RoadVitals

2019 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 May 9, 2023
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.
36
Latest Dec 21, 2023
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and engine categories. 36 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 68 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

  • Brakes116.7%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Engine116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%
  • Steering116.7%
  • Visibility116.7%

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

36 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

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Dec 21, 2023
3,739 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number VS3ROHRAHView on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Dec 21, 2023
387 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number VS3TREWANView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Mar 24, 2023
6,857 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number VS3KOMBAUSView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalVisibility
Filed May 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11521162
Incident
Feb 28, 2023
BrakesEngine
Filed Feb 9, 2022

The contact's boss owns a 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the wheel speed sensor wires were corroded. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and it was suggested that the vehicle be taken to another state, possibly New York or Pennsylvania for repair. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle to another state for the repair and stated that it was too expensive to tow. The approximate failure mileage was 17,680. Consumer also have safety recalls #21V972, 21V152, 21V055, consumer is unable to have repaired Mercedes does not have any authorized service centers in NJ.

NHTSA ID
11451114
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Mileage
17,680 mi
Steering
Filed May 28, 2021

The lower power steering return hose came off while driving just outside Albuquerque, NM. My van had only 2861 miles on it. The clamps had been replaced due to factory recall by my dealer in Salt Lake City, UT prior to delivery to me, but the factory hose was still too short, and clamps still not adequate. I was able to put it on and drive it 30 miles to a Mercedes dealer in Albuquerque, where they put new clamps on, but they did not install a longer hose. They said factory hose was fine. I made it to Durango, CO (just 3-1/2 hour drive)and it started leaking again. Sprinter roadside assistance arranged to have it towed to the Salt Lake dealer and they replaced the hose with a longer one and installed double clamps and it is working great now. This should never have happened to begin with. I am thankful the steering did not go out while driving over the mountain passes!! They should include replacing the hose with a longer one, as well as with better clamps for the factory recall.

NHTSA ID
11418840
Incident
Apr 6, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 22, 2020
Crash reported

DRIVER PARKED ON A HILL AND PUT THE VAN IN PARK. EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAS OUT OF THE VEHICLE 15 SECS BEFORE HE HEARD A POP AND A GRIND AND SMELLED AN ODOR. HE TURNED AND WATCHED HIS VAN ROLL DOWN A HILL INTO TWO PARKED CARS. IT WAS PARK (STATIONARY) ON A CITY STREET AND UNOCCUPIED.

NHTSA ID
11360505
Incident
Jun 3, 2020
Mileage
20,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

LI33_30-N-080795

POWER TRAIN

Model 907 with all-wheel drive (A4M) – All-wheel drive inoperative Complaint The customer may report one or more of the following: • All-wheel drive is unavailable or inoperative. • Rear wheel slip during acceleration on low-traction surfaces. • Noise from the front axle area while driving. • Message in the instrument cluster indicating all-wheel drive is unavailable due to overheating. • Fault code P27874B - The temperature of the clutch is too high. There is a fault due to overtemperature may be stored in control unit N15 (Transfer Case). Cause An internal failure of the front axle differential may result in loss of torque transfer to the front wheels. In some cases, a fracture of the weld between the crown gear and differential housing may be present. Remedy Replace the front axle differential in accordance with: AR33.30-D-0525TSY – Replace Front Axle Differential.

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.

LI49-20-N-080376

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to AdBlue quality or concentration. Complaint Customer reports an illuminated check engine light and or an AdBlue system warning indicating AdBlue quality out of specification. The vehicle may enter reduced performance mode. One or more of the following fault codes related to the AdBlue tank may be stored: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction of the AdBlue fill level sensor; the signal is absent. P300494: The quality of the AdBlue is insufficient. Background AdBlue must meet ISO 22241 quality requirements. ISO 22241 urea content limits for AdBlue are 31.8 percent to 33.2 percent by mass. AdBlue begins to crystallize and freeze at approximately 12 degrees F. Freeze-thaw does not degrade the product when uncontaminated, and the bulk concentration returns to normal after complete thaw and mixing. Cause In cold soak conditions and during freeze thaw exposure, the tank contents may not be uniform at the time of sampling or system checks. During freezing and partial thaw, ice formation can temporarily create concentration gradients in the tank. As a result, urea percent readings can vary based on sample location and the state of thaw and mixing, which can produce apparent out of range readings even though the bulk fluid returns to normal after mixing. Remedy Testing Do not use a single urea percent reading taken from frozen, partially frozen, or not fully mixed AdBlue to make a repair or responsibility decision. Confirm full thaw and ensure tank contents are mixed before sampling. 1. Confirm full thaw - Confirm the AdBlue tank and associated components are fully thawed before sampling. - Do not sample slushy or partially frozen fluid. 2. Mix tank contents - Perform a road drive intended to mix the tank contents before sampling. - Idle time alone is not a reliable substitute for mixing. 3. Sample and measure - Take the sample and measure with the MB refractometer per the MB tool instructions. - Record the urea percent value. 4. Interpret the result against ISO 22241 limits - Within specification is 31.8 percent to 33.2 percent urea by mass. 5. Repeat if out of specification - If out of specification, repeat after an additional mixing drive to reduce sampling variation. - If still out of specification after full thaw, mixing, and repeat measurement, treat as a true out of specification result and proceed with further diagnosis per applicable MB guidance. Acceptance criteria AdBlue is within the ISO 22241 specification when the urea percent is between 31.8 percent and 33.2 percent by mass. Values outside this range are out of specification and require further diagnosis after completing the full thaw and mi-xing procedure above. Cross reference For vehicles with fault codes P206B31, P203B31, or P300494, refer to LI49.20-N-078838 for the detailed diagnostic and repair procedure. If a SCR or AdBlue warning reset is required after correction, refer to LI49.20-N-075995. Complete the diagnostic and corrective steps first. Perform the warning reset only after the underlying fault condition has been corrected. Warranty information and claim handling

LI4920N075995

ENGINE

Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset with fault code P13DF00 or P300685 Complaint Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset. Information: All fault codes in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit have been processed and corrected; however, fault codes P13DF00 and P300685 remain active and stored in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit. Cause The procedure for resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message with XENTRY Diagnosis has not been carried out. Information: Before resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message for SCR Generation 4, the AdBlue® system must be in proper working condition and tested.

LI14.20-N-073867

ENGINE

EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 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. 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.

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
2019Viewing4360
2018271
2017051
2016191
2015280
2014340
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.