2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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Safety Rating

Owner Complaints

1 Fire

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

Service Bulletins

Investigations

Overview of the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

The 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 has received a total of 41 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 16 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by Daimler Vans USA, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (9 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (5 complaints), and Electrical System (3 complaints).

Recalls for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

NHTSA has recorded 16 recalls for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500, potentially affecting up to 275,823 vehicles.

Recall 20V663000 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

December 23, 2020 | 47,667 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.

Consequence: The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number...

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Recall 20V663000 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

December 23, 2020 | 47,667 vehicles affected

Consequence: The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

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Recall 19V003000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

March 15, 2019 | 71,301 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air...

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 19V004000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

March 15, 2019 | 88,388 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air...

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 18V113000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

April 3, 2018 | 17 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.

Consequence: The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed. A vehicle that exceeds its maximum weight has an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the UVW label and inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is not overloaded, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at...

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Recall 17V592000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

December 21, 2017 | 109 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. The recall began on December 21, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA...

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Recall 17V650000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

December 15, 2017 | 2 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence: If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the label and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 17V786000 — EQUIPMENT

December 11, 2017 | 550 vehicles affected

Defect: Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the...

Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at...

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Recall 17V364000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

August 5, 2017 | 1,257 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.

Consequence: Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and replace the tire label, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 17V149000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

July 7, 2017 | 892 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners...

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Recall 17V093000 — AIR BAGS

May 26, 2017 | 15,338 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from...

Consequence: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 16V853000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

December 22, 2016 | 28 vehicles affected

Defect: Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, equipped with certain left side seat adjusters, model number 486077 manufactured by Atwood. The affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash. As such, these adjusters fail...

Consequence: If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left slide track, free of charge. The recall began on December 22, 2016. Owners may contact Midwest customer service at 1-574-522-4878.

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Recall 16V670000 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

November 18, 2016 | 271 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence: If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Sprinter dealers will inspect the connecting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 16V261000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

September 2, 2016 | 55 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels...

Consequence: If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 4, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.

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Recall 16V351000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

August 11, 2016 | 3 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.

Consequence: If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the required crash-pads, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Recall 16V093000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

April 12, 2016 | 2,278 vehicles affected

Defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.

Consequence: The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will replace the incorrect tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

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Owner Complaints for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

41 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags

Complaints: 9

Vehicle Speed Control

Electronic Stability Control Esc

Complaints: 1

Exterior Lighting

Complaints: 1

Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch

Complaints: 1

Power Train

Complaints: 1

Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor

Complaints: 1

Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid

Complaints: 1

Component	Complaints	Fires
Air Bags	9	0
Vehicle Speed Control	5	0
Electrical System	3	1
Engine	3	0
Seat Belts	3	0
Service Brakes	3	0
Steering	3	0
Structurebody	2	0
Unknown Or Other	2	0
Wheels	2	0
Electronic Stability Control Esc	1	0
Exterior Lighting	1	0
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch	1	0
Power Train	1	0
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor	1	0
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid	1	0

Most Recent Complaints

#11667211 | STEERING | June 16, 2025 | N/A miles

The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.

#11667211 | STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID | June 16, 2025 | N/A miles

The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.

#11605186 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | July 29, 2024 | N/A miles

The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.

#11605186 | STRUCTURE:BODY | July 29, 2024 | N/A miles

The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.

#11567265 | WHEELS | January 23, 2024 | N/A miles

Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully

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Safety Rating for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500

Daimler Vans USA, LLC has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.