2018 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 2018 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 assistance419.0%
- Engine314.3%
- Steering314.3%
- Powertrain (other)314.3%
- Body & structure29.5%
- Electrical29.5%
- Seat belts29.5%
- Suspension14.8%
- Fuel system14.8%
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Mercedes Benz of Billings (3045 King Ave W, Billings, MT 59102); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
it grovernor at 7o mph which you can not pass. you can not go up some hills at the speed limit it will not idle it turn off all the time, to keep the van idling you have to put it in drive and put on the e brake and hope it does not move the back doors are always lock and when you unlock the back doors, the van turn off , in the cold months your passengers freeze. This may not sound like must to you but come and drive this van this could be a bad safety issue. this van is wrongfully and poorly engineer.
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
SAFETY DEFECT REPORT & RECALL NON-COMPLIANCE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 (VIN: [XXX]) This complaint involves an uncorrected emissions system defect that causes a sudden, dangerous engine shutdown and low-speed countdown limp mode on live roadways, combined with manufacturer recall non-compliance by Mercedes-Benz USA and its authorized franchise dealer, Euro Motorcars Bethesda. The vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership under a mandatory manufacturer recall (Recall Campaign 2025070001 / ECU software update) at 108,575 miles, well within the legally mandated 10-Year / 120,000-Mile Extended Emissions Modification Warranty. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle suffered an abrupt EGR loop breakdown and threw active safety shutdown code P19DE00 (EGR Shut Off / Exhaust Gas Recirculation Limp Mode), placing the vehicle in a hazardous low-speed countdown state. Instead of opening a mandatory Star Support warranty override file to replace the failing physical EGR hardware while the asset was legally under-mileage, the dealership cleared the fault codes to quickly process and bill for the software recall update, pushing the commercial vehicle back onto public roadways with active component restrictions. Because the manufacturer's franchise network failed to properly execute the recall and process the manual hardware extension while under-mileage, the automated database now blocks the required fix based on current elapsed mileage (129,093 miles). The vehicle is locked in an un-driveable limp mode condition in my driveway, completely destroying its utility. Mercedes-Benz USA Corporate Executive Care has actively refused to override the tracking error, violating the terms of the federal modification campaign and leaving an unsafe, defective vehicle in service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Mercedes Benz of Billings (3045 King Ave W, Billings, MT 59102); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of an electrical burning odor. Upon touching the steering wheel, the steering wheel was extremely hot. After the vehicle was driven, the steering wheel gradually cooled down. The owner expressed concerns that the air bag might inadvertently deploy due to the heat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The line for the automatic steering fluid blew. This was "repaired" Mercedes Benz during a recall but the repaired clamp did not hold. We lost the ability to steer the van easily which is dangerous to other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by the repair shop that we took it to. We did not have a warning light prior to the incident. It was instant, we lost all of the power steering fluid and instantly lost power steering.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
it grovernor at 7o mph which you can not pass. you can not go up some hills at the speed limit it will not idle it turn off all the time, to keep the van idling you have to put it in drive and put on the e brake and hope it does not move the back doors are always lock and when you unlock the back doors, the van turn off , in the cold months your passengers freeze. This may not sound like must to you but come and drive this van this could be a bad safety issue. this van is wrongfully and poorly engineer.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT INTO LIMP MODE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO RALLYE MOTORS (1600 NORTHERN BLVD, ROSLYN, NY 11576) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the air conditioning was draining into the interior cabin allowing moisture to the carpet, wall panels, and head liner. The RV was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air conditioning seal was fractured and needed to be replaced. The RV was repaired 4 additional times however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the RV dealer. The contact was afraid of black mold appearing inside the cabin. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019 WITH AROUND 4500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, LOOSE BOLTS WERE FOUND THAT HOLDS UP FUEL TANK. SEVERAL DRIVESHAFTS (AKA PILOT SHAFTS) FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. SEVERAL TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OVER 80 DAYS TO CURE THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM. PHOTOS WERE SENT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT WAGNER MERCEDES BENZ ON 10/2/2019 SHOWING LOOSE BOLTS WHICH THEY SECURED FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 7400 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED RECALLS ON THE SPRINTER VANS BUILT AROUND THE SAME TIME WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT COULD BE POSSIBLE THAT THIS VEHICLE FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS.
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
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of an electrical burning odor. Upon touching the steering wheel, the steering wheel was extremely hot. After the vehicle was driven, the steering wheel gradually cooled down. The owner expressed concerns that the air bag might inadvertently deploy due to the heat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
it grovernor at 7o mph which you can not pass. you can not go up some hills at the speed limit it will not idle it turn off all the time, to keep the van idling you have to put it in drive and put on the e brake and hope it does not move the back doors are always lock and when you unlock the back doors, the van turn off , in the cold months your passengers freeze. This may not sound like must to you but come and drive this van this could be a bad safety issue. this van is wrongfully and poorly engineer.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver's side seat belt is slow to retract or doesn't retract at all. Started back in May 2022, one month after the warranty expired with less than 20k miles on it. Originally, Mercedes Benz of El Cajon said they would fix, then declined. We called MBUSA and opened a ticket 2-33281290644 and they said set up the same repair with another local dealer and give them this ticket number. We did and after several delays by the second dealer, Mercedes Benz of San Diego, we were told MBUSA denied the warranty claim and that they could only fix it if we paid $749.49 which includes $298.80 for Labor, $418.27 for parts and $32.42 for taxes. This seems out of line and we are now more than 6 months away from the original complaint. No one doubts the problem of a bad seat belt, they just don't want to cover the repair. The mechanism to adjust the seat belt up and down is also broken, but I'm told that is not difficult to fix as they replace the belt.
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECEIVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE BREAKS VERY FREQUENTLY. THE CABLES ARE VERY THIN WITH SMALL GAUGE STRANDS SO THE STRANDS SHEAR AT THE INTERNAL MOUNT POINT ONE BY ONE UNTIL THE ENTIRE CABLE BREAKS. THIS HAPPENS OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS. THIS VEHICLE IS A DELIVERY VAN AND THE SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. WE HAVE 20 OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND IT IS HAPPENING ON MANY OF THEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019 WITH AROUND 4500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, LOOSE BOLTS WERE FOUND THAT HOLDS UP FUEL TANK. SEVERAL DRIVESHAFTS (AKA PILOT SHAFTS) FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. SEVERAL TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MERCEDES BENZ HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OVER 80 DAYS TO CURE THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM. PHOTOS WERE SENT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT WAGNER MERCEDES BENZ ON 10/2/2019 SHOWING LOOSE BOLTS WHICH THEY SECURED FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 7400 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED RECALLS ON THE SPRINTER VANS BUILT AROUND THE SAME TIME WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT COULD BE POSSIBLE THAT THIS VEHICLE FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SAFETY DEFECT REPORT & RECALL NON-COMPLIANCE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 (VIN: [XXX]) This complaint involves an uncorrected emissions system defect that causes a sudden, dangerous engine shutdown and low-speed countdown limp mode on live roadways, combined with manufacturer recall non-compliance by Mercedes-Benz USA and its authorized franchise dealer, Euro Motorcars Bethesda. The vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership under a mandatory manufacturer recall (Recall Campaign 2025070001 / ECU software update) at 108,575 miles, well within the legally mandated 10-Year / 120,000-Mile Extended Emissions Modification Warranty. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle suffered an abrupt EGR loop breakdown and threw active safety shutdown code P19DE00 (EGR Shut Off / Exhaust Gas Recirculation Limp Mode), placing the vehicle in a hazardous low-speed countdown state. Instead of opening a mandatory Star Support warranty override file to replace the failing physical EGR hardware while the asset was legally under-mileage, the dealership cleared the fault codes to quickly process and bill for the software recall update, pushing the commercial vehicle back onto public roadways with active component restrictions. Because the manufacturer's franchise network failed to properly execute the recall and process the manual hardware extension while under-mileage, the automated database now blocks the required fix based on current elapsed mileage (129,093 miles). The vehicle is locked in an un-driveable limp mode condition in my driveway, completely destroying its utility. Mercedes-Benz USA Corporate Executive Care has actively refused to override the tracking error, violating the terms of the federal modification campaign and leaving an unsafe, defective vehicle in service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 .