MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 · model year

2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500

7 NHTSA complaints, and 22 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020MERCEDES-BENZSPRINTER 1500 carries 7 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 SPRINTER 1500 is unknown or other with 2 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (1) and forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 22 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2020 SPRINTER 1500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

7
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

7 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
ENGINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1

Recalls (22)

20V59500029/09/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

20V66300028/10/2020

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

22V28100027/04/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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 Stand

23V20400024/03/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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.

23V87500021/12/2023

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

23V87600021/12/2023

STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

23V87400021/12/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20V80200021/12/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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,

22V79600021/10/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL

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 resul

22V36000020/05/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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.

21V35900017/05/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

21V07700017/02/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 re

21V97200015/12/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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.

20V63100014/10/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

24V93000013/12/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

21V15300010/03/2021

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

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

21V15200010/03/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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 b

21V24100006/04/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

21V23500005/04/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

21V05500005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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.

21V41100002/06/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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 su

21V41000002/06/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Recent Complaints

20230822FireENGINE

on 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.

20230822FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

on 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.

20220823FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Mileage: 7,000

20220823VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Mileage: 7,000

20220703FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On occasion the vehicle will loose almost all power. It occurs at random times. It could be deadly if merging into traffic or crossing an intersection where the other drivers don’t have to stop. I have no idea why it does this. It seems to happen more in the cold and maybe at altitude. It has happened at sea level and 70 degrees though too. By cold I mean 32 F and 5000’

20220203UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My complaint is regarding Mercedes Benz of Eugene, my disservice started May 20,2021, I will leave that story at the end of current complaint. On November 17,2021 I contacted Jason Cowdry, service specialist for Sprinter Vans. Two issues, the one that is consistent and no resolution is the radio. The other is documented and recorded for future evidence for repair. The van has an AM FM radio stock, came with my new purchase of this van. I reported that when tuned into a station be it on AM or FM, it begins to broadcast another radio station for about 3-10 seconds and then switch back. This occurred on any station, at any time, any location. Portland, Oregon coast, Ontario Oregon etc. Recommend repair was to replace radio. After receipt of new radio and installed the problem continued in the shop. Jason mentioned that he would need to request another radio, that is was the same issue. At that time of my revisit, Jason mentioned that another customer complained about the same issue.

20210628UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CONSTITUENT WRITES SEEKING A WAIVER TO COLLECT THEIR VEHICLE WHICH IS BEING HELD BY THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A VOLUNTARY RECALL.

Compare 2020MERCEDES-BENZSPRINTER 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 have?
The 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 has 7 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500?
Yes, the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 has 22 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING.
Is the 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.