2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance325.0%
- Engine216.7%
- Exterior lighting216.7%
- Airbags216.7%
- Electrical18.3%
- Brakes18.3%
- Visibility18.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .