AI Damage2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. The maker issued 43 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 43
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 100% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 50% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 50% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 50% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 50% of all complaints
- Engine: 2 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (50% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Seems that the DEF system is out. 16 remaining to start the engine. Called dealership, got told the the extended warranty doesnât cover my vehicle. Thereâs a recall and the DEF system, but for some reason it doesnât cover my vehicle.
While driving vehicle started to accelerate without foot on gas pedal after the abs ,esp and check engine warning lights appeared on dash. Extremely dangerous situation. I responded to mercedes dealer and vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty rear wheel speed sensor.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 19,885 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 46% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Sprinter 1500 has 3 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 2, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection…
Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Cause MB Apps is officially sundowned for all vehicles with NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No…
- Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on…
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-18 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, the diesel particulate filter may crack due to an insufficient weld…
- Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on…
Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force distribution AWD, rather force is only applied to…
- ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint…
ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint The ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected. The customer or dealer may report that the…
- OM642 DPF Filter Cracked or Broken Complaint Vehicle will not start or exhibits noisy exhaust
Check Engine Lamp (CEL) is on. Multiple control unit communication and system faults may be present, including but not limited to: 134800, 134900, 11B300, 11EC00, 15E100, 155700, 162500. Additional events codes may…
- Complaint Complaint A
The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical…
- The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to…
The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to AdBlue quality or concentration. Complaint Customer reports an illuminated check engine light and or an AdBlue…
- EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A
The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical…
- Engine Oil Level Cannot Be Checked via Instrument Cluster Service Menu Complaint Sometimes the engine oil…
Engine Oil Level Cannot Be Checked via Instrument Cluster Service Menu Complaint Sometimes the engine oil level cannot be determined using the instrument cluster's service menu. The following mes- sages may be…
- Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed…
Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For…
- Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Model…
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, has determined that on certain Model Years 2017-2021 Sprinter vehicles, the In Use Monitor Performance Ratio (“IUMPR”) function of the OBD system might…
- EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine…
EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more…
NHTSA lists 43 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, powertrain. Total complaints: 2. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500?
NHTSA lists 43 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.