The 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 has 17 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (3 complaints).
Recalls17safety recalls
Complaints7filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Structure › Body
NHTSA recall 23V874000 · Dec 21, 2023 · 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 fasteners
NHTSA recall 23V876000 · Dec 21, 2023 · 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.
Structure › Critical fasteners
NHTSA recall 23V875000 · Dec 21, 2023 · 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.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
NHTSA recall 23V204000 · Mar 24, 2023 · 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 pawl
NHTSA recall 22V796000 · Oct 21, 2022 · 124,305 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
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
NHTSA recall 22V360000 · May 20, 2022 · 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.
Components: Communication › Auto crash notification; Electrical system › Software
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 › Software
NHTSA recall 21V972000 · Dec 15, 2021 · 48,400 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
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
NHTSA recall 21V410000 · Jun 2, 2021 · 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.
Components: Air bags › Passenger side frontal › Cushion; Electrical system
Electrical system › Software
NHTSA recall 21V411000 · Jun 2, 2021 · 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.
Components: Electrical system › Software; Back over prevention › Display function
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
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 linkages
NHTSA recall 21V152000 · Mar 10, 2021 · 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.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
NHTSA recall 21V077000 · Feb 17, 2021 · 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
NHTSA recall 20V802000 · Dec 21, 2020 · 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 connections
NHTSA recall 20V663000 · Oct 28, 2020 · 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van VAN AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
99%
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
92.4%
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
99%
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van VAN AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van Diesel VAN AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van Diesel VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Crew Van VAN AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Crew Van VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Crew Van Diesel VAN AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Crew Van Diesel VAN RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
May 23, 2025Engine The Cooling fan behind the radiator also known as the clutch fan fell off the water pump. I realized it before it fell on the highway during rush hour and caused a major accident and engine failure. This is a very common problem and is all over the internet. In most cases it will take out the radiator, fan assembly, belts and hoses as reported by many on the internet when you google âMB sprinter clutch fan falls offâ.
May 22, 2023Vehicle speed control On May 22, 2023 around 19:00 after driving my vehicle for nearly 90 minutes the vehicle no longer responded to the gas pedal being depressed by increasing acceleration. The vehicle would not go over 2,500 RPMs even with the gas pedal fully depressed. No warning were shown on the driver display or in the messaging system. The manual gear shifting did not work to raise or lower the gears while the vehicle was in this state. The vehicle display showed the vehicle in "D" for Drive and I could not change it to any other value such as D1, D2, etc.. The vehicle had almost no power and would not accelerate except for very slowly taking over 1.5 minutes to reach 55 mph. This is a SEVERELY dangerous…
Dec 29, 2022Engine Engine destroyed by oil and water accumulation in intercooler that was pulled through the turbo and entered cylinder 6. Bent connecting rod on Cylinder 6, Bent and torn turbo vanes. Sudden loss of power while operating. Mercedes is replacing the entire motor. No Symptoms before the event, check engine light after first restart.
Jan 14, 2023Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking Driving in center lane of three lane interstate highway in the evening so it was dark. I had cruise control set at 55 mph. Nothing to my right and at least 100 yards of nothing in front of me. A white sedan speeds by in the left lane staying entirely in their left lane. My vehicle slammed on the brakes for some unknown reason almost causing the vehicle behind me to collide with me. A red triangle appeared on dash display for 2 seconds or so (not long enough to know what the computer thought happened ). No explanation given. No messages in drive computer. Absolutely awful. This could have caused a major accident and it was all done by a computer with no explanation. I want a dealer to…
Feb 15, 2022Engine I am experiencing cold start hesitation and unresponsive throttle at high elevation. The vehicle takes up to 20-30 seconds to accelerate, and puts me in a dangerous situation (in a highway intersection, for example). Once the engine temperature is warm, this issue goes away.
Jun 15, 2021Lane departure › Assist The Lane Keep Assistant (LKA) as implemented is a severe safety flaw. The LKA only take input from lane markers on the road but fails to consider other issues such as other vehicles or construction. Several times on my most recent drive on interstate highways at 70-80 mph I was passing large semi trucks. The trucks drifted out of their lane and into my lane. I took emergency evasive action to steer my vehicle out of the way of the semi truck but the Lane Keep Assistant (LKA) noticed I was out of my lane and aggressively steered my vehicle back into the other vehicle. Luckily I did not hit the other vehicle but the LKA made avoiding other vehicles more difficult and could contribute to a…
Nov 10, 2020 · 300 milesExterior lighting COLOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INCLUDING COLOR DISPLAY BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WILL NOT DIM AT NIGHT. THE RESULTING WASH OF LIGHT MAKES SEEING OUT THE SIDE MIRRORS OR ANYTHING AT NIGHT VERY DIFFICULT. VAN IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. MANUFACTURE CONFIRMS THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NO FIX.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.