2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V-042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629

The right rear axle shaft assembly wheel bearing seal failed. The right rear ABS Sensor, aka (rotational Speed Sensor, wheel speed sensor) failed. These parts are available for inspection. The vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without me pressing the accelerator as I approached a red light at an intersection, putting my safety and others at risk. I had to slam on the brakes with all my might to get the vehicle to stop from going through the intersection. The road was wet, and the front wheels locked while the rear wheels continued to be driven by the engine without any input from the accelerator pedal. Eventually, the vehicle stopped, and the engine acceleration went back to normal operation. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle and parts have been inspected by me, as the vehicle owner. The warning lamps suddenly illuminated on the instrument panel just prior to the incident. The warning lamps came on as I was approaching the intersection. The warning lamps that came on were the engine diagnostic indicator lamp aka Malfunction indicator lamp, the Anti-lock brake system warning light, the brake assist system warning light, the electronic stability program warning light. I also hear what sounded like the ABS Control Unit rapidly cycling just prior to the uncontrolled acceleration while nearing the intersection. I used diagnostic equipment and performed a visual inspection of the components, concluding that they needed replacement. Grease from the leaking right rear wheel bearing seal fouled the right rear wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor cable develops cracks near the wheel hub. I believe these parts are defective and can cause erratic, uncontrollable, unsafe driving risks that could lead to accidents and injuries. The symptoms and warning indications went away after the parts were replaced. I still have these parts as I feel they should be inspected by NHTSA personnel to make a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11666918

Incident

May 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking engine oil with the oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN regarding the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11554053

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

Mileage

180,000 mi

The electronic steering lock "jams". The only way to get the ignition to turn is to jack up the front tires to release the pressure on the wheels and jiggle the steering wheel while trying to start the car. Even doing this isn't instantaneous. Sometimes you have to physically wiggle the tires left/right while jiggling the wheel. This is well documented on Youtube/other internet sites. This has happened at least 6 or more times and has been taken into the Sprinter Dealer for repair. They couldn't replicate the issue and therefore did nothing.

NHTSA ID

11501311

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 65 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OFF AND THREE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING ABS AND 2 OTHER NEXT THAT ONE LOOKING LIKE A SWERVE CONTROL OR SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITION AND ANOTHER TIRE LOOKING LIGHT. NOT SURE OF OTHER TWO LIGHT AS THIS WAS MY FIRST DRIVE IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH I HAD DRIVEN AROUND 800 MILES THIS DAY. I PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD AS I WAS IN A DANGEROUS LOCATION ON A STEEP HILL. UPON RESTART IT STARTED TO REV THEN BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES CAUSING GREAT DANGER IN MY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO NEXT SIDE EXIT AND SHIP OFF. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY COLD NIGHT AND I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11389718

Incident

Jan 23, 2021

Mileage

33,500 mi

MERCEDES BENZ 2500 2013 V6 DIESEL. YELLOW ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE EBT YELLOW WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND ANOTHER WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THERE ARE 5 MORE ENGINE STARTS REMAINING AND IT WILL NOT START IF DRIVEN MORE THAN 340 MILES. BOTH THE ERG VALVE AND THE EBT TANK AND HEATER HAVE BEEN REPLACED. WE WERE DRIVING UNDER AN EVACUATION ALERT BECAUSE OF FIRE. SPEED WAS 45-50 MPH. THIS INCIDENT HAS PUT US IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE WE ARE DEPENDENT IN THE SPRINTER FOR EVACUATION. THE DEALER IS 40 MILES AWAY AND CANNOT SERVICE THE SPRINTER UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER. LAST NIGHT WE READ ABOUT MERCEDES BENZ EPA SETTLEMENT BECAUSE OF A DEFEAT PROGRAM AND FAULTY EMISSION COMPONENTS. WHAT CAN WE DO?

NHTSA ID

11355406

Incident

Sep 7, 2020

Mileage

132,977 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE LOW BEAM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (866-342-3941, LOCATED AT 4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS WATER CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11256129

Incident

Sep 29, 2018

Mileage

10,000 mi

WHEN I TURN ON MY VEHICLE IT SHOWS LOW BEAM RIGHT LEFT I TAKE IT TO THE BENZ DEALER IN TAMPA THE PROBLEM THEY CAME UP WITH WATER INTRUSION IN BOTH FRONT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLE. HEAD LAMP UNIT FOUND CONDENSATION FORMING IN HEADLAMPS. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING ENTIRE ASSEMBLY AS NO REPAIR CAN BE PERFORMED TOTAL COST $4230.14. GOT INTOUCH WITH THE EXEC. REFERRAL MANAGER TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. I DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX PROBLEM THEIR SHOULD BE NO CONDENSATION AT ALL SO I LEFT WITH ONLY DRIVING MY VEHICLE DURING THE DAY I CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHTS WITH NO LIGHT. YOUR EARLY ATTENTION TO MY PROBLEM WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

NHTSA ID

11255765

Incident

Sep 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF RENO (11500 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511, (855) 661-9151) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER CHECKING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER, THE ENGINE FROZE WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A LACK OF OIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING THE VEHICLE NEEDED OIL. THE VEHICLE ALSO LACKS ENOUGH POWER TO REVERSE UP AN INCLINE, SUCH AS A DRIVEWAY.*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S HAVE PERSISTED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT SEEMS AS IF THE COMPUTER WAS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE SUCH AS LIGHTING, TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION. *JS

NHTSA ID

11206848

Incident

Oct 1, 2014

Mileage

29,000 mi

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.