Summary
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has 32 recalls covering 2010 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a 2025 model year recall where a failed front radar circuit board disables automatic emergency braking and other driver assistance features, removing a key layer of crash protection. On 2024 models, longitudinal frame members may lack proper reinforcement, reducing crash protection, and the same frame reinforcement issue on the right side of 2023-2024 models can compromise the structural support behind third-row seats. The 2022 model year has a recall for electrically adjustable front swivel-seat wiring harnesses that can be installed incorrectly and become damaged, preventing side airbags from deploying in a crash.
For 2021 models, two separate issues stand out: a generator wiring harness that can be incorrectly connected to the electric power steering and generate a surge capable of causing a fire, and rear step bolt fasteners that can work loose and drop the step onto the road. The 2019-2022 models with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission have a parking pawl guide bushing that can fatigue, preventing the pawl from engaging and allowing the vehicle to roll away. On 2021-2023 models, the fuel pump can shut down unexpectedly and cut drive power while moving. The multimedia software on 2019-2021 vehicles can cause the backup camera display to go black or reboot, leaving the driver without a rear view while reversing. For 2019-2022 models, the instrument cluster brightness cannot be adjusted in low-light conditions, making it harder to read critical information. The 2020 model year has brake hoses that can develop external damage from production and slowly leak fluid, degrading braking performance over time. The 2019-2020 park lock software can allow the vehicle to creep after being shifted into Park without the parking brake applied. Among other 2019-specific issues, a loose flange between the turbocharger and the diesel particulate filter can leak exhaust gases into the engine compartment and raise the risk of a fire, an improperly installed fuel pump can leak diesel onto the road, and incorrectly installed door abutment wedges can make the doors much harder to force open after a frontal crash.
Going back to 2016-2017 production, rear bench seat belt anchor bolts that were not properly tightened can allow the belt to pull free in a crash on 2016 models, and a seat adjuster on some 2016 vehicles can allow the seat itself to shift in a crash. The 2016 model also has a drive shaft bracket that, in a frontal crash, can break free and damage the fuel system, causing a fuel leak. A 2017 model year recall covers an undersecured spare tire holder that can release the tire onto the road. The 2015 model year has a B-pillar that may not be correctly assembled, making door opening harder after a severe frontal collision, and a body paint defect that can reduce window adhesion in a crash. On 2010-2011 vehicles with an emergency exit window, the adhesive between the glass and the hinge can loosen and allow the window to separate and fall. The 2010 model year alone carries two Takata-related airbag inflator recalls: one affecting the driver frontal airbag, where the inflator can rupture and send fragments into the cabin, and one affecting the front passenger airbag, where propellant degraded by heat and humidity can cause over-forceful deployment and infl