Model year record

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 recalls & problems

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 has 17 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (4 complaints).

Recalls17safety recalls

Complaints9filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemDec 13, 2024

Instrument cluster/panel

Recall 24V930000697 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.

StructureDec 21, 2023

Critical fasteners

Recall 23V876000387 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.

StructureDec 21, 2023

Critical fasteners

Recall 23V8750003,739 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.

StructureDec 1, 2023

Body

Recall 23V806000131 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The topcoat paint formula may cause the windows and interior lashing rails to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
Risk: An insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the paint adhesion and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any damage, DVUSA may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LACKHA.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 26, 2023

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 23V44400020,500 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Sprinter and 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 4790205.

Electrical systemMar 24, 2023

Instrument cluster/panel

Recall 23V2040006,857 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 trainOct 21, 2022

Automatic transmission › Internal › Park pawl

Recall 22V796000124,305 vehiclesopened 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.

CommunicationMay 20, 2022

Auto crash notification

Recall 22V36000019,937 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

Back over preventionApr 27, 2022

Display function

Recall 22V28100012,086 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.

SuspensionMar 8, 2022

Front › Springs › Torsion bar

Recall 22V1310002,153 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC. (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly.
Risk: An incorrectly assembled torsion bar may fail at the connection between the torsion bar and linkage, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VADREH.

EquipmentFeb 9, 2022

Other › Labels

Recall 22V0730002,564 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may be improperly stated on the tire and loading label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."
Risk: The operator may overload the vehicle, resulting in excessive tire wear and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the tire and loading information label. Additionally, tires will be inspected for excessive wear and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed to owners on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RE58HIN.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 1, 2021

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 21V93300098 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The front axle fender liner and brake hose may be too close, allowing the fender liner to contact and damage the brake hose.
Risk: A damaged brake hose may leak brake fluid, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the condition and clearance of the brake hose, modify the fender liner trim, and replace the brake hose as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BAURAVE.

Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Structure › Body

StructureDec 1, 2021

Structure

Recall 21V93400030 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened.
Risk: Loose bolt fasteners may allow the rear step to separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the bolt fasteners and replace the console and attaching hardware, free of charge. Owners 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 VS3HECKTRI.

Electrical systemOct 6, 2021

Wiring

Recall 21V77900038 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. A cable duct may drop out of place due to unlatched engagement hooks inside the battery case. This may cause the starter-generator wiring harness to chafe against the transmission carrier, which could result in an electrical short-circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engagement hooks on the affected cable duct with expanding rivets, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KABKAN.

Seat beltsJul 7, 2021

Rear/other › Retractor

Recall 21V5130001,514 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Metris, and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt assemblies. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 21, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Components: Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor; Seat belts › Front › Retractor; Seat belts

Air bagsJun 2, 2021

Passenger side frontal › Cushion

Recall 21V4100004,078 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 systemJun 2, 2021

Software

Recall 21V41100033,437 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

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

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 Cargo VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 Passenger VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

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.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Forward collision avoidanceAdaptive cruise control; Automatic emergency braking	4	1	—
Power train	2	0	—
Service brakes	2	1	—
Unknown or other	2	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	0	—
Engine	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed control
The Distronic Cruise Control stops working and then will start working again several times on long trips. After research it appears if the radar doesn't detect anything in front of your vehicle for an hour it thinks it is inoperable and and shuts the Distronic Cruise Control off and it cannot be reengaged. If it detect a vehicles in front of you for four minutes or more it will reset the radar and your Distronic Cruise Control can be turned on again. This is dangerous as it requires you to follow closely behind another vehicle for at least four minutes to reset. Out west where I live there are a lot of road stretches' where you will have little to no traffic for over an hour. Mercedes needs…
Aug 21, 2024
Power train
Vehicle is unable to move apparently because of a design flaw that allows water to travel down cables into the EIS as described here [XXX] and here [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 12, 2024
Vehicle speed control
On long trips (when you need cruise control the most) the adaptive cruise control will (seemingly at random) stop working with a warning about the active distance assist and active brake assist. It has happened in all situations from heavy traffic to long distances of no other cars on the road. It stays non-functional for anywhere from a few minutes to several days. It has happened many times. The dealers are clueless. Saying nonsense like "I'm not aware of this problem." even though the Internet is filled with reports of the exact issue.
Jun 7, 2024
Engine
Fuel pump recall July 5. No resolution. Vehicle deemed unsafe per recall. Please advise. Have contacted Mercedes Benz and also local dealer. No resolution at this time. What are the next steps?
Sep 29, 2023
Unknown or other
This recall has been outstanding since July. It is now 2 months later and there is no remedy or repair noted for this safety concern. What are the next steps for resolution of this situation?
Sep 15, 2023
Service brakes
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brakes and brakes rotors were serviced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the brakes and brakes rotors were serviced for a second time. The contact stated the brake caliper had exposed out of the vehicle and the brakes were dragging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,880.
Nov 1, 2021 · 22,880 miles
Unknown or other
2021 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
Jun 30, 2022
Service brakesCrash
On UPWARD slope in 4WD on icy intersection ,proceeding less than 5 mph, emergency braking as a car dead stopped at intersection on green light, hit brakes hard and brake pedal and gas pedal both engaged,, van kept moving forward,, pumped once same effect, ran in to rear of stopped car at 2-3 mph.. I was wearing work boots and gas pedal and brake pedal both at same elevation. brake pedal to close to the gas pedal.. Vehicle is a 4 wd 2500 series van. I have used van for 5,000 miles so I am used to the vehicles characteristics. Practiced a recreation a few times with same result, brake and gas pedal both get depressed upon panic hit with foot.
Feb 14, 2022

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.