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2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, most often about the electrical (25% of complaints, typically around 10,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Sprinter 2500 model year since 2000 and has 22 recalls.
Most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
Electrical
20 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that after inclement weather, the cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and automatic emergency braking feature failed to operate as needed. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle would intermittently return to normal…
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster lost functionality and the screen went blank. The contact stated no warning was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle…
Transmission
18 complaints · 23%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Vehicle accelerates uncharacteristically slowly upon cold start in cold temperatures / high elevation. Many documented cases in previous and current model sprinter which uses the same om642 diesel engine. Https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/71254/ there have been multiple times where I tried to cross…
Power steering hose is not long enough, is poorly connected/clamped, and has been disconnecting from multiple of these vehicles, causing an immediate emergency situation (loss of power steering), and an immediate vehicle breakdown. Mercedes is aware of this issue but has thus far failed to address it
Driver assistance
17 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 3,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, assist, warnings.
While driving on a highway and passing under a road sign describing the next exit, the sprinter van automatic crash avoidance kicked in, causing the van to automatically jam on the brakes and lose approximately 20 MPH while causing the wheel to pull decidedly to the left. There were no vehicles in front or behind, and…
The active lane assist brakes too aggressively when approaching lane lines. Several times it has activated under slick conditions and has initiated a skid.
Engine
15 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 7,000 miles.
Power steering hose is not long enough, is poorly connected/clamped, and has been disconnecting from multiple of these vehicles, causing an immediate emergency situation (loss of power steering), and an immediate vehicle breakdown. Mercedes is aware of this issue but has thus far failed to address it
Vehicle accelerates uncharacteristically slowly upon cold start in cold temperatures / high elevation. Many documented cases in previous and current model sprinter which uses the same om642 diesel engine. Https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/71254/ there have been multiple times where I tried to cross…
Brakes
12 complaints · 15%While driving on a highway and passing under a road sign describing the next exit, the sprinter van automatic crash avoidance kicked in, causing the van to automatically jam on the brakes and lose approximately 20 MPH while causing the wheel to pull decidedly to the left. There were no vehicles in front or behind, and…
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the coolant warning light intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of springfield (295 burnett rd, chicopee, ma 01020) where they discovered no fault with the coolant system…
Other or unspecified
9 complaints · 11%Power steering hose is not long enough, is poorly connected/clamped, and has been disconnecting from multiple of these vehicles, causing an immediate emergency situation (loss of power steering), and an immediate vehicle breakdown. Mercedes is aware of this issue but has thus far failed to address it
Steering
8 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 1,500 miles.
I took my van to the local mercedes dealer concerned about NHTSA recall 20v-663. I know owners of sprinter vans who are taking their vans in for this recall and the spring type power steering clamp is being replaced with a screw clamp. My 2020 sprinter built in feb. 2020 is not being captured by the scope of this…
Speed control
5 complaints · 6%While driving on a highway and passing under a road sign describing the next exit, the sprinter van automatic crash avoidance kicked in, causing the van to automatically jam on the brakes and lose approximately 20 MPH while causing the wheel to pull decidedly to the left. There were no vehicles in front or behind, and…
Vehicle accelerates uncharacteristically slowly upon cold start in cold temperatures / high elevation. Many documented cases in previous and current model sprinter which uses the same om642 diesel engine. Https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/71254/ there have been multiple times where I tried to cross…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Body and structure: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: body
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: park pawl
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Infotainment and connectivity: auto crash notification
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: display function
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Air bags: cushion
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Brakes: pedals and linkages
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: lock
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: camera
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: caliper
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (20 complaints, typically around 10,000 miles); transmission (18 complaints); driver assistance (17 complaints, typically around 3,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 have?
- 22 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 13, 2024 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?
- It is the most complained-about Sprinter 2500 model year since 2000, with 80 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.