2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Owner Complaints

Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.

NHTSA ID

11749207

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Hello, I recently took the vehicle to the official Mercedes Benz dealership for recalls and they have completed all of them , Also have proof of correction document I can send it over, please update the system Thanks

NHTSA ID

11690596

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under recall, and the contact was informed that the knock sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11675885

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Mileage

98,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.

NHTSA ID

11586577

Incident

Nov 2, 2023

Mileage

9,100 mi

At high elevations, at some times soon after a cold start the throttle becomes completely unresponsive. This is not a low power issue due to altitude--even putting the throttle pedal to the floor, the RPMs remain at idle and do not move at all. After I power down and restart, it worked briefly and then again became unresponsive. Once the engine is warm, the problem has not appeared. This put me in an unsafe situation on two occasions: 1) Pulling out of a parking lot onto a 2 lane snow covered highway, the throttle became completely unresponsive while I was sitting across both lanes of traffic, leaving me exposed to a collision. I had to shut off and restart the engine to get moving. Elevation 10,700 feet. 2) In a parking lot, moving to get out of the way of a snowplow. I had to restart the vehicle 5 times before I was able to get out of the snowplow's way. Elevation 9,700.

NHTSA ID

11572799

Incident

Feb 7, 2024

Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash

NHTSA ID

11566221

Incident

Jan 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.

NHTSA ID

11536565

Incident

Jul 4, 2023

Mileage

14,000 mi

After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.

NHTSA ID

11480168

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

EIS controle module failed and Sprinter won't restart. Happened on the freeway when I was driving

NHTSA ID

11465861

Incident

May 16, 2022

The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH with his wife in the front passenger seat and six passengers in the rear seats, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and noticed smoke coming out of the hood and inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Both the contact and his wife exited the vehicle. The contact stated while he was contacting road side assistance, his wife noticed smoke and flame coming out of the front passenger's side Whewell of the vehicle. All the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire restarted and increased significantly. The contact stated that the fire burned the front end of the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11458133

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

Mileage

21,000 mi

The powertrain controller and the ignition switch module found to have water corrosion, due to moisture dripping from window condensation. This is a well-known and documented engineering/design flaw of 2019 and newer Sprinters, with the newer electronics located where they are highly susceptible to water damage from window condensation. This results in a sudden "kill" leaving passengers suddenly, unexpectedly, and without prior warning stranded, creating a serious safety issue. Possibly becoming stranded suddenly, without warning in an extreme cold or hot outdoor temperature, and in areas without cell phone reception is a serious safety concern. A tow is necessary to an authorized Mercedes Service Center. Our safety has unknowingly been put at risk, had this happened in an area of no cell reception and adverse weather conditions. Though well documented and known by Mercedes (Sprinter Source.com and Service Departments) this issue has not been escalated to a Recall level. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. We have since learned that this issue is not a matter of 'if it happens' but WHEN it will occur. Yet, warranty coverage is not available until until one becomes suddenly stuck and stranded with an inoperative Sprinter. Yes--this should be a Recall! Wilsonville, Oregon Mercedes Service Center says the above condition is well-known, and Mercedes has recommended a fix with a Mercedes plastic bag covering and a relocation of vulnerable electronics. Our corroded electronics were inspected and confirmed by above Wilsonville Service, and our Sprinter is currently awaiting parts for replacement, all under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11442307

Incident

Nov 21, 2021

The van rolled even though it was in park. the first time it hit multiple cars when it rolled. We took it to Mercedes but they insisted nothing was wrong with the van. Issue happened multiple times and each time Mercedes claimed nothing was wrong. Finally one day it just rolled back and turned over and was destroyed

NHTSA ID

11436959

Incident

Jun 26, 2021

Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ID

11434117

Incident

Dec 23, 2020

It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.

NHTSA ID

11428219

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

Driver reported that vehicle started rolling while the vehicle was in Park. The parking brake was engaged. Driver was able to stop the vehicle by physically keeping their foot on the brake. Vehicle sent to dealer. Dealer confirmed issue and repaired. Repair details and video of issue available. Other related issues have been identified on other vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11428216

Incident

Mar 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11427430

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was inspecting under the hood of the vehicle. The grommets under the hood detached and the hood fell and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained bruising on the right arm which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,400.

NHTSA ID

11420107

Incident

Jun 6, 2021

Mileage

3,400 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number 21V055000 (Electrical System) and 21V152000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11418351

Incident

May 10, 2021

THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP CAN NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON TEH "ECALL" OR THE "BRAKE PEDAL BOLT" BOTH WHICH ARE LIFE THREATENING THEY DEALERSHIP ADVICED ME ON CONTACTING YOU?

NHTSA ID

11416307

Incident

May 10, 2021

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING, STATIONARY AND ON A LEVEL PAD AND ALL DOORS HAD BEEN ELECTRONICALLY LOCKED, THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR OPENED WITHOUT ANY ACTION BY ME.

NHTSA ID

11402791

Incident

Nov 25, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

THE PASENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BARELY RETRACTS. IT SITS LOOSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE WHEN THE SEATBELT IS NOT IN USE.

NHTSA ID

11378317

Incident

Oct 30, 2020

Mileage

24,000 mi

DRIVER PARKED VAN ON A HILL, PUT THE VAN IN PARK AND EXITED THE VAN. WAS OUT OF THE VAN FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 SECONDS. DRIVER HEARD A POP AND A GRIND. TURNED AND WATCHED HIS VAN ROLL DOWN A HILL INTO A HOUSE. INCIDENT WAS ON A CITY STREET IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.*DT *TR

NHTSA ID

11360500

Incident

Jul 29, 2020

Mileage

14,970 mi

THE LANE KEEPING ASSIST ON THE MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500 IS UNSAFE. THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHEN YOU TOUCH A LANE MARKING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE AND SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY.

NHTSA ID

11353595

Incident

Sep 7, 2020

Mileage

2,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 WINNEBAGO RV INSTALLED ON A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT AN UNKNOWN DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO GEAR, THE PARKING BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR WAS INOPERABLE. SEVERAL MECHANICS ASSISTED THE CONTACT TO GET THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL DAYS LATER ON A CAMPING TRIP, THE BRAKES OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MEDFORD (3240 CRATER LAKE AVE, MEDFORD, OR 97504 541-774-1000). THE TECHNICIAN WAS DUPLICATED THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED ON THE CORRECT WAY TO OPERATE THE PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PRAKING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BY MEDFORD MERCEDES (3240 CRATER LAKE AVE, MEDFORD, OR 97504, 541-774-1000) AND NOW THE BRAKES FUNCTION ACCORDINGLY. *AS

NHTSA ID

11342531

Incident

Jul 14, 2020

Mileage

2,000 mi

REAR SWAY BARS MISSING BOLTS ATTACHING THEM TO AXLE AND JUST HANGING LOOSE FROM CHASSIS ON TIFFIN WAYFARER MOTORHOME. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS IDENTIFIED IN TIFFIN WAYFARER FORUMS REPORTED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS. ALTHOUGH TIFFIN WILL CORRECT IT WHEN OWNERS IDENTIFY IT, TIFFIN POINTS FINGER AT MERCEDES ALTHOUGH THEY ARE FINAL DISPATCH OF VEHICLE TO CUSTOMER AND MERCEDES POINTS FINGER AT TIFFIN SAYING TIFFIN REMOVES THE BOLTS DURING ASSEMBLY BUT IT'S NOT A MERCEDES RECALL ITEM OR NOTED CAMPAIGN FOR THEM OR FOR TIFFIN. I PURCHASED MY 2020 TIFFIN WAYFARER 24TW USED WITH 6000 MILES AND ITEM EXISTED AND COACH LEANED AND ROCKED BACK AND FORTH WHEN CORNERING ON CITY STREETS AND WAS BLOWN AROUND ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN TRUCKS PASSING OR WITH CROSS WINDS BUT ONCE CORRECTED DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED ISSUES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES THAT BEARS INVESTIGATION AND CORRECTION. I HAD MINE CORRECTED AT MERCEDES DEALER IN SILVER SPRING MD AND ALTHOUGH THEY RELUCTANTLY COVERED THE COST, THEY SAID MISSING PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11339507

Incident

Jul 2, 2020

Mileage

6,200 mi