Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The front driveshaft for the vehicle referenced has a safety design flaw that makes it too short. There is a risk of the front driveshaft separating from the front differential splines completely and wrecking havoc to the vehicles essential driving components like steering rack, wiring harness, and potentially causing an accident. Mercedes Benz has increased wait times at their shops and are currently 5-6 weeks out to even look at the vehicles issue. Currently my vehicle is experiencing major vibrations due to the front driveshaft barely hanging on to the front differential splines as the manufactures design is not robust enough for simply driving on the road and allows the front driveshaft to simply slip off what is designed to retain the shaft to the front differential. …
At 3,000 miles, my 2023 Van (purchased new) developed significant reduction in power and acceleration. The transmission also shifts incorrectly (too late, resulting in higher then normal RPM's) and then abruptly downshifts upon stopping. When going uphill, the van obtains a max speed of about 35-40MPH, forcing me to travel on the local Interstates on the shoulder with my hazards flashing so other vehicles know to pass me. Van was left at Mercedes Dealership for 1 month. Van was not repaired, no plan or remedy was communicated. Van has only been inspected by the dealership where it was purchased. A check engine light came on about 1 week after van lost power.
Upon starting the van (brand new, less than 300 mi driven) everything functions normally in P, however as soon as I shift into D, there is no power and the gas pedal is completely unresponsive (Can push pedal to the floor and still 0 RPM). This issue happens randomly, though the common factor that myself and many others have experienced is being at altitude >5000ft (quite common in western US). There are no warning/error indicators and service dashboard looks clean. The only fix appears to be restarting the engine or waiting for it to idle for 5-10min to "warm up" even though this happens in both cold (20F) and warm (70F) weather. …
At least 5 occurneces, all at elevations above 7000' and in moderately warm weather. After normal engine start, put vehicle in reverse, able to roll out of parking spot, but throttle completely unaffected by accelerator position. Leaving vehicle in a dangerous position. Putting back in park, vehicle can rev to 5000RPM, but back in R or D, no throttle response. Eninge OFF/ON several times seems to clear the issue which appears to be software related. No indications or faults were given on the dashboard. The situation is potentially life threatening, and has been reported on multiple occasions on Sprinter Online forums. This needs a recall and fix.
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 contact stated their company owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) and the parking brake erroneously activated; however, the vehicle rolled forward as if the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact depressed the brake pedal and made several attempts to put the vehicle in park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was not sure if the vehicle had been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
This van is under recall for roll away incidents. The van did roll away and now has $9K worth of damage from hitting a stop sign and a wall. The van has been at MB Stockton Ca for months and months with out a resolution. Mercedes Benz sent us a letter yesterday stating they deny all responsibility and advising us to pick up the van. The recall is not complete. This vehicle is 100% unsafe and now prone to more incidents, we have refused to pick up the vehicle. Mercedes has advised us to appeal the case with them which we have done. They continue to stall the situation.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause of the failure was found. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Related recalls (4)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Internal › Park pawl
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing catch strap for the driveshaft, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on November 17, 2017.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a driveshaft catch strap, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (18), 2019 (14), 2021 (5) and 2023 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 transmission problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 22V-796 (park pawl, Oct 21, 2022); 17V-592 (driveshaft, Sep 22, 2017); 17V-149 (driveshaft, Mar 7, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles; 89% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) (1 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › internal › cvt › actuators (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.