Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | −17% | 3 | Wheel & Tire | Few |
| 2023 | 17 | 1.9× | 6 | Collision Avoidance | Caution |
| 2022 | 8 | typical | 6 | Brake | Average |
| 2021 | 8 | −52% | 16 | Suspension | Good |
| 2020 | 13 | −43% | 22 | Electrical | Good |
| 2019 | 27 | typical | 41 | Brake | Average |
| 2018 | 9 | −67% | 10 | Brake | Good |
| 2017 | 28 | −26% | 9 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2016 | 62 | 2.1× | 16 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2015 | 37 | 1.3× | 15 | Brake | Average |
| 2014 | 55 | 1.9× | 7 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2013 | 45 | 1.6× | 5 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2012 | 21 | −44% | 4 | Traction Control | Good |
| 2011 | 8 | −85% | 4 | Airbag | Good |
| 2010 | 4 | −87% | 6 | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Sprinter 3500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
Structure › Frame and members
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may not be reinforced properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Parking brake
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The parking brake cable bracket welds may fail and disengage the parking brake. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the parking brake cable bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 30, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 877-762-8267.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › U-bolt, leaf spring to axle
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 should you avoid?
2016, 2014, 2023 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Sprinter 3500 years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sprinter 3500 years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2018. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (75), air bags (71) and speed control & acceleration (63). Brake complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 had?
91 recalls across 2010–2024. The model year with the most is 2019. See all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls by year.
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.