RoadVitals

2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Sep 11, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jan 8, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 116 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags240.0%
  • Driver assistance120.0%
  • Engine120.0%
  • Other / unspecified120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 8, 2019
88,388 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Apr 21, 2017
3 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Freightliner Sprinter and 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. During vehicle servicing, the affected vehicles received software updates that may conflict with some of the vehicle's computers.
The risk: The improper software may cause problems with the electronic stability control system, the air bag control unit or the engine management software. These problems can result in an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will update the affected control units on the vehicles, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on July 12, 2017. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS

Feb 10, 2017
15,338 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
The risk: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Sep 11, 2026

My vehicle is having massive DPF filter issues I paid for it to be fixed and Mercedes fixed the DEF system under warranty but right before the warranty expired some how the DPF filter "was broke" I feel like Mercedes should have fixed it while it was under warranty but they did not. I asked for a good will repair and they refused. They wanted to charge me $6k for repairs and I could only take it to them. No one else could repair it. Finally I was getting sick from driving it with the massive emissions issues so I took it to an independent diesel mechanic to be fixed. That charged me over $1k and did not fix it matter of fact they made it worse. I have been driving it for a year breathing in diesel particles because of the fulty DPF and DEF system. Mercedes was sued prior to me owning it but I did not know about this when I purchased it I have been exposed to both toxic diesel emissions and carbon monoxide poisoning for an entire year thanks to Mercedes Benz making their parts unattainable and their Monopoly on parts and service.

NHTSA ID
11763739
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Driver assistanceEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 6, 2025

Driving down the road in heavy traffic and the lights on the dash came on and the vehicle went into limp mode almost immediately. I lost the ability to accelerate. I pressed the gas pedal and the engine just revved like it was in neutral. It almost caused an accident. lights were engine, traction, abs. Called MB dealer and they advised the wheel sensors had a NTSB warranty extension on the wheel sensors but my vehicle is not covered because the 10 yr warranty extension is up. Is there any way to get them to cover this problem?

NHTSA ID
11678762
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
Airbags
Filed May 16, 2018

TAKATA RECALL. SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE DATED DECEMBER 2017 I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER 5 TIMES BEGINNING JAN 16, 2018. MANY PROMISES TO CALL ME BACK WITH A PROJECTED TIME THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WILL BECOME AVAILABLE, BUT SO FAR THEY NEVER HAVE CALLED ME BACK. AND TODAY THEY SAID THE SAME THING. THEY DON'T HAVE THE REPLACEMENT AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE GETTING THEM, BUT THEY WILL FIND OUT AND CALL ME BACK. BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE TO DATE I DON'T EXPECT TO HEAR ANYTHING UNTIL I CALL THEM BACK AGAIN. IN THE MEANTIME I'M CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ID
11096380
Incident
Jan 16, 2018
Airbags
Filed Feb 8, 2018

TAKATA RECALL. WE TOOK SAID VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ, BATON ROUGE, LA OVER 3 WEEKS AGO, MARJORIE REIFF (225-490-3119) STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT HAS TO BE ORDERED AND WOULD LIKE US TO CHECK BACK. WE WENT TO MERCEDES BENZ AGAIN TODAY (02/08/208) AND THE SAME PERSON STATED THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED BUT THE REPLACEMENT HAS TO BE ORDERED AND IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 30 DAYS TO COME IN. I HAVE UNTIL 02-22-2018 TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AND CANNOT GET ANY ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN BATON ROUGE, LA. CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH THIS MATTER?

NHTSA ID
11071838
Incident
Feb 8, 2018

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI14_20-N-073867_16_en

ENGINE

EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. NOTE: This LI supersedes LI14.20‑N‑073813, which is no longer valid. Cause Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the desired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function.

LI80_20-N-079697_2_en

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acoustic Warning or message occurring when a closed sliding door is not recognized Complaint Customer may state the warning message or indicator accompanied by acoustic tone alerting the sliding door is ajar when the door is completely closed Cause There are several reasons that lead to the failure occurring: ‑ Mechanical damage through bending when loading and unloading ‑ Worn contact plates ‑‑> After detachment of silver plating, the coper plate is corroded ‑ Movement of sliding door/body when driving ‑‑> Contact pins do not always make contact with contact plate ‑‑> Central locking system fault message in instrument cluster Remedy In a problem case, replace contact switch for vehicles with +T50/+T55/+EL9 or contact plate with A4478201903 Check the fit of the sliding doors here and make any necessary adjustments as per AR72.16‑S‑1023E (447 /448) and AR72.16‑D‑1023TS (907/910). Further valid damage codes: 82326 Contact switch for central locking system on sliding door 82347 Contact plate for central locking system on sliding door 53196 K/Z contact plate for central locking system on sliding door 82645 Contact switch for sliding door

LI82_85_N_080972_1

Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Cause MB Apps is officially sundowned for all vehicles with NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics.

LI28_00-N-079097_1_en

POWER TRAIN

Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force distribution AWD, rather force is only applied to the front axle according to ESP calculations. As per GF28.00‑D‑ 9900A: "vehicles with 4MATIC all‑wheel system and variable force distribution, an electronically regulated multiplate clutch integrated into the transfer case provides for the torque distribution. If the multiplate clutch is open during normal driving operation, only the rear axle drives the vehicle. If the clutch is closed, the front axle comes into play." The message "All‑wheel drive temporarily unavailable" is not indicative of a malfunction but rather informs the driver that all‑wheel drive is currently not available due to the transfer case clutch overheating. This occurs when the vehicle is driven in such a way that maximum front axle torque is needed for an extended period, causing the clutch to get excessively hot. If the vehicle is being driven under heavy load conditions, like in deep sand or snow, the rear axle may slip while the front axle does not deliver power. The transfer case then attempts to distribute torque to correct the slip, but it is limited to a maximum of 1150 Nm to protect the front axle transmission. In extended heavy‑load scenarios, the multidisk clutch in the transfer case slips, increasing the temperature. If the temperature model detects a critical temperature of 240°C, the system protects itself by disconnecting until it cools down to around 160°C, after which the all‑wheel drive becomes available again and the warning message disappears.Vehicles can handle flat terrain easily, but steep slopes or situations where wheels slip might cause additional resistance, leading to the described protection events and message in the dash. Remedy Recommendation is to release the vehicle back to the client with an explanation that the vehicle is operating as designed. Please advise the client to limit vehicle acceleration in limited traction situations to avoid disabling of the 4Matic system ‑ please see "Notes on all‑wheel drive" provided in the operators manual.

LI54_30-N-080701

ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint The ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected. The customer or dealer may report that the vehicle did not reach the starting maintenance interval shown in vehicle documentation, option coding, sales literature, or the Owner's Manual. The service reminder may appear significantly earlier than anticipated even though no faults are stored and no malfunction is present in the vehicle. The remaining distance and remaining time continue to decrease normally until the service reminder is displayed. Cause This condition is not caused by a malfunction of ASSYST PLUS. ASSYST PLUS is a dynamic maintenance management system that continuously evaluates vehicle usage and opera-ting conditions to determine maintenance requirements. The starting maintenance interval specified by variant coding represents a maximum interval that may only be achieved under favorable operating conditions. Actual maintenance intervals may be significantly shorter depending on vehicle use. Vehicle operating conditions such as driving conditions, engine load, engine operating conditions, idling, short-trip operation, environmental influences, oil aging, and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration activity may reduce the maintenance interval from its starting value. These conditions may accelerate engine oil aging through increased soot loading, fuel dilution, moisture accumulation, and additional engine operating stress. As a result, the remaining distance and remaining time until the next service may be reduced from the starting maintenance interval. Remedy Do not replace any parts. A due service must be assumed if the maintenance data calculated by ASSYST PLUS indicates that service is required.

LI14.20-N-073867

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. NOTE: This LI supersedes LI14.20-N-073813, which is no longer valid. Cause Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the de-sired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function. Remedy Remedy for Complaint A: Perform the following steps: 1. Disable the EGR Valve (Y27/17) by disconnecting the electrical connector. 2. Perform a test drive to check if the jolting/bucking issue resolves. 3. If the jolting/bucking is resolved, proceed to Remedy for Complaint B. 4. If jolting/bucking is still present, proceed with diagnosis to determine the root cause. Consider checking the follo-wing, but not limited to: •EGR system including the EGR Cooler, EGR Bypass Flap, EGR Temperature Sensor, and pipes for proper operati-on, excessive sooting and/or clogging, as well as EGR Bypass Flap vacuum element, switchover valve, and vacuum system. •Visually check the leak oil line or T-piece; reference LI07.00-N-059118.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Freightliner Sprinter 2500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023000—
2022110—
20210120—
20207170—
20194360—
2018271—
2017051—
2016191—
2015280—
2014Viewing440—
2013240—
2012220—
2011141—
2010451—
2009241—
2008551—
2007051—
2006330—
2005330—
2004030—
2003650—
2002040—
2001020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.