2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 electrical system problems

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, 25% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 10,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints: 20
Crashes: 0
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Related recalls: 8
Median mileage: 10,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

Component	Complaints
Electrical system	20
Electrical system:ignition:module	1

Electrical System complaints across Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years

Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

What owners say

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
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
Filed Dec 24, 2024CAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
Since date of purchase, May 2022, the electrical components have not worked properly. The solar panels have never worked, the second alternator used to only charge while driving intermittently now it doesn't work at all, and plugging into shore power sometimes melts the cord. The chassis battery frequently drains requiring constant starting or a jump. It has been replaced four times. The cabin lights continue to flicker when turned on. I sought help from the dealer just…
NHTSA complaint #11632275 · source
Filed Mar 29, 2024NMElectrical System
It is very difficult to start the engine, and when it starts the RPM never goes above 750. I had the van towed to a Specialist and diagnosed. Their diagnosis is that the Engine wiring harness is damaged and causing electrical malfunction which causes a number of saftey systems to prevent the vehicle from operating properly. Mercedes Benz customer service representative indicated that the diagnosis has to be done by one of their dealers and they would decide then if they want…
NHTSA complaint #11580093 · source
Filed Jan 2, 2024IDAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts
The wiring harness under my front passenger swivel seat became pinched and severed the wires. The air bag warning light came on. I took the vehicle to the dealer and got it fixed at my own expense. I noticed the recall #21V410000 which is for the same thing, however my van was not included. Can my van be included so I can be reimbursed by the mfg? Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11563139 · source
Filed Nov 8, 2023NYElectrical System
Mercedes has a design and installation flaw for the EIS Connector. Its location under the wheel by the metal wall allows for condensation to directly be absorbed into the connector causing corrosion. Once corrosion happens, the van becomes inoperable as the driver cannot shift gears and the van must be towed to the nearest Mercedes dealership. This happens often to vans built after 2019 due to a change in design. Corrosion will happen over time after a change in temperature…
NHTSA complaint #11554202 · source
Filed Aug 9, 202311,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster lost functionality and the screen went blank. The contact stated no warning was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced cold start failures. The contact stated that occasionally…
NHTSA complaint #11537530 · source
Filed May 6, 2023TXElectrical System
The rear camera has gone out on numerous occasions. When I place the vehicle in reverse, my infotainment displays a black area with a camera with a line through it, indicating the rear camera is not working. I’m not sure if it’s the same issue as issue “21V411” that affected other 19-21 Mercedes Sprinter vans but it seems like it from what was described.
NHTSA complaint #11520784 · source
Filed Nov 2, 2022CAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11492020 · source
Filed Sep 27, 202210,000 miMIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that after inclement weather, the cruise control, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Automatic Emergency braking feature failed to operate as needed. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle would intermittently return to normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to various different dealers where the camera, unknown sensors, and other unknown parts were replaced; however, the…
NHTSA complaint #11486690 · source
Filed Mar 22, 2022CODriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11457873 · source
Filed Jan 10, 2022CAElectrical System
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…
NHTSA complaint #11446870 · source