AI DamageMercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 across 19 model years: 348 owner complaints and 293 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 22% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 21% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 18% of all complaints
- 4 Electronic stability control 18% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 7 Wheels 9% of all complaints
- 8 Engine 7% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 75 complaints (22% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 18.
- Air bags: 72 complaints (21% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Vehicle speed control: 64 complaints (18% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Electronic stability control: 61 complaints (18% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 41 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 155.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 348 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 75 | 6 | 18 |
| Air bags | 72 | 3 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 64 | 1 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control | 61 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 41 | 0 | 155 |
| Powertrain | 35 | 2 | 102 |
| Wheels | 30 | 0 | 9 |
| Engine | 23 | 2 | 188 |
| Structure | 14 | 1 | 65 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 13 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 0 | 87 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 | 26 |
| Suspension | 8 | 0 | 6 |
| Seat belts | 7 | 0 | 8 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I started my Sprinter, which was converted into a Grech RV, and while still in park a few seconds later, the vehicle started to move. Before I could hop back in the driver's seat to stop the vehicle, it crashed into my garage overhang and significantly damaged my Sprinter's back doors and back structure.
The first hint of a problem was the brakes failed and the cruise control seemed to increase speed, but I'm not absolutely sure of this, but it felt like it. There are two Tiffin reps at Lazy Days, which I wrote about this, twice, and called leaving a message and they have not sought to get in touch with me.
The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the motorhome was making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact was able to continue to drive at less than 30 MPH.
Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.
My son christopher john lee howard was is tragic accident in dallas on sept 11,2020 and died as a result severe injuries internal injuries that lead to major bleeding of the stomach and upper torso.
It started with transmission not shifting, dash warning lights flashing, no cruise control all while in motion
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
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…
- Brakes may lock up when reversing at slow speeds Complaint When reversing slowly, the vehicle erroneously…
- Sprinter 907 with 725.0 (NAG3 Classic) Transmission ‑ Shudder during acceleration Complaint Shudder may be…
- Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Freightliner Sprinter vehicles, has determined that on…
- Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on…
- Complaint Low Coolant warning with possible engine misfire caused by a leaking Charge Air Cooler…
- OM654 Engine Oil Consumption Complaint The customer may report repeated low engine oil level warnings in…
- Complaint The coolant warning lamp may be displayed in the instrument cluster
- Oil Leak at Crankcase Near the High-pressure Fuel Pump OM654 Complaint Visible oil leak at the crankcase…
- ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint…
- Model 907 with all-wheel drive (A4M) – All-wheel drive inoperative Complaint The customer may report one…
- An authorized Mercedes-Benz eSprinter dealer will update the drivetrain control unit on the affected vehicles
Other models of this make
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.