Summary
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 53 recalls spanning 2001 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a 2023 model year suspension defect where improperly manufactured U-bolts allow the rear axle to slide on the leaf spring, degrading handling and potentially causing loss of control.
The 2024 eSprinter has two notable issues: a drive gear weld in the rear axle that can fracture, cutting power to the wheels and potentially allowing the parked vehicle to roll, and a brake booster software fault that can cause a sudden spike in required pedal force, lengthening stopping distances. The 2025 eSprinter has a compliance recall for a pedestrian warning system whose reverse sound may not meet minimum volume requirements. On 2023 models, B-pillar reinforcements may be missing welds, which can cause the front seatbelt height adjuster to fail in a crash.
The 2022 model year has a recall for swivel-seat wiring that can be damaged when the seat rotates, potentially disabling or unintentionally triggering the side airbag. The 2021 model year has a wiring harness near the starter-generator that can contact the transmission carrier and short-circuit, raising fire risk, as well as a tire and loading label with incorrect cargo capacity figures that can lead to overloading and tire failure.
The 2020 model year has front door hinges that may not perform properly in a crash, front and rear brake hoses that can develop fluid leaks from production damage causing a soft pedal and reduced stopping ability, and a cargo partition wall that may not hold in a crash, allowing cargo to shift into the occupant area.
The 2019 model year accounts for a large share of recalls across nearly every system. On the safety side, swivel-seat wiring can damage airbag circuits, the roof may be missing B-pillar welds affecting crash protection, and the rear frame may lack reinforcements that support both vehicle stability and third-row seat mounting in a crash. The fuel hose clamps can loosen and leak, and the exhaust gas recirculation pipe or the turbocharger-to-particulate-filter connection can vent hot exhaust into the engine compartment, both raising fire risk. The blower motor fuse connection can overheat and also cause a fire. Steering shaft screws can back out and cause total loss of steering control. Brake issues include hoses contacting fender liners and leaking, brake caliper fluid seeping into the electric parking brake and introducing air into the system, and the brake pedal bolt slipping out so brake lights stay on permanently. A telematics wiring harness can jam behind the brake pedal switch, keeping brake lights on and allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of park without pressing the pedal. Vehicles can also roll away from a parked position if the parking brake is not set. Several software faults affect the 2019 model: the instrument cluster can go blank, rearview camera images can fail to appear or appear late, high-beam headlights can become stuck on, taillights can dim or shut off when the switch is turned quickly, and instrument panel lights may not dim at night. Window glass in rear side positions may be the wrong type, reducing rollover ejection protection. Certain 2019 vans also lack stability-related suspension components required by Canadian regulations, and the operator's manual incorrectly describes an automatic park function the transmission does not actually have.
Going further back, 2015 models have power steering return hoses that can detach, spilling fluid and leaving
