MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 · model year

2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500

17 NHTSA complaints, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018MERCEDES-BENZSPRINTER 3500 carries 17 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 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 2018 SPRINTER 3500 is service brakes with 3 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (2) and power train (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 10 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 2018 SPRINTER 3500. 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.

17
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

17 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
SERVICE BRAKES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
POWER TRAIN1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
STEERING1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
WHEELS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)1
ENGINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL1

Recalls (10)

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.

18V74300024/10/2018

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The right side door latches may have been built with incorrect components. As a result, when the doors are electronically unlocked, the right-side doors ma

19V22200020/03/2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The affected vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

19V66500018/09/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened. As a result, factors such as the vehicle's speed, wind resistance and road conditions may cause the hood t

20V15500018/03/2020

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).

20V15600018/03/2020

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.

21V04200003/02/2021

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.

19V69300002/10/2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

19V69500002/10/2019

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numb

19V50700002/07/2019

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vehicles. The rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass.

Recent Complaints

20250212FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Mileage: 15,000

20230223SERVICE BRAKES

We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and the braking distance is increased which can cause an accident. The cruise control is also affected and could increase speed on its own. The ESP can also be affected and can increase the risk of skidding and accidents. We have spoken to many other motorhome owners with the same chassis and they have also had problems with the sensors. Mercedes is aware of this problem and we feel they should replace all the sensors before they fail and cause a serious accident and injury or death. We would like to travel to remote areas of our country but haven't done so because there is no place to get the sensor replaced if it fails. We have spoken to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota FL and Mercedes Corporate and

20230223VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and the braking distance is increased which can cause an accident. The cruise control is also affected and could increase speed on its own. The ESP can also be affected and can increase the risk of skidding and accidents. We have spoken to many other motorhome owners with the same chassis and they have also had problems with the sensors. Mercedes is aware of this problem and we feel they should replace all the sensors before they fail and cause a serious accident and injury or death. We would like to travel to remote areas of our country but haven't done so because there is no place to get the sensor replaced if it fails. We have spoken to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota FL and Mercedes Corporate and

20230223UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and the braking distance is increased which can cause an accident. The cruise control is also affected and could increase speed on its own. The ESP can also be affected and can increase the risk of skidding and accidents. We have spoken to many other motorhome owners with the same chassis and they have also had problems with the sensors. Mercedes is aware of this problem and we feel they should replace all the sensors before they fail and cause a serious accident and injury or death. We would like to travel to remote areas of our country but haven't done so because there is no place to get the sensor replaced if it fails. We have spoken to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota FL and Mercedes Corporate and

20220525ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

Mileage: 7,400

20220525ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

Mileage: 7,400

20220525ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a headache. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that acid had leaked from the battery due to internal pressure inside the battery. The contact then called that dealer where he was instructed to take the vehicle in to be serviced under the vehicle warranty. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic confirmed the cause of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was out of warranty, despite previously being informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

Mileage: 7,400

20211118ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, check engine, and cruise control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the failure occurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

Mileage: 18,000

20211110WHEELS

This vehicle was sold to us new with the manufacturer's window sticker stating it was equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a Standard Accessory - Safety/Cargo Protection. The provided owner's manual describes the TPMS system and the low tire pressure warning lamp indicator on the dash. It was not until our first flat tire after 2.5 years and 24000 miles, that we learned our vehicle does NOT have TPMS OR a low tire pressure warning lamp. Another motorist flagged us down as it was the inside dually tire that deflated and delaminated. Luckily we learned of the deflated inner tire before the outer tire also had issues because of the extra load placed on it. We have since learned that vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and dual-wheel rear axles are not required to have TPMS. The owner's manual does not state this and does not exclude our model as having this safety equipment. As far as we know, this exclusion is not standard public knowledge. Many heavy duty truc

20210928STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted Mercedes-Benz of Westminster (10391 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) confirmed the first dealer’s information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210928ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted Mercedes-Benz of Westminster (10391 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) confirmed the first dealer’s information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210614STRUCTURE:BODY

On or about April 27, 2021 the driver's side rear taillight assembly randomly fell off between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Interstate 10. The assembly is large, containing the taillight, brake light, turn signal light and back-up light. It could have (and may have) hit another vehicle or at least caused it/them to engage in a dangerous turning maneuver to avoid hitting the large assembly while on the freeway. In addition, the RV was then rendered unsafe and in violation of the laws of virtually every state, as well as federal regulations, due to lacking the required lighting assembly. This has also happened to another RV unit from the same manufacturer (Regency). The driver's side taillight assembly fell off this RV during windy conditions on Interstate 40 while traveling through Arkansas on April 2, 2021. There are photos of the missing assembly for both RV's. My RV was inspected by a collision repair facility in California and their determination was two fold: 1) the RV body was

20210614EXTERIOR LIGHTING

On or about April 27, 2021 the driver's side rear taillight assembly randomly fell off between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Interstate 10. The assembly is large, containing the taillight, brake light, turn signal light and back-up light. It could have (and may have) hit another vehicle or at least caused it/them to engage in a dangerous turning maneuver to avoid hitting the large assembly while on the freeway. In addition, the RV was then rendered unsafe and in violation of the laws of virtually every state, as well as federal regulations, due to lacking the required lighting assembly. This has also happened to another RV unit from the same manufacturer (Regency). The driver's side taillight assembly fell off this RV during windy conditions on Interstate 40 while traveling through Arkansas on April 2, 2021. There are photos of the missing assembly for both RV's. My RV was inspected by a collision repair facility in California and their determination was two fold: 1) the RV body was

20210126SERVICE BRAKES

WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITION.MB SHOULD RE ENGINEER THE PART AND INSTALL IN AFFECTED VEHICLES.DEALER CONTINUES TO INSTALL DEFECTIVE PARTS.

Mileage: 19,800

20210126POWER TRAIN

WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITION.MB SHOULD RE ENGINEER THE PART AND INSTALL IN AFFECTED VEHICLES.DEALER CONTINUES TO INSTALL DEFECTIVE PARTS.

Mileage: 19,800

20210126VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITION.MB SHOULD RE ENGINEER THE PART AND INSTALL IN AFFECTED VEHICLES.DEALER CONTINUES TO INSTALL DEFECTIVE PARTS.

Mileage: 19,800

20190611SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USUAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA (40910 TEMECULA CENTER DR, TEMECULA, CA 92591,(951) 216-7800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO "GET USED TO IT". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,366. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Mileage: 4,366

Compare 2018MERCEDES-BENZSPRINTER 3500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 have?
The 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 has 17 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500?
Yes, the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500?
The most-complained component for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 is SERVICE BRAKES with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 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.