AI Damage2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and electronic stability control. The maker issued 45 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 45
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 33% of all complaints
- 2 Electronic stability control 22% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 22% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 11% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 11% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 11% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Electronic stability control: 2 complaints (22% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (22% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 9 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 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 4 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank had failed and needed to be replaced.
We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails.
There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contactâs eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery.
The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined.
This vehicle was sold to us new with the manufacturer's window sticker stating it was equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a Standard Accessory - Safety/Cargo Protection. The provided owner's manual describes the TPMS system and the low tire pressure warning lamp indicator on the dash.
The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available.
On or about April 27, 2021 the driver's side rear taillight assembly randomly fell off between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Interstate 10. The assembly is large, containing the taillight, brake light, turn signal light and back-up light.
When turning a corner,engine raced to 45 mph without my foot on the throttle.almost lost control.had to put vehicle,meredes sprinter 3500,into neutral to stop it.had previously had the dealer repair speed sensors three other times.warning lights come on and I loose cruise control.dangerous condition.mb should re…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,368 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Sprinter 3500 has 18 complaints (19 years in the data). This year has 9, below average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
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…
- Clunking noise on load change or gear engagement Complaint Clunking noise can be heard on some load…
Clunking noise on load change or gear engagement Complaint Clunking noise can be heard on some load changes or when changing from N->R or N->D Cause Movement of transfer case splines Remedy Apply bearing retainer…
- 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…
NHTSA lists 45 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
- Sprinter 3500 20104 sources
- Sprinter 3500 20118 sources
- Sprinter 3500 201221 sources
- Sprinter 3500 201345 sources
- Sprinter 3500 201455 sources
- Sprinter 3500 201537 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2016132 sources
- Sprinter 3500 201788 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2019183 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2020150 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2021134 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2022100 sources
- Sprinter 3500 2023122 sources
- Sprinter 3500 202494 sources
- Sprinter 3500 202539 sources
- Sprinter 3500 20267 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, electronic stability control, vehicle speed control. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (44%), brake failure (11%), headlights and tail lights (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
NHTSA lists 45 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 3500 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.