1 13%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1 13%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2022 at 3.

2022 2026
2022 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

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

SERVICE BRAKES

crash

I started my Sprinter, which was converted into a Grech RV, and while still in park a few seconds later, the vehicle started to move. Before I could hop back in the driver's seat to stop the vehicle, it crashed into my garage overhang and significantly damaged my Sprinter's back doors and back structure. How it started to move was a complete mystery to me as it was in park and I had just started the vehicle a few seconds prior. While doing some research, I saw an article in an auto blog forum about Sprinter Van roll-aways. I then received a safety recall notice from Mercedes about this very issue that I experienced. This involves NHTSA Recall #22V796. The incident was reported to my

NHTSA complaint 11501434, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

8,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Driver’s Side Air Bag Deactivated” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness needed to be rewired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a voltage issue; however, the dealer stated that the vehicle was operating normally. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for another diagnostic test; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of

NHTSA complaint 11724098, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Mercedes Dealership is refusing to get the vehicle in to make this safety recall repair in a timely manner. I have been told that i will need to wait for over a month just to drop the vehicle off with no time frame given in terms of how long the vehicle will be gone while being repaired.

NHTSA complaint 11660365. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally raise a critical safety concern regarding the performance and behavior of the Crosswind Assist system in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, upfitted by Airstream as a B-Class RV. This vehicle, identified by VIN [XXX] , exhibited behavior that I believe constitutes a significant and potentially dangerous flaw in its integrated driver-assistance programming. During a westbound trip from Minnesota to Nevada—traversing high-wind corridors in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah—the Crosswind Assist system activated on multiple occasions while overtaking large trucks during gusty wind conditions. The system appeared to override driver input by abruptly applying the brakes

NHTSA complaint 11651549, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My van has periodic lack of acceleration or dead pedal. There are no warnings that this will occur. This shows itself when trying to advance from a stopped position. When I push the accelerator the van either does not move at all or barely crawls forward. This can last 15-45 seconds. There are no RPMs from the engine. Once the pedal starts to respond, the issue will resolve. The problem is you need to get to that point where the engine can make rated power. Once you put in in drive, and if you're able to idle away from the parking spot, you may find that when you need power to move up a hill or through an intersection, it just isn't there. You can't wait a minute with your foot to the floor

NHTSA complaint 11625256, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
My vehicle is listed as one of the 2100+ sprinter vans affected by the incorrect assembly of the torsion bar(Manufacturer Recall Number 2022030013; NHTSA Recall Number 22V131). This recall was issued on March 17, 2022. It has now been over 120 days since that recall was issued and the parts are not yet available. I believe the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA complaint 11476667. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 17 6
2022 8 6
2020 12 22
2019 27 41
2018 9 10
2017 27 9
2016 61 16
2015 37 15
2014 54 7
2013 45 5
2012 20 4 1
2011 8 4

Other 2021 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

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. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

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.

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