2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Owner Complaints

1. Component failure: The electrical system of my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has an excessive parasitic battery drain. Following two recall repairs on July 23, 2026, the battery became completely discharged. An independent repair facility measured an approximately 1.4-amp electrical draw. The problem remains unresolved, and I must manually disconnect the battery when parked. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. Safety risk: The vehicle can become unable to start after being parked, creating a risk of unexpected breakdown and occupants being stranded in unsafe locations. Repeated battery discharge also raises concerns about the reliability of the electrical system. 3. Confirmation: An independent repair facility confirmed and documented the approximately 1.4-amp electrical draw. Diagnostic expenses totaled $304. The dealership declined to diagnose the problem without charging its standard hourly diagnostic rate. The problem remains unresolved. 4. Inspections: Following the battery failure, roadside assistance arranged towing to an independent repair facility, which documented the electrical draw and installed a replacement battery. The dealership has been contacted multiple times but has not identified or corrected the problem. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not independently investigated the electrical drain. 5. Symptoms and timing: Before the July 23, 2026 recall service, there were no battery or starting problems. Approximately one week later, the dealership reported the battery needed replacement, then stated it only needed recharging following emissions testing. The morning after retrieving the vehicle, the battery was completely dead. Since the recall service, the check-engine, fuel, and tire-pressure warning lights have also illuminated. No warning lights were present beforehand. The battery-drain problem began immediately following the recall service and did not exist beforehand. I request that NHTSA investigate the matter. Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11775577

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on various occasions after coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was stalling and shaking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine revved loudly before accelerating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers for routine maintenance services, and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

NHTSA ID

11512377

Incident

Jul 1, 2014

Mileage

16,000 mi

Wheel speed sensor malfunction, partially addressed in NHTSA recall ID: 21V042 Why only rear speed sensors? As of Aug. 2, 2022, I am facing the replacement of both front speed sensors one of which was replaced a year ago. No ABS braking, No stability control, faulty parts creating on going safety problems not addressed in recall 21V042.

NHTSA ID

11477365

Incident

Jul 15, 2022

Had a service call to repair recall items. Technician forgot to install bolts holding the transmission which led to multiple light alerts. Could have been dangerous for driver.

NHTSA ID

11428883

Incident

Jul 12, 2021

THE VAN WILL AT TIMES ACCELERATE ON IT OWN.

NHTSA ID

11187145

Incident

Nov 21, 2018

Mileage

50,000 mi

CHECK ENGINE AND DEF LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I CAN ONLY PUT A QUART OF DEF IN TANK ONLY HAVE 23000 MILES ON ENGINE. LIGHT CLEARS AFTER ADDING ONLY A QUART AND RESTATRTING AND DRIVING. THEN RETURNS IN A SHORT WHILE. SHOULDNT THIS BE COVERED UNDER THE EMISSION WTTY. YEAR 2012 MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500

NHTSA ID

11151256

Incident

Oct 12, 2018

Mileage

23,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL- WE HAVE BEEN WAITING 3 YEARS FOR A FIX FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL SINCE WE WERE FIRST NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG. THE RECALL WAS EFFECTIVE 02/11/2016. WE WERE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM NEARLY A YEAR BEFORE THE RECALL BECAME EFFECTIVE. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN WAITING FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT SINCE 01/10/2017. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND WE FEEL MERCEDES SHOULD BUY OUR VEHICLE BACK FROM US FOR THE BLUE BOOK VALUE IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA ID

11093380

Incident

Mar 1, 2015

THE WAY THEY DESIGN THE WIPER IT IS THE MOST UNSAFE VAN I HAVE EVER DRIVE SPECIALLY WHEN IT IS SNOWY.THERE IS NO HEAT WHERE THE WIPERS STOPS AND THE ICE BUILDS UNDER THE WIPER SO EVERY TWENTY MINUTES THE WIPERS NEED TO BE HAND CLEANED. IT IS MAKE IT VERY UNSAFE WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE IN THE HIGHWAY IN SNOW.VERY BAD ENGINEERING.I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS VAN GET APPROVED TO SELL. I DROVE FOR FEDEX SAVE DRIVER IN LAST TEN YEARS. I'M VERY SCARED THEN I HAVE DRIVE THAT VAN IN SNOW. I HOPE THEY COME WITH BETTER DESIGN FOR THEIR FUTURE VANS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10565211

Incident

Dec 27, 2013

Mileage

20,000 mi

HEADLIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, AND TAIL LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO OUT AND HAVE FREQUENT REPLACEMENT. LEFT REAR FOG LIGHT WILL NOT FUNCTION EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT WITH NEW BULB. *TR

NHTSA ID

10559244

Incident

Feb 28, 2013

Mileage

25,000 mi