2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, most often about driver assistance & safety tech. There are 22 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
80
Recalls
22
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Median mileage
3,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech is the most-reported problem area, named in 21 of 80 complaints (26%).
  • Electrical System (20) and transmission & drivetrain (18) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 3,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
  • The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has 22 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 2nd of 16 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 21% more complaints than the 2019 model year (66).

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems by category

  • 21 complaints
  • 20 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 2 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Engine
    15 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    10 complaints
  • Steering
    8 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system20
Power train17
Engine15
Service brakes10
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking9
Unknown or other9
Steering8
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control7

When problems happen (mileage)

17Under 10k210k–30k230k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 complaints that list mileage.

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls (22)

  • Recall 24V930000Dec 13, 2024697 vehicles
    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

    Risk: A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.

  • Recall 23V874000Dec 21, 20239 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control.

    Risk: Reduced vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the propeller shaft may damage the fuel tank during a crash, causing a leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the crossmember as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3QUERTR.

  • Recall 23V875000Dec 21, 20233,739 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.

    Risk: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.

  • Recall 23V876000Dec 21, 2023387 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.

    Risk: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.

  • Recall 23V204000Mar 24, 20236,857 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.

    Risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.

  • Recall 22V796000Oct 21, 2022124,305 vehicles
    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.

    Risk: Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.

  • Recall 22V360000May 20, 202219,937 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

    Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.

  • Recall 22V281000Apr 27, 202212,086 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.

  • Recall 21V972000Dec 15, 202148,400 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. A software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the parking brake applied.

    Risk: Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3PA27 ERI/ERO.

  • Recall 21V411000Jun 2, 202133,437 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.

  • Recall 21V410000Jun 2, 20214,078 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.

    Risk: Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.

  • Recall 21V359000May 17, 20212,016 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The screws for the front door hinges may not have been tightened properly.

    Risk: Loose door hinge screws could change the gap between the door and vehicle body, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will check the screws and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TURSCHA.

  • Recall 21V241000Apr 6, 20214,444 vehicles
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.

    Risk: A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.

  • Recall 21V235000Apr 5, 20211,285 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Risk: A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.

  • Recall 21V152000Mar 10, 202156,534 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach. This could cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

    Risk: Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will secure a bearing bracket to brake pedal by retrofitting an additional retaining ring (with PNR A 907 994 01 00) at the bearing bracket of brake pedal, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREBOL.

  • Recall 21V153000Mar 10, 202156 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles equipped with an optional electric sliding door. The auxiliary lock on the sliding door may be the incorrect type for an electric sliding door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will convert the sliding door from electric to manual function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHIEBT.

  • Recall 21V077000Feb 17, 2021198 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with the multimedia system "Connect 5" and a rearview camera. The rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event. In addition, the rearview image may be obscured or covered by the visual display of the Emergency Call (eCall) pop-up window if the eCall system is activated while the reverse gear is engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update on the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RUECON.

  • Recall 21V055000Feb 5, 202184,345 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

    Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.

  • Recall 20V802000Dec 21, 20209,094 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.

    Risk: Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.

  • Recall 20V663000Oct 28, 202047,667 vehicles
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

    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.

    Risk: 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 for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.

  • Recall 20V631000Oct 14, 2020463 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production.

    Risk: Over time, the hose could begin to leak brake fluid, affecting the braking performance of the vehicle, including the potential loss of directional stability when braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the condition of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles and replace them as needed, free of charge. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3MONTLAU.

  • Recall 20V595000Sep 29, 20204,010 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters. The fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the fuel hose clamp connections and tighten or replace the components as needed, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 9, 2020. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHELLE.

Recent 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 12, 2026KSDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Adaptive Cruise Control turns off and then won't reset while driving. When the Adaptive Cruise Control turns off and then won't reset while driving. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This causes the vehicle to immediately loose power. When traveling at highway speeds and vehicles are getting ready to pass us, then the cruise stops, we have been nearly…
    NHTSA complaint #11756609 · source
  2. Filed May 14, 2026MIEngine
    Sudden complete engine failures occurred in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van during highway operation while transporting freight, creating a serious safety hazard due to immediate and total loss of engine power in active traffic conditions. The first engine failure occurred at approximately 303,000 miles. The second failure occurred at approximately 140,000 miles after engine replacement. In both cases, there were no prior warning signs, diagnostic alerts, abnormal noises, or…
    NHTSA complaint #11737931 · source
  3. Filed Dec 9, 2025ILFireElectrical System
    On November 28, 2025, I experienced a vehicle fire in my Mercedes 2020 Sprinter 2500 4WD van. The van engine was on and idling while heating up with the van heater blower on level 6 (out of 7). After about 45 minutes, I saw a haze first and then smelled smoke. Unsure of the source, I turned the vehicle off and exited with my dog. I opened the hood to look for smoke in the engine bay. No smoke under the hood. I contact Mercedes Roadside and open the driver side door where I…
    NHTSA complaint #11703896 · source
  4. Filed Dec 7, 2025CABrakes
    I had 5 recalls completed at the MB Sprinter dealership in Pleasanton CA on 11/06/2025. Had hardly driven it 100 miles or 5 times since then when I noticed it was not always going into park. One recall had to do with not going in park when you push park button while foot on brake. I was not having that problem until the MB Sprinter dealership did the recall work. Now every 5th time or so it does not go in park when I push park button while foot on brake. Dealership insists I…
    NHTSA complaint #11703605 · source
  5. Filed Sep 11, 2025KYTransmission & Drivetrain
    I’ve had two issues with my sprinter van that were transmission shift module that left me stranded with no way to shift the car into neutral. I was blocking a fuel pump and couldn’t get the car into gear. The first time I was stuck in a parking lot with the same issue. I can’t believe no one else had this issue. The screen message said “Service required do not shift gears” I purchased the van new in 2020. It only has 17000 miles on it. The dealerships Mercedes Benz in Sioux…
    NHTSA complaint #11686750 · source
  6. Filed Aug 25, 202551,000 miNYDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention); but the VIN was not included…
    NHTSA complaint #11682962 · source
  7. Filed Jul 17, 2025OKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    repeated EGR clogging and malfunction: bucking or stumbling behavior, inability to accelerate properly, disabled shifting affecting ability to slow or stop without excessive use of brakes, Limp Home Mode suddenly without warning including inability to maintain a safe speed on highway and speed minimums that the vehicle cannot keep up (20 mph max while climbing moderately), unable to downshift when going downhill - relying solely on braking to keep speed below safe limit or…
    NHTSA complaint #11674336 · source
  8. Filed Apr 16, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain
    While driving the vehicle, 4x4 and low range would engage on its own. It would cause the transfer case to grind, clunk, and lock up. This happened while the vehicle was in motion and could have easily sent the vehicle out of control. Some warning lights appeared on the dash. I took it into the dealership, they diagnosed it as a glitch in the transfer case actuator software. They updated the software and declined my warranty claim since the powertrain warranty did not cover…
    NHTSA complaint #11654889 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology