RoadVitals

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500

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.
8
Latest Feb 20, 2024
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.
38
Latest Dec 13, 2024
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 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and body & structure categories. 38 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 154 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

  • Steering337.5%
  • Airbags112.5%
  • Body & structure112.5%
  • Driver assistance112.5%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Powertrain (other)112.5%

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

38 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Dec 13, 2024
697 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number VS3BELKOMView 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

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Feb 20, 2024

After vehicle was placed in park it rolled by it self and damaged garage door to a property. Also I have a recording of vehicle rolling after placed in park. Vehicle has been at dealer for last 4 weeks and they can not duplicate problem according to them. no warning lamps

NHTSA ID
11572949
Incident
Jan 4, 2024
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Mar 13, 2023

The contact is a fleet manager for a business which owns multiple 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the SRS warning light would remain illuminated due to the metal driver side seat frame tearing under the seat and also the driver side seat material becoming worn and open were the airbag is located. In addition the front driver side door would not secure when closed due to a faulty door hinge. The vehicle was take to the local dealer who diagnosed that occupant sensor and driver side door hinge was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that all nineteen vehicles in the fleet had been serviced for the same failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 68,154.

NHTSA ID
11511544
Incident
Feb 2, 2022
Electrical
Filed Jun 20, 2022

Air blower, defrost, and heat failure in heavy rain creating a dangerous situation while driving 70mph on a two lane highway with oncoming traffic. I could not see and had to pull over. Visibility through the window became low very fast. Two years ago the same issue happened. The dealer updated software which fixed the issue, until now. When my vehicle was in the shop, they had another in as well with the same issue and they couldn't find a solution. The software update did not fix the problem for them. Long forum posts on the internet with many people having the same issue.

NHTSA ID
11470105
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
Steering
Filed Aug 14, 2020

THE VEHICLE IS A WINNEBAGO REVEL RV BUILD ON A MERCEDES 4X4 SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED FROM THE RADIATOR, DUMPED ALL THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE STEERING. I WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UP A WINDING GRAVEL MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH VERY SHARP CURVES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AS I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES SPRINTER, WELL-KNOWN TO THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 4X4 FACEBOOK GROUP. THE HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE IS TOO SHORT AND THE SPRING CLAMP INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE HOSE ON TO THE RADIATOR FITTING.

NHTSA ID
11349244
Incident
Aug 10, 2020
Mileage
9,000 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Feb 12, 2020

THE 2019 SPRINTER HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE ("ALKA") A FEW WEEKS AGO I DROVE THE VAN FROM SAN DIEGO TO MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN (BISHOP, CA. I DIDN'T FEEL THE CROSSWIND WAS A DANGER BUT I HAD TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO BE PREPARED JUST IN CASE AS I HAD EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FEATURE IN THE PAST AND IT CAN NOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED. A BURST OF WIND HIT ME AND IT PUSHED ME ONTO THE RIGHT SOLID WHITE LINE. I HAD A FAIR AMOUNT OF TARMAC OUTSIDE THE LINE TO MY RIGHT SO I WASN'T THAT CONCERNED WITH MY TIRES BEING ON TOP OF THE LINE BUT THE VAN HAD OTHER IDEAS FOR ME. ALKA KICKED IN SUPER HARD AND CORRECTED ME BACK TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME AS THE ALKA HIT A LOT HARDER THAN I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE PULLING ME BACK TOWARDS THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC GOING THE OTHER WAY! I RECALL MY INITIAL REACTION AS THINKING I HAD IMPACTED AN ANIMAL OR SOMETHING IT "HIT" SO HARD. I WENT INTO PANIC MODE AS I THOUGHT ALKA WAS GOING TO PUSH ME INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I INSTINCTIVELY COUNTER STEERED RIGHT TO CORRECT AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE NET RESULT WAS A VIOLENT RIGHT (WIND), LEFT (ALKA), RIGHT (DRIVER) COMBO THAT HAD ME THINKING FOR A SECOND I AS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VAN AND FLIP IT. AN EXPERIENCE MY PILOT FRIENDS WOULD CALL HAVING A PUCKER FACTOR. I MANAGED TO CONTROL IT BUT IF I'M BEING HONEST, JUST BARELY. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK A LITTLE BREAK FROM DRIVING BEFORE MAKING SURE ALKA WAS TOTALLY OFF AND CONTINUING ON. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM THE SPRINTER SOURCE INTERNET FORUM FROM OTHER DRIVERS THAT THEY ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS OF MY EXACT VAN AGREE THAT THIS SYSTEM HAS SERIOUS FLAWS THAT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH AS IT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND OVERREACTING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11308653
Incident
Jan 30, 2020
Mileage
3,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 10, 2020
Crash reported

WHEN I WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET I ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN MY 2019 SPRINTER AFTER PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON THAT IS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE LEVER. THIS PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME KNOWING, WITHOUT A BEEP OR ANY SIGNAL THAT IT WAS NOT IN PARK ANY LONGER. I ENDED UP ROLLING THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED. BODY DAMAGE WAS CAUSED ON BOTH VEHICLES, AND SINCE THE INCIDENT I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE LEVER DESIGN WHICH SEEMS TO BE UNIQUE TO MERCEDES WHICH HAS CAUSED DEATHS IN NEW YORK. JAKE FISHER, THE DIRECTOR OF AUTO TESTING AT CONSUMER REPORTS WAS CONNECTED TO THE ACCIDENT AND HAS A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE INEFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF THE DESIGN. HTTPS://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/NEW-YORK/DONOHUE-SUV-GEARSHIFT-DESIGN-EYED-METRO-NORTH-TRAGEDY-ARTICLE-1.2125193

NHTSA ID
11298470
Incident
Dec 16, 2019
Mileage
3,500 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 23, 2019

CLAMP ON THE POWER STEER HOSE CAME OFF. THE SPRING CLAMP DID NOT HOLD AND THE HOSE IS STRETCHED TOO TIGHT. WE LIVE IN FAIRBANKS, AK AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS -30 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT ANOTHER CLAMP ON, WITH ONLY GETTING MINOR FROSTBITE ON FINGERS. WE WERE LUCKY THIS HAPPENED IN TOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS BEING PROMOTED AS A VEHICLE TO ACCESS MORE REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS COULD LEAVE PEOPLE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY ON THIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA SITES. WE WERE LUCKILY PARKED IN A WALMART PARKING LOT, AND WHEN WE STARTED TO DRIVE OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. AS WE HAD BEEN WARNED OF THIS HAPPENING, WE KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. THERE WAS A POOL OF POWER STEERING FLUID BENEATH THE ENGINE. SHOULDNT THIS BE A RECALL ISSUE?

NHTSA ID
11290921
Incident
Dec 21, 2019
Mileage
4,850 mi
Filed Nov 22, 2019

LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST OPTION - DANGEROUS AND DEADLY DESIGN IN CROSS WINDS, PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY OTHER TALL VEHICLES, ETCHING OUT OF ROAD TRAFFIC LANE MARKINGS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS, AND ATTEMPTING ANY SWERVING EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION - THE VEHICLE BRAKES SUDDENLY LOCK UP AND THE STEERING BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE, THIS CAUSES ABRUPT RAPID DECELERATION AND LITTLE TO NO STEERING CONTROL. I ALMOST CAUSED A 6 VEHICLE PILE UP ON THE INTERSTATE THE FIRST TIME I DROVE MY NEW 2019 SPRINTER. AS IF THE ABOVE IS NOT HORRIBLE ENOUGH AND COUNTER TO ANY NORMAL DRIVING CORRECTION MANEUVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT EVEN COME ON... INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION.

NHTSA ID
11281858
Incident
Oct 26, 2019
Mileage
295 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

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000
2024120
2023260
2022170
20219170
20205220
2019Viewing8380
2018271
2017011
2016111
2015010
2014000
2013000
2012000
2011000
2010000
2009000
2008000
2007000

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.