RoadVitals

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
27
Latest Jun 16, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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

  • Airbags923.7%
  • Driver assistance615.8%
  • Brakes410.5%
  • Steering37.9%
  • Electrical37.9%
  • Engine37.9%
  • Seat belts37.9%
  • Other / unspecified25.3%
  • Body & structure25.3%
  • Exterior lighting12.6%
  • Powertrain (other)12.6%
  • Interior & seats12.6%

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

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 12, 2023

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 · filed Aug 24, 2020
All 9 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 15, 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 · filed Jul 15, 2021

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 15, 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 · filed Jul 15, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 16, 2025

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 · filed Jun 12, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 10, 2021

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 · filed Sep 24, 2020

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 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 · filed Nov 15, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 25, 2019

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 · filed Dec 3, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 23, 2024

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 · filed Nov 22, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 29, 2024

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 · filed Apr 10, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V149000 (POWER TRAIN) WAS RECEIVED ON MARCH OF 2017. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10986382 · filed May 18, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 8, 2018

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

Data on this page last refreshed .