2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Driver assistance Problems

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Adaptive Cruise Control turns off and then won't reset while driving. When the Adaptive Cruise Control turns off and then won't reset while driving. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This causes the vehicle to immediately loose power. When traveling at highway speeds and vehicles are getting ready to pass us, then the cruise stops, we have been nearly rear ended multiple times on our last trip. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This has been inspected but the service center couldn’t reproduce because it happens after several hours of driving. We had this problem several times while traveling from Denver Colorado to Pittsburg Kansas. If we stopped for fuel or food, and turned the vehicle off it would be fine on restart. If we were driving when it turned off we would have to follow another vehicle at a constant distance for more than 5 minutes to get the system to reset. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. This is also a safety issue because we were having to follow fairly close to a vehicle in front of us to get the system to reset. We also tried turning the system off every hour or so, use the “cancel” button while driving, but it didn’t seem to make a difference. The system continued to randomly turn itself off. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? We took the Sprinter in to a Mercedes-Benz dealer service center and they checked everything and said it was fine. Then we took it back a second time and asked if there was some sort of calibration or computer software update needed. They inspected the vehicle again and informed us everything was up to date. I do not feel that this issue was being taken seriously as it is very nerve racking when it happens and then trying to not get in an accident when traveling

NHTSA ID

11756609

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention); but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11682962

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Mileage

51,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the crosswind assist activated, applying the brake, and briefly taking control of the steering, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality however, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11552875

Incident

Oct 15, 2022

Mileage

126,000 mi

The adaptive cruise control, auto emergency breaking and collision warning stopped working on the vehicle on a clear day as I was entering the freeway for a long drive. It said sensors were dirty. I stopped, shut off vehicle, cleaned all sensor locations, and restarted vehicle. Sensors worked for 5min and then stopped again and have yet to start functioning after 4 days and extensive driving. It appears that this is a common issue for other 2019+ Sprinter owners. This definitely reduces the safety of the vehicle for the driver, passengers and other vehicles. Shut-off without warning, reduces speed unexpectedly in traffic is a risk. The distractions of looking down for solutions to see what's going on and trying to reset system.

NHTSA ID

11537028

Incident

Aug 4, 2023

Driving at speed (70-75 mph) in the HOV lane of the I-5 Freeway south of Los Angeles, a warning signal would occasionally light up and sound when the van passed under HOV signage indicating HOV exits. Then, with a completely clear lane ahead – no vehicles, no obstacles – the van's braking system activated just before the van reached one of these overhead signs. The brakes fully locked, the van skidded briefly before the brakes released. The driver of the car following behind slammed on his/her brakes to avoid rear-ending the van. A very dangerous situation and major accident was only avoided because the traffic was relatively light in that particular section of the freeway at that time of day.

NHTSA ID

11532181

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

crosswind assist randomly kicking in, acting in a dangerous manner. Vehicle swirl, almost fish tailing. Other times it randomly slams on the brakes, slows down by 10mph, almost got rear ended.

NHTSA ID

11531538

Incident

Jul 4, 2023

None responsive throttle, driving on highway and engine loses power and loses all throttle response causing rapid slowing to traffic behind the vehicle. No warning lamps and CEL’s. Problem occurs at random times with no CEL or warning.

NHTSA ID

11519989

Incident

Apr 29, 2023

Cross wind assist kick on for random reason, not able to disable this feature. It slams on the brake dropping my speed by 10MPH with vehicle almost rear ending me. At times it steers the vehicle in such a way that it almost fish tail.

NHTSA ID

11518095

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

Adaptive Cruise Control as well as Forward Collison warning fail to work properly when in use. Both unexpectedly malfunction for no apparent reason and vehicle will not cruise control will not function at all. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership where it was supposedly addressed and fixed, however, the issue has not been fixed. The vehicle presents the same issues as prior to the inspection and "repair" from the dealership. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collison Warning, the system will malfunction. A light on the dash will indicate that it has been disabled, simultaneously, the vehicle will lose cruise control, foward collision warning immediately. Vehicle will not regain any form of cruise control or forward collison warning for an unspecified amount of time. Could be minutes, hours, or even days. Dash warnings also include cleaning sensors and cameras. Doing so does not correct the problem.

NHTSA ID

11493007

Incident

Oct 20, 2022

The cruise control system and related systems (distance control and automatic braking) repeatedly malfunction. Specifically the systems go off and on without warning. For example, when driving at highway speed the systems will suddenly shut off causing the vehicle to slow down (presumably without brake lights to alert the driver behind). Also presumably the automatic braking ceases to work when this happens This problem began shortly after I purchased the vehicle in May 2021 and I have brought it in for three unsuccessful repair attempts. Internet research reveals that this is apparently a common problem.

NHTSA ID

11491500

Incident

Jun 20, 2021

The adaptive cruise control system and forward collision system since the vehicle was new has frequently not worked or stops working. The cruise control system that is tied to the forward collision systems would stop working causing the vehicle to decelerate as no throttle input was present and cause the need to use the foot throttle. The vehicle is available for inspection. As this has happened while driving at freeway speeds with traffic around I consider this a hazard. This problem has been present since the vehicle was new and continues to the present time even after dealership fixes. The dealership is aware of this problem and initially tried to “ recalibrate the sensors “ with no success, and finally found that the wire connectors were not connected properly. Since this fix was performed the cruise control has continued to turn off primarily if minimal forward traffic is sensed, but proceeds to reset either later the same day or the following day. As the vehicle his under warranty and has not been involved in an accident the only people who have seen it are the dealership. The vehicle will give two warnings at the time of the system failing 1.”Active Distance Assist Inoperative “, and 2. “Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Owners Manual”. For the dates and mileage listed below this issue has been present with the vehicle since new to current as an intermittent issue so the dates and mileage do not represent the actual events. Having looked at van blogs on this issue this is an common problem with owners of vans and other Mercedes vehicles with the radar adaptive cruise control referred to as “Distronic “

NHTSA ID

11488639

Incident

Oct 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that after inclement weather, the cruise control, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Automatic Emergency braking feature failed to operate as needed. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle would intermittently return to normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to various different dealers where the camera, unknown sensors, and other unknown parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11486690

Incident

Sep 6, 2022

Mileage

10,000 mi

cross wind assist too sensitive, kicking on randomly causing more mouvement than if it wasn't doing anything. Wind would normally move me sideways about 6" and this thing moves me by 2', slams on the brakes, slows down when trucks are in my ass. The swing it gives when kicking on with side winds lifted 2 wheels in the air and also did a couple tire marks on asphalt from blocking wheels.

NHTSA ID

11462329

Incident

Apr 25, 2022

Cross wind assist if really dangerous. Very little cross wind and it hit the brakes really hard, the van fish tails and slows down so much people will rear end me. Date is last time it happened but it's been doing this since we got this vehicule. Very well know problem across many Sprinter owners. There's currently no way to disable this feature for the driver. Also have an older sprinter without this feature and it's unnecessary.

NHTSA ID

11460698

Incident

Apr 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11457873

Incident

Aug 22, 2021

On July 7, after driving a half hour late morning, we stopped to tour Skyline Caverns, Front Royal, VA. Parked in the shade. The vehicle was turned off for 90 minutes. Starting up, the following warnings began displaying: -- Active Lane Keeping Assist Inoperative -- LOW RANGE Malfunction - To Park, Apply Parking Brake -- ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) Inoperative -- Active BAS (Brake Assist System) Functions Limited. See Operator's Manual. -- Blind Spot Assist Inoperative -- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC Inoperative. Looked up items in the owner's manual. Accessed the MBUX on-line manual. Accessed the Assistance menu. Malfunctioning systems showing as "Function Unavailable". Called MB Roadside Assistance. They said vehicle drivable, but must be careful. Asked about the "LOW RANGE Malfunction" -- after the support person consulted with others, all uncertain about the impact highway driving would have on the "LOW RANGE Malfunction". Authorized tow to Euro Motorcars Bethesda Sprinter, 9030 Comprint Ct, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Tel: 301-652-9000 / 301-881-5160. After the vehicle was parked at Comprint Ct after the tow, the same warnings continued to appear. I don't believe the dealer's mechanics were able to start working on the problem until July 12 at which time the warning messages were no longer appearing. Dealer has been unable to replicate malfunction. Mechanic supervisor drove vehicle 100 miles over the weekend of July 17 without replicating malfunction. Vehicle currently at Comprint Ct. Received NHTSA Recall #21V411 on July 24; the above described Malfunctions may be related to this recall.

NHTSA ID

11426618

Incident

Jul 7, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 20V802000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 21V055000 (Electrical System), and 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for 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 manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11425962

Incident

Jul 22, 2021

BOUGHT VEHICLE 26 SEP 20 FROM GENERAL RV IN DRAPER, UTAH I WAS INFORMED OF THE WINNEBAGO REVEL 2ND ALTERNATOR RECALL NUMBER 162 HAD TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE I DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT. SO, I WAS TOLD [PER MANAGER MIKE MALLORY] IT WAS COMPLETED ON OCTOBER 10TH AND THUS DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ON OCTOBER 22ND, 2020. FAST FORWARD FOUR MONTHS TO FEB 2021 AS STARTED TO NOTICE A GOD-AWFUL SQUEALING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHAT TEMPERATURES AND IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE UP UNTIL APRIL NOW. ON 8 APRIL 21 WHILE AT A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UT I WAS TOLD THE SECONDARY ALTERNATOR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE ONE AND ONLY SERPENTINE BELT HAD EXCESSIVE WEAR, PLUS THE ISSUE WAS NOT A MERCEDES-BENZ WARRANTY ISSUE,, BUT RATHER A AN UP-FITTER (WINNEBAGO) PROBLEM PER MECHANIC TREVOR AND SERVICE REP ALEX! SO, ON 9 APR 21 I CONTACTED GENERAL RV AGAIN & SAID WHAT THE MERCEDES DEALER TOLD ME AND ON THE 22ND OF APRIL I PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE ALTERNATOR ISSUE, SO THEY (PAUL DELUCA LEAD SVC REP) ORDERED THE RECALL KIT #162 FROM WB. HOWEVER, HERE'S THE REAL KICK IN THE FACE AKA COMPLAINT... WHY WOULD THEY NEED TO ORDER ANOTHER RECALL KIT WHEN THEY TOLD ME THEY STALLED IT IN OCTOBER 2020 BEFORE I COULD EVEN DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT? THEREFORE, GENERAL RV FLAT OUT LIED TO ME WHICH IS UNBELIEVABLE AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE ESPECIALLY WITH THE SEVERITY OF A SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE AT SPEED EQUALS LOSS OF STEERING AND CRASH AND/OR DEATH NO TO MENTION TOTALLED VEHICLE! SECOND ISSUE/COMPLAINT IS MY ACTIVE BRAKE AND DISTANCE SENSOR BEHIND THE GRILL HAS BEEN RANDOMLY FAILING ESPECIALLY AT THE WORST TIMES I.E. LONG ROAD TRIPS! SO, THIS RENDERS THE CRUISE CONTROL & SMART BRAKING INOPERABLE WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE ON A NEW VEHICLE WITH ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON IT. SO, I HAVE BEEN TO THE SAME MB DEALER IN FARMINGTON, UT 3NOR 4 TIMES TO FINALLY FIX IT, BUT NO FIX!!

NHTSA ID

11414506

Incident

Oct 10, 2020

VEHICLE ACCELERATES UNCHARACTERISTICALLY SLOWLY UPON COLD START IN COLD TEMPERATURES / HIGH ELEVATION. MANY DOCUMENTED CASES IN PREVIOUS AND CURRENT MODEL SPRINTER WHICH USES THE SAME OM642 DIESEL ENGINE. HTTPS://SPRINTER-SOURCE.COM/FORUMS/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/71254/ THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE I TRIED TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION OR MAKE A LEFT ACROSS A HIGHWAY UPON RECENT COLD START AND THE VAN ACCELERATED VERY SLOWLY, LEAVING ME MOVING VERY SLOWLY ACROSS THE OPPOSING TRAFFIC LANE(S).

NHTSA ID

11406089

Incident

Mar 22, 2021

Mileage

9,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND PASSING UNDER A ROAD SIGN DESCRIBING THE NEXT EXIT, THE SPRINTER VAN AUTOMATIC CRASH AVOIDANCE KICKED IN, CAUSING THE VAN TO AUTOMATICALLY JAM ON THE BRAKES AND LOSE APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHILE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO PULL DECIDEDLY TO THE LEFT. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OR BEHIND, AND THANKFULLY ENOUGH NONE CLOSE ENOUGH TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE, AND EVEN IF THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE, THE CRASH AVOIDANCE ALERT SOUND WILL OFTEN TIMES CHIME AND STARTLE THE DRIVER FOR OTHER OVERHEAD OBSTACLES LIKE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND TUNNEL ENTRIES. THIS FEATURE, ALONG WITH LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST (WHICH ALSO IS BUGGY) AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON AFTER EVERY RESTART, EVEN AFTER BEING TURNED OFF MANUALLY. IT IS UNSAFE.

NHTSA ID

11397255

Incident

Feb 21, 2021

Mileage

3,400 mi

THE ACTIVE LANE ASSIST BRAKES TOO AGGRESSIVELY WHEN APPROACHING LANE LINES. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS ACTIVATED UNDER SLICK CONDITIONS AND HAS INITIATED A SKID.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11384511

Incident

Dec 17, 2020

Mileage

2,800 mi

THIS FEATURE IS DANGEROUS. WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH ON COMING TRUCKS THE "ASSIST" PUSHES ME INTO THE ONCOMING TRUCKS BECAUSE IT THINKS I AM DRIFTING FROM MY LANE. I AM TRYING TO GIVE THE SEMI-TRUCK A BIT OF SPACE!*DT ASK: LET ME TURN THIS "FEATURE" OFF PERMANENTLY. IT'S THE WORSE WITH THAN WITHOUT. RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO PUT TAPE OVER THE CAMERA TO DISABLE THIS.*JB

NHTSA ID

11384483

Incident

Dec 21, 2020

Mileage

2,400 mi

THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. I NARROWLY AVOIDED GETTING INTO A ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE AND HAD TO SERVE AROUND SOME DUMP ITEMS THAT FELL OF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AHEAD. THE ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FORCED THE VAN BACK INTO THE LANE AND TOWARDS THE JUNK IN THE ROAD AND ENDED UP RUNNING OVER IT. IT COULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE IF THE OBJECT WAS BIGGER, A CAR, PERSON OR ANIMAL. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO TURN IT OFF ONCE! NOT EVERY TIME I HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS WORRIES ME ESPECIALLY. WITH ALL THE SPRINTER VANS I SEE OUT THERE ON THE ROAD EVERYDAY

NHTSA ID

11352167

Incident

Aug 29, 2020

Mileage

450 mi