2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Owner Complaints

The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.

NHTSA ID

11667211

Incident

May 31, 2025

The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.

NHTSA ID

11605186

Incident

Jul 22, 2024

Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully

NHTSA ID

11567265

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

The check engine light came on in the Sprinter van. There is a Hissing noise coming from the engine when accelerating. The Sprinter van loses speed when on the highway. The vehicle could not keep up with traffic on the road. The Mercedes Benz dealer, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky has inspected the vehicle and stated that it has a defective intake manifold. This vehicle has 140,000 miles at this time. At this time the van has not been repaired, the cost is $3132.77

NHTSA ID

11532688

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11526686

Incident

Jun 12, 2023

My 2016 Sprinter is suffering from a failing EGR valve that's causing intermittent power loss. The issue started after only 25000mi on the odometer. No errors are shown, nothing indicates malfunction. The problem is quite severe and presenting itself through random power loss. When accelerating the car will jerk and lose acceleration force suddenly. Driving uphill is the worst and producing constant jerking. Once moving at a good speed it's less notable but still present. The main safety concern is that the behavior is unpredictable and in situations where it's necessary to accelerate into a road with traffic, this can lead to a hazardous when the car doesn't accelerate as intended. In multiple occasions I was unable to properly speed up and get moving and thus blocking traffic behind me and forcing them to slow down or change lanes. The Mercedes dealer diagnosed a malfunctioning EGR valve on the edge of failing completely which would put the Sprinter in "limp home mode" which has limited power output to prevent further damage. Since this is a known issue and the EGR valves have been failing frequently with various Sprinter models, these should be recalled and replaced! Currently, it's not even possible to get this issue addressed. The EGR valves are back-ordered and not available for 6 MONTHS! That's 6 months of limping through traffic with the potential of the valve failing completely. Unacceptable!

NHTSA ID

11440452

Incident

Oct 28, 2021

There is a known issue and recall for wheel speed sensors on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 models. However, this same issue applied to 2500 models also. Along with other RV owners, I have just experienced this problem. I was in city traffic when all the sudden multiple warning lights came on: "ESP, visit workshop", "Brake force distribution, visit workshop", ABS warning light, ESP, warning light, collision prevention malfunction warning light, check engine light with fault code U0416. The presence of all these errors, beeping, red messages sounds extremely scary to any driver. The fact that it says brake force distribution isn't working properly suggests a hazardous condition that could lead to a crash if brakes are not working properly. Since this is being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor, these should all be replaced and the recall expanded to include other models like mine.

NHTSA ID

11440448

Incident

Nov 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 2500. The contact stated while driving 21 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was not able to control the vehicle however, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was relating the failure to faulty wheel speed sensors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,600.

NHTSA ID

11424928

Incident

Aug 13, 2018

Mileage

50,600 mi

MY ROOF IS LEAKING. I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHERE THE STAINS ARE COMING FROM ON MY CEILING. TODAY IS A RAINY DAY IN CINCINNATI. I GO TO PUT MY GROCERY IN THE VAN THE CEILING IS SOAK AND WET. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY MY DISABLED CHILD AND I STAY SICK AND WHY ITS RUSTING OUT.

NHTSA ID

11407428

Incident

Apr 10, 2021

I'VE OWNED THIS CAR 2 YEARS. IN THE SUMMER TIME WHEN WE TURN ON THE A/C THERE IS A BAD ODOR COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ONLY IN THE SUMMER IT'S NOT A PLEASANT SMELL. DURING THE WINTER TIME LAST YEAR WAS A GASOLINE SMELL BUT THAT GOT FIXED. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO LOOK INTO IT PLEASE IT'S A MOLDY SMELL.

NHTSA ID

11403650

Incident

May 1, 2020

THE WHEEL SENSORS ON THIS VEHICLE ROUTINELY FAIL. WHEN THEY FAIL AT HIGH SPEEDS(FREEWAY DRIVING) THE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, STABILITY CONTROL, 4WD IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. IF IT FAILS AT START UP, ALL THE SAME SYSTEMS ARE EFFECTED IN ADDITION YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE OVER 30MPH, IT WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN, IT WILL SURGE ALSO. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES TWICE A YEAR. EACH WHEEL SENSOR HAS FAILED, SOME TWICE.

NHTSA ID

11375781

Incident

Aug 28, 2020

Mileage

35,000 mi

RV TRANSFER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SLEEPING. 5100 SERIES TRANSFER SWITCH.*DT CONSUMER STATED DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED BUT COULD OF BEEN THE VIBRATION WHICH MAY HAVE LOOSEN THE SCREWS.*JB

NHTSA ID

11360859

Incident

Sep 23, 2020

Mileage

11,000 mi

WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSDA #19V004) INDICATING THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ("TAKATA"). AT THE TIME WE WERE BATTLING CANCER AND THE CORONA VIRUS, SO WE DID NOT GET IT SERVICED AND IT REMAINED IN THE STORAGE. IN THE MEANTIME WE RECEIVED NUMEROUS CALLS TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE TIME TO GET IT OUT OF STORAGE AND DRIVE 400 MILES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED. NOW THAT WE HAVE THE TIME, WE CALLED MERCEDES DEALER AND MAIN COMPANY, BUT THEY INDICATE THE RECALL DISAPPEARED EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A LETTER AND RECEIVED MANY CALLS PRIOR TO GET IT CHANGED OUT. THE LETTER INDICATES "THE DEFECT IN YOUR PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR HOUSING TO RUPTURE.A PASSENGER-SIDE INFLATOR RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH." SO WE ARE CONCERNED. HOW DID MERCEDES MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR WITHOUT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM?

NHTSA ID

11350944

Incident

Aug 24, 2020

Mileage

14,000 mi

AT 24,000 MILES TWO WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAILED CAUSING ESP, ABS, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO THIS DISABLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT AND UPON STARTING NO ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THESE ISSUES REOCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE TO MB DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH CONFIRMED THE SPEED SENSOR FAILURES. COST OF REPAIR $1,100. UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH SPRINTERS BETWEEN 2013 - 2016. MB SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLS AND THE COST OF REPAIRS.

NHTSA ID

11350521

Incident

Aug 19, 2020

Mileage

24,000 mi

MY 2016 2500 SPRINTER CONTINUES TO HAVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILURES EVERY 2K-3K MILES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION ACTS ERRATICALLY, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM STARTS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SPORADICALLY AND THE VAN SOMETIME ACCELERATES AND PREVENTS STOPPING. THIS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN THE RAIN OR EVEN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EVNTUALLY ONCE THE SYSTEM DETECTS THE FAILURE IT LIGHTS UP THREE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND DISABLES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, ESP, AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY AT TIMES EVEN AFTER LIGHTS COME ON.

NHTSA ID

11350382

Incident

Aug 20, 2020

Mileage

24,000 mi

THE ROOF TOP AIR CONDITIONER SEAL HAS FAILED. DURING THE RAIN IT'S AN INDOOR SHOWER. THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THIS ISSUE WITH MERCEDES. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327261

Incident

May 20, 2020

Mileage

35,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES FOR OVER A YEAR TO FIX MY AIRBAGS PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. JUST DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR IT EMPLOYED AT OF NOW NOWHERE BUT AIRBAG DIDN'T COME OUT

NHTSA ID

11291145

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

25,000 mi

TO LONG OF A WAITING FROM DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. BEEN WAITING FOR 3 YEARS FOR A NEW AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. REDICULOUSLY URGENT 1 2/5/2019 REMEDY: DAIMLER VANS USA LLC WILL CONDUCT A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIRBAG MODULES IN THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED DAIMLER VANS VEHICLES. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE

NHTSA ID

11287383

Incident

Dec 5, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE (10231 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (866) 955-5901) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11269398

Incident

May 1, 2019

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2019 FOR THE AIRBAG-PASSENGER SIDE #19V004. I KEEP CHECKING WITH THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY STILL HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THES RECALL AND WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRINTER CAMPER IS PARKED ON MY SIDE YARD STILL WAITING TO GO ON A TRIP.

NHTSA ID

11267992

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF BURLINGTON (80 CAMBRIDGE ST, BURLINGTON, MA 01803, (781) 229-1600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF *AS

NHTSA ID

11267932

Incident

Apr 19, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 (M2CA144). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V004000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF DRAPER (LOCATED AT 11548 LONE PEAK PKWY, DRAPER, UT 84020, (801) 222-4400) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11202936

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

07/20/2016 BUY DAY NEW VAN AT SUN MOTORS BENZ DIALER MECHANICSBURG PA-PRICE 47K 09/20/2016 PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION 02/07/2019 PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION AND DPF/DOC CAT (VAN IS TOTALLY DEMERGE AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS)

NHTSA ID

11185627

Incident

Feb 7, 2019

Mileage

175,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL PASSENGERS SIDE AIR BAG BLOW UP AND NEVER CAME OUT SEAT BELT WONT WORK CAR WAS NOT IN A COLLISION OR HIT JUST WENT OFF AS DRIVING ON ROAD MB WILL NOT SEE TRUCK TO FIX IT TRIED 4 TIMES TO MAKE THEM SEE IT NASTY PEOPLE SAD SO SAD

NHTSA ID

11155551

Incident

Sep 13, 2018

Mileage

22,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MISHAWAKA (4004 NORTH GRAPE ROAD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545, (574) 252-5827) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. *TT UPDATED 8/30/18*JB

NHTSA ID

11092544

Incident

Aug 29, 2017

Mileage

2,500 mi