ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 38 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 161 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 5 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 7 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 8 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 9 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance327.3%
- Electrical327.3%
- Powertrain (other)218.2%
- Body & structure19.1%
- Other / unspecified19.1%
- Steering19.1%
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
38 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.govSTRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I was driving and the vehicle began to smoke through the air conditioning vent and within 30 seconds flames of fire entered the vehicle and the vehicle was completely burned. I never received any recall regarding that malfunction and never saw any signal that this would happen. I almost caught in fire due to the imminent flames. That's was my vehicle for work and I lost everything, materials, tools, merchandise and everything. I am struggling financially due to this situation. I tried to open the side door to take my belongings but it was locked. There's were not any previous symbols or indicators of the malfunction.
- NHTSA ID
- 11661916
- Incident
- May 13, 2025
At high altitudes (it's happened over 5000ft and not under that) while in 4x4 mode, the car occasionally just simply does not respond to throttle input while in drive. This is usually from a start while shifting from park or reverse into drive, but there is zero power which has now been dangerous a few times for us while on inclines or near traffic. It eventually goes away after shifting back and forth to park/reverse/neutral and trying to rev the engine. But it's inconsitent, infrequent and not particularly easy to reproduce.
- NHTSA ID
- 11634134
- Incident
- Jan 2, 2025
The active distance assist inoperative appears when using the cruise control. This comes on when no traffic in front of the vehicle for 1 hour or less. Also Active Brake Assist functions limited - see operators Manual To reset: follow another vehicle for 5 minutes. This is Very Very Very frustrating and UNSAFE. This function should not automatically shut off. I paid a lot of money to try and figure out the problem. This is VERY UNSAFE for this feature of instantly shut off for no reason and is dangerous. Please fix this with a software update and allow me to download it at my dealer for no charge. Not happy as I use my cruise control on long trips in the USA.
- NHTSA ID
- 11624407
- Incident
- Nov 7, 2024
Cruse control will sometimes disengage and display these error messages: "Active Distance Assist Inoperative" "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" Cruse control kicks out and the power cuts off abruptly. After some variable time the cruise control function will work again. This is an intermittent problem that occurs without warning. When cruise control set to 65-70 mph, the deceleration is very pronounced, as if brakes are applied. This can be very starling to the driver, passengers, and any vehicles tailing behind. I reported this to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, and they stated a released software update addressed this problem. However, after the dealer servicing, it still happens several times a day when traveling in our RV.
- NHTSA ID
- 11530169
- Incident
- Jun 27, 2023
Awning operation and lights are controlled by switchs in vehicle and/or app. Intermittently switchs will not work. Awing sometimes stutters when deployed. So far we have been able to fully retract. We have not taken to dealer since the symptoms are very sporadic.
- NHTSA ID
- 11486867
- Incident
- Jul 29, 2022
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. Please help? Thank you You can also refer to this thread from other Sprinter owners with the same issue: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/83054/
- NHTSA ID
- 11432261
- Incident
- Jun 15, 2021
The Lane Assist and Crosswind Assist do not work properly. When a gust of wind hits you or when you're passing a semi, the van immediately forces your vehicle off the road or into the other lane where there is another vehicle or a concrete barrier. It's very difficult to hold onto the steering wheel and try to maneuver the vehicle to stay in your lane. The only way to turn off these features are to turn off them off every time you start your vehicle. Mercedes Benz has told me there is no way to turn it off completely and they have had numerous complaints of unsafe vehicle responses from the assist features.
- NHTSA ID
- 11421986
- Incident
- Jun 12, 2021
ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLISION AT RIGHT FRONT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11404894
- Incident
- Feb 23, 2021
- Mileage
- 24,262 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
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
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes may lock up when reversing at slow speeds Complaint When reversing slowly, the vehicle erroneously triggers an emergency braking event, causing the brakes to lock up. Engine may not start following a key cycle. Cause The vehicle triggers a maneuvering or emergency braking event while reversing. The customer must then immediately park the vehicle (ignition Switched OFF) The hydraulic pressure release process within the ESP control unit may not be completed. Remedy Updating the software release of the RVC177 reversing camera
Fuel Level Unchanged After Refueling Complaint The customer reports that the fuel gauge shows inaccurate readings or remains unchanged after refueling. Cause The fuel level display may be incorrect due to one or both of the following conditions: 1. The Fuel Supply Control Unit (FSCU) may not recognize a refueling event if the Controller Area Network (CAN) does not enter sleep mode. This may occur if the vehicle is refueled with the engine running, the ignition is switched on during refueling, or aftermarket or upfitter‑installed equipment keeps the vehicle powered. 2. The fuel level sensor float or sensor arm may be restricted by the low‑pressure fuel pump pickup tube, fuel lines, electrical wiring, or an incorrectly positioned component. The fuel level sensor may become stuck above or below the pickup tube and indicate an incorrect fuel level. Similar FSCU actual values do not rule out a mechanical restriction. The fuel level sensor may be physically held at an incorrect position while the two actual values remain similar.
POWER TRAIN
Sprinter 907 with 725.0 (NAG3 Classic) Transmission ‑ Shudder during acceleration Complaint Shudder may be felt in the following situations: • accelerating from stop or up hill • during upshifts Cause Under Investigation, possible torque converter clutch operation
Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Cause MB Apps is officially sundowned for all vehicles with NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics.
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
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.