RoadVitals

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
17
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Jul 9, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 117 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical522.7%
  • Driver assistance418.2%
  • Powertrain (other)313.6%
  • Steering29.1%
  • Engine29.1%
  • Airbags14.5%
  • Suspension14.5%
  • Body & structure14.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE

Jul 9, 2024
1,232 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring U-bolts for the rear axle may have reduced strength due to improper heat-treatment, which can cause the rear axle to shift out of position.
The risk: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the spring U-bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3FEDERB.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCManufacturer number VS3FEDERBView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mar 24, 2024
99 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection may not be secured properly, which can result in the ground connection overheating and a loss of drive power.
The risk: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire, and a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the 12-Volt ground connection, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HVERSL.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCManufacturer number VS3HVERSLView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mar 1, 2024
828 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The main wiring harness may chafe against the drive shaft and short circuit, which can result in a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control.
The risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the routing of the main wiring harness and correct it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEFHAU.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCManufacturer number VS3BEFHAUView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to shift to neutral and restart the vehicle. The failure reoccurred at approximately 40,000. The failure became more frequent and was recurring every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an inoperable air charger for the turbo charger. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to another dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead (9260 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) to be diagnosed and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened to discuss a buy-back offer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID
11747881
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
Mileage
33,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal metal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with pinion bearing failure and the LIMP Mode failure causing an Emissions issue. The rear axle, air charger GPS, turbo, and oil sensor were all replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened to discuss a buy-back offer for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,600.

NHTSA ID
11747880
Incident
Feb 2, 2025
Mileage
9,600 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 23, 2026

There was an SRS Error message. The SRS system is non-functional on a vehicle with 400 miles. The dealership has attempted to fix the problem by replacing the fuse and control unit, but it appears to be a coding - programming issue. An engineering case has been opened for 2 weeks, but they have given me no notice of what or when the next step takes place.

NHTSA ID
11733355
Incident
Apr 7, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jul 18, 2025

I am filing a formal complaint against Lazydays RV (Tampa, FL) for repeat violations of NHTSA safety standards and probable violation of their 2022 Consent Agreement and Compliance Monitoring Order. In May 2024, I purchased a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter RV from Lazydays. The vehicle was sold as “new” and delivered to South Carolina. Upon delivery, I discovered it had been stripped of OEM parts and tampered with prior to shipment, including a non-OEM “Tampa Bay Battery” substituted for the factory-installed Mercedes-Benz battery. That non-compliant battery failed in May 2025, leaving us stranded and requiring an emergency replacement. Lazydays also failed to register the manufacturer’s warranty with MBUSA for nearly one year, preventing factory coverage during that time. I later obtained confirmation from the RV manufacturer (Thor Motor Coach) that the vehicle was missing several required OEM components (bike rack, ladder, seat and door covers), and they were forced to replace these at their own cost — not Lazydays’. The dealership also collected $1,600 in SC registration/title fees, then failed to perform the service or refund the charge. This case reflects a pattern of deceptive delivery, false documentation, and equipment tampering, all of which directly impact vehicle safety, warranty integrity, and federal compliance. Lazydays’ behavior is consistent with violations described in their 2022 NHTSA Consent Order. I am formally requesting NHTSA investigate this matter as a repeat offense under active probation and compliance oversight. Please initiate a formal compliance review of Lazydays RV under its existing NHTSA oversight. This is no longer a single instance — it is a persistent pattern of regulatory violations that impact consumer safety and vehicle compliance.

NHTSA ID
11674564
Incident
May 23, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 31, 2024

Vehicle suddenly lost ability to accelerate. After driving narrow mountain roads with a lot of downshifting and upshifting, vehicle was on a long, gradual downgrade, then approached a long, slight (4%?) upgrade. Vehicle would not maintain speed and began to decelerate. Pushing the accelerator to the floor did nothing. Attempted to manually shift gears, but transmission would not downshift, or upshift. This almost resulted in being rear-ended by a semi. The speed limit was 55 and vehicle had decelerated to ~25 mph by the time I found a place to pull over. I stopped and was able to shift into Park. Revved engine and it behaved normally. I shut off engine for 1 minute and then restarted. Transmission and all other systems worked fine and continued to work normally for several hundred miles since then. There was no CEL, or other warning. There was no indication that it entered "Limp Mode." I suspected that something went wrong with the logic in the electronic transmission. Mercedes Benz dealership could NOT find any codes logged in the OBDC. The service manager told me, "It might have been some kind of computer glitch." This was a 2-lane, country road. The semi was behind me, and several cars were behind the semi. For about a mile there was no place to pull over. One impatient driver passed both the semi and my Sprinter in a "no passing" zone. We were all fortunate that there was no collision.

NHTSA ID
11633414
Incident
Nov 7, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Oct 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the diesel fuel was contaminated, and the entire diesel fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact independently had samples of the diesel fuel tested and no water or contamination was found. The contact stated that the Insurance provider also tested the diesel fuel and found no contaminants or water. The contact researched online and related the failure to a diesel filter design for the year, make, and model. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11622535
Incident
Sep 7, 2024
Mileage
46,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 30, 2024

In the middle of my merge attempt, the vehicle suddenly braked hard, mimicking the feeling of an emergency stop, There was no cars around me, There was no reason for the auto to stop.

NHTSA ID
11611828
Incident
Aug 22, 2024
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Aug 30, 2024

I noticed there was a reall of the front hub assemblies, however my truck must not be on the list of vins affected. I’m not sure where the problem originated, but I just passed over 20k miles and im experiencing signs and symptoms of what that recall would affect, this started a few weeks ago, not getting any better. It just stars vibrating and shaking pretty violently. like a wheels coming off. My father is also experiencing similar issues in is 2022 king ranch with 40k miles. Both trucks, very low mileage shouldn’t show these sort of symptoms yet. I’m not sure if they go hand and hand but it also disengages advanced track and all the front sensors and what not when it happens. After reading a few articles I do not feel the truck is safe on the road until probably inspected.

NHTSA ID
11611821
Incident
Aug 9, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI49_20-N-080011_2_en

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light with fault code P300E5F and/or P300E5E in MRD1 (CDI) Complaint The check engine light is on, with a possible reduction in power. No soot is present in the exhaust system. Fault codes: P300E5F ‑ The fill level of the Diesel Particulate Filter is too high. Early warning. P300E5E ‑ The fill level of the Diesel Particulate Filter is too high. Regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter is disabled. Additional information: No additional fault codes related to the Diesel Particulate Filter or Exhaust Gas Recirculation system may be present for this LI to apply. Cause These fault codes may be triggered due to unfavorable driving conditions, such as: •Frequent short‑distance trips •Extended idle periods •Infrequent highway driving •Incomplete regeneration cycles These conditions can lead to excessive soot accumulation in the Diesel Particulate Filter, resulting in elevated fill levels and regeneration lockout. Remedy Fault code P300E5F indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter soot load has exceeded 130% but remains below 160%. Regeneration remains permitted. Fault code P300E5E indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter soot load has exceeded 160%. Regeneration is disabled to protect components. 1. Perform a tailpipe wipe test Inspect the tailpipe for soot using a clean white cloth. • If soot is found, stop this procedure and follow LI49.20‑N‑078466. • If no soot is found, continue with Step 2. 2. Check the Diesel Particulate Filter data Using XENTRY, review and save the following information: • Diesel Particulate Filter fill level • Calculated soot load • Ash load • Regeneration history • Distance and operating time since the last successful regeneration • Relevant exhaust‑temperature and differential‑pressure actual values Process any additional fault codes according to the applicable Guided Tests before attempting regeneration. 3. Perform a manual standstill regeneration Perform a manual standstill regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter according to the current XENTRY instructions. • Save or print the regeneration results. 4. If the manual standstill regeneration completes successfully Clear the fault memory and verify that the Diesel Particulate Filter actual values are plausible. • Confirm that the applicable fault codes do not return. • Complete a road test and confirm that no fault codes return. • Use damage code 14370F7 if the vehicle is under warranty. Release the vehicle only after proper Diesel Particulate Filter operation has been confirmed. 5. If the manual standstill regeneration does not complete successfully Replace the Diesel Particulate Filter according to the current Workshop Information System instructions. • Confirm that the MRD1/CDI control unit has the latest available software. Update the software if it is not current. • Thoroughly inspect the exhaust system downstream of the Diesel Particulate Filter for soot. • If soot is found, follow LI49.20‑N‑078466 for the required inspection and replacement of affected components. • Complete all required teach‑in, initial startup, and reset procedures after the repair. • Clear the fault memory and perform a road test. • Recheck the fault memory and verify that the Diesel Particulate Filter actual values are plausible.

LI49_20-N-078466_5_en

ENGINE

Check engine light with fault code P3005CA in MRD1 (CDI) Complaint The check engine light is on, with a possible reduction in power and the presence of soot in the exhaust system. Fault code P3005CA: The diesel particulate filter efficiency is insufficient. Additional information: Additional fault codes may be present, related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system or the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. Cause This fault code sets due to the following factors: 1. Damage to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) unit. 2. The N74 Soot Particulate Sensor Control Unit detects soot or debris downstream of the underbody SCR catalytic converter. Remedy Note: The XENTRY guided tests for fault code P3005CA have been revised. Complete all applicable guided tests before replacing components. TIPS cases are no longer required unless: • No soot is found at the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) outlet. • The fault occurs on a vehicle produced after the applicable production clean point. • The fault returns after the applicable repairs have been completed. • The fault occurs on a vehicle confirmed to have the latest available MRD1/CDI control unit software.

LI35_30-N-081063_1_en

POWER TRAIN

Sprinter 907 ‑ Oil leak in area of wheel hub / rear axle shaft Complaint Oil leak in the area of the wheel hub Cause Insufficient sealing with previous axle shaft with single sealing lip Remedy New axle shafts have been created with a dual lip style seal. New part numbers: A 906 350 37 10 ‑‑> A 907 350 19 03 ( left / ring gear 215 ) A 906 350 38 10 ‑‑> A 907 350 20 03 ( right / ring gear 215 ) A 906 350 39 10 ‑‑> A 907 350 21 03 ( left / ring gear 245 ) A 906 350 40 10 ‑‑> A 907 350 22 03 ( right / ring gear 245 )

LI09_40-N-079144_10_en

ENGINE

Check engine light with reduced power with fault codes P300A6D, P300974, P300DFB, or P300DE8 Complaint The check engine light is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes related to the boost pressure positioner: • P300A6D: The boost pressure is too low. Charge air cooler. • P300A6F: The boost pressure is too low. (High‑pressure turbocharger) • P300A71: The boost pressure is too low. (Low‑pressure turbocharger) • P300974: Component 'Boost pressure positioner' has a malfunction. The boost pressure is too low. • P300DFB: Component 'Boost pressure positioner' has a malfunction. • P300DE8: Boost pressure control A has a malfunction after a cold start. Cause The potential causes for these fault codes are: A. Leak or Blockage in the Intake or Charge Air System: This can prevent proper airflow, affecting boost pressure. B. Insufficient Source Vacuum, Vacuum Leak, or Sticking/Weak Vacuum Component: These issues can prevent the boost pressure positioner from functioning correctly. • For Model Year 2023‑Current vehicles operating at approximately 4,000 ft elevation or above, reduced ambient pressure and/or high brake demand may contribute to reduced available vacuum differential and underboost complaints, even when no discrete vacuum component failure is identified. C. Internal Malfunction of the Boost Pressure Positioner: The component itself may be faulty. D. Internal Defect with the Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) System Inside the Turbocharger: Issues within the turbocharger can affect boost pressure control.

LI14_20-N-073867_16_en

ENGINE

EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. NOTE: This LI supersedes LI14.20‑N‑073813, which is no longer valid. Cause Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the desired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function.

LI80_20-N-079697_2_en

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acoustic Warning or message occurring when a closed sliding door is not recognized Complaint Customer may state the warning message or indicator accompanied by acoustic tone alerting the sliding door is ajar when the door is completely closed Cause There are several reasons that lead to the failure occurring: ‑ Mechanical damage through bending when loading and unloading ‑ Worn contact plates ‑‑> After detachment of silver plating, the coper plate is corroded ‑ Movement of sliding door/body when driving ‑‑> Contact pins do not always make contact with contact plate ‑‑> Central locking system fault message in instrument cluster Remedy In a problem case, replace contact switch for vehicles with +T50/+T55/+EL9 or contact plate with A4478201903 Check the fit of the sliding doors here and make any necessary adjustments as per AR72.16‑S‑1023E (447 /448) and AR72.16‑D‑1023TS (907/910). Further valid damage codes: 82326 Contact switch for central locking system on sliding door 82347 Contact plate for central locking system on sliding door 53196 K/Z contact plate for central locking system on sliding door 82645 Contact switch for sliding door

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025000—
2024330—
2023Viewing176046.5
2022960—
20218160—
20201322052.8
20192741057.3
20189102—
2017289254.8
20166216258.4
20153715150.5
2014557154.3
2013455147.9
2012214161.5
2011842—
2010461—
2009110—
2008100—
2007010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.