2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · 80 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. That is the most of any Sprinter 2500 model year in the database (18 years). The most reported problem area is electrical system (20 complaints, 25%), typically at around 10,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 1 fire. There are 22 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System20 · ~10,000 mi
Power Train18 · ~8,000 mi
Engine15 · ~7,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance14 · ~6,700 mi
Service Brakes10 · ~450 mi
Unknown or Other9 · ~7,000 mi
Steering8 · ~1,600 mi
Lane Departure7 · ~2,800 mi
Vehicle Speed Control5 · ~6,200 mi
Back Over Prevention3 · ~51,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System2025%10,000——
Power Train1823%8,000——
Engine1519%7,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance1418%6,700——
Service Brakes1013%450——
Unknown or Other911%7,000——
Steering810%1,600——
Lane Departure79%2,800——
Vehicle Speed Control56%6,200——
Back Over Prevention34%51,000——
Fuel/propulsion System34%———
Seats23%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23%1,000——
Visibility/wiper23%———
Air Bags11%———
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%450——
Equipment11%———
Fuel System, Diesel11%99,000——
Parking Brake11%———
Seat Belts11%———
Structure11%———
Visibility11%700——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 25 complaints
2020: 8202082021: 172021172022: 252022252023: 152023152024: 7202472025: 6202562026: 220262

n = 80 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls (22)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelDec 13, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V930000 · 697 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:bodyDec 21, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V874000 · 9 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:critical fastenersDec 21, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V875000 · 3,739 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:critical fastenersDec 21, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V876000 · 387 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelMar 24, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V204000 · 6,857 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmission:internal:park pawlOct 21, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V796000 · 124,305 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system:softwareMay 20, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V360000 · 19,937 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Back over prevention:display functionApr 27, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V281000 · 12,086 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:softwareDec 15, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V972000 · 48,400 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:passenger side frontal:cushion; electrical systemJun 2, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V410000 · 4,078 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:software; back over prevention:display functionJun 2, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V411000 · 33,437 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:body:door:hinge and attachmentsMay 17, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V359000 · 2,016 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsApr 6, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V241000 · 4,444 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelApr 5, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V235000 · 1,285 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagesMar 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V152000 · 56,534 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lockMar 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V153000 · 56 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraFeb 17, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V077000 · 198 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:softwareFeb 5, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V055000 · 84,345 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperDec 21, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V802000 · 9,094 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsOct 28, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V663000 · 47,667 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsOct 14, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V631000 · 463 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsSep 29, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V595000 · 4,010 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Forward Collision Avoidance · received Aug 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756609

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…

Engine · received May 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11737931

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…

Electrical System · received Dec 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11703896

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…

Service Brakes · received Dec 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11703605

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…

Power Train · received Sep 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686750

Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years

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See all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

Owners most often report electrical system, power train, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 20 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

Yes, 22 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sprinter 2500 model years, the 2020 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.