2021 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 2021 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 assistance1320.0%
- Electrical1015.4%
- Brakes913.8%
- Powertrain (other)57.7%
- Engine57.7%
- Body & structure46.2%
- Visibility34.6%
- Fuel system34.6%
- Interior & seats34.6%
- Steering34.6%
- Exterior lighting23.1%
- Airbags23.1%
- Seat belts11.5%
- Suspension11.5%
- Other / unspecified11.5%
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
I had the same issues as identified in a current recall entitled: Model 907 Sprinter. Model Year 2019-2022 Update Instrument Cluster Software. In my case the instrument cluster remained non-functional upon vehicle start-up exactly like the recall with an added problem of the ignition push button would not shut off the vehicle. I was left with a vehicle I could not shut off without an operational instrument cluster. While my model year and model number match this recall, for some reason my VIN number was not included in the recall so the dealer will not upgrade the software and fix this problem. The scope of this recall must be corrected to include my VIN number.
Brakes deployed and distance warning illuminated for a very brief instant at highway speed (70 mph) just when a vehicle traveling faster starts to overtake. Very scary! Luck to not have been hit on the right rear corner.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Following Jayco and Entegra instructions, I delivered my coach to Blue Compass RV. It has now been more than SIX MONTHS out of service. Jayco Pre-Authorization has denied the required battery replacement and referred me to the battery manufacturer, even though Entegra bulletins and recall procedures identify and correct the conditions that caused the damage. Completed Recall and TSB Work Approved by Entegra and Jayco · 22-075 (TSB) A/C Electrical Connection Instructions, September 2022. Replaces WAGO connectors. · 22-076 (TSB) Firefly Terminator G4 Tap Connector, September 2022. Corrects communication errors within the lithium battery network. · 23-101 (TSB) Front Spotlight Electrical Update, April 2023, revised September 2023. Mitigates spotlight over current that can affect Firefly. Adds harness, relay, and software. · 23-120 (TSB) Renogy Inverter Settings, November 2023. Updates parameters; requires Battery Type = LF16 and custom set points. · 23-123 (TSB) Alternator Fuse Replacement, December 2023. Replaces 300 A MRBF with 200 A MRBF. Confirms alternator charging 30 to 100 A on Samkoon. · 24-015 (TSB) Renogy Battery Firmware Update, September 2024. Updates BMS to v137.4.5 to address alternator not charging the battery. Includes state-of-charge calibration. · 24V-160 / 2024-141 (Recall) Renogy Lithium Battery Firmware Update, May 2024, revised August 2024. Recall firmware to v137.4.4. Inspection identifies stuck contactors and requires battery replacement when found. Service bulletins 23-120, 23-123, and 24-015 show that the system ran with outdated inverter and alternator settings, an oversized alternator fuse, and battery firmware that interfered with proper charging. These factors accelerate cell imbalance and degradation. Only after Entegra-approved updates were applied did the full extent of battery degradation become evident. Replacing the battery earlier would have risked repeat failure.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Vehicle shifts into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence, could roll over passengers. Component of concern: Electronic "Wiper" stalk shifter is easily shifted into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence. Problem encountered several times in our 2021 Mercedes Sprinter- the stalk shifter is located directly in front of the "START/STOP" ignition button. To start the vehicle, you must: 1) Press and hold the brake 2) Reach under the shifter and press the "START/STOP" button The problem is pressing the brake is also the "safety interlock" for shifting out of PARK. The breakout force on the shifter stalk is VERY LOW, causing it to be inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL during a normal start sequence. This is a safety concern, because often we will start the vehicle, and then exit the drivers seat to load passengers (small children and/or wheelchair users). The vehicle does not give any indication (no physical movement of the shifter) of shifting out of park- other than white letter on mid-dash indicator going from "P" to "N". The vehicle could easily be shifted into NEUTRAL and run over passengers during the loading operations.
Engine throttle does not respond to input from accelerator pedal.
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
unknown
Engine throttle does not respond to input from accelerator pedal.
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
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Sprinter hood came unlatched and flew up smashing the windshield. Luckily we were able to pull over safely.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
Purchased CPO certified Mercedes-Benz 2021 Sprinter Rv Van that was sold to me by Mercedes-Benz of S. Orlando Florida with illegal window and windshield tint and when I complained they stated it’s buyer’s responsibility to pay for removing once it’s sold. It’s a safety hazard as it was extremely difficult to see at night. Police pulled us over for it, but kindly told us to remove it for our safety. The same answer was stated for the significant rust on the roof as buyer had opportunity to view before purchase…..not typical to climb up the roof for seniors. Seems to be a pattern of sales practices that’s deceptive, passing the cost to buyers, rather than to have it corrected before CPO certification.
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
At high altitudes and / or cold weather, the vehicle will not move at all until it runs for about 5 to 10 minutes. It starts and revs just fine in neutral, but once you put it into drive, the throttle completely stops responding. This is a well known issue that Mercedes has chosen to do nothing about. https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/111270/
I have had several occurrences of a stuttering and/or lagging acceleration when stepping on the accelerator.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tether strap bar for a car seat was only tack welded on and snapped off when I tried attaching the car seat straps.
This sprinter van is a 2500 4x4 to exit or enter the vehicle you must use the step, this requires, you to twist sideways and reach down with your foot to the step. On the seat which is attached to the metal frame there is a plastic piece which holds the seat switch, which is held on by a plastic plug and a reusable plastic rivet. As you enter or exit the van and use the step your weight pushes the leather seat against the plastic which holds the seat switch and causes the attachments to fail causing you to fall. I Have fallen twice once into traffic.
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
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that after repositioning the swiveling driver's seat, the seat became jammed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 20,000.
This vehicle has factory installed swivel seats. When we were parked, we swiveled the seats around to use the table and then back prior to driving again. When we tried to move the seat closer to the steering wheel, the electric seats did nothing and upon inspection, realized the fuse had blown for the power seats. We replace the fuse and drove a little ways and swiveled the seat again to test it and this time the seat binded up on something. Upon further inspection, we noted several bare wires caught up in the swivel mechanism underneath the driver side seat. When we tried to start the car again the windshield wipers were going off on their own , the airbag sensors were lit and nothing seem to be working quite right. The vehicle was shut off and again found several wires that were bare and were touching and found additional blown fuses. After investigating online to see if there was an open recall for this vehicle, we found that the 2019 2020 and 2021 sprinter vans had a very similar issue with the wiring under the swivel seat that caused airbag deployment. I have only had this vehicle for five days and it is now at the dealer. The dealer told me it could possibly be a six-month wait if they have to replace the vehicle wiring harness and we were informed by the 800MB number that there were no open recalls for this specific vehicle. I don’t understand how this could not be part of an open recall if it was previously reported in the 2019 2020 and 2021 models with swivel seats, and mine is a 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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V513000 (Seat Belts) 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 local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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
The Cross Wind Assist system when it activates, can be so violent it will almost throw the van into another lane. So far, we have been lucky to not overreact to the system and crash. It is VERY SCARY driving - especially wise open spaces like West Texas .
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Following Jayco and Entegra instructions, I delivered my coach to Blue Compass RV. It has now been more than SIX MONTHS out of service. Jayco Pre-Authorization has denied the required battery replacement and referred me to the battery manufacturer, even though Entegra bulletins and recall procedures identify and correct the conditions that caused the damage. Completed Recall and TSB Work Approved by Entegra and Jayco · 22-075 (TSB) A/C Electrical Connection Instructions, September 2022. Replaces WAGO connectors. · 22-076 (TSB) Firefly Terminator G4 Tap Connector, September 2022. Corrects communication errors within the lithium battery network. · 23-101 (TSB) Front Spotlight Electrical Update, April 2023, revised September 2023. Mitigates spotlight over current that can affect Firefly. Adds harness, relay, and software. · 23-120 (TSB) Renogy Inverter Settings, November 2023. Updates parameters; requires Battery Type = LF16 and custom set points. · 23-123 (TSB) Alternator Fuse Replacement, December 2023. Replaces 300 A MRBF with 200 A MRBF. Confirms alternator charging 30 to 100 A on Samkoon. · 24-015 (TSB) Renogy Battery Firmware Update, September 2024. Updates BMS to v137.4.5 to address alternator not charging the battery. Includes state-of-charge calibration. · 24V-160 / 2024-141 (Recall) Renogy Lithium Battery Firmware Update, May 2024, revised August 2024. Recall firmware to v137.4.4. Inspection identifies stuck contactors and requires battery replacement when found. Service bulletins 23-120, 23-123, and 24-015 show that the system ran with outdated inverter and alternator settings, an oversized alternator fuse, and battery firmware that interfered with proper charging. These factors accelerate cell imbalance and degradation. Only after Entegra-approved updates were applied did the full extent of battery degradation become evident. Replacing the battery earlier would have risked repeat failure.
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 .