This page covers 4 recalls and 45 owner complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500.
Complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 center heavily on the airbag system, which accounts for the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently report airbag warning lights illuminating and concerns about whether the system will function correctly. Vehicle speed control draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners describing cruise control dropping out unexpectedly or failing to engage, often alongside illuminated warning lights including the ABS and traction control indicators. Several of those reports point to wheel speed sensor failures as the underlying issue, with sensors on the rear axle coming up repeatedly. The ESC system rounds out the most-reported categories, with owners noting stability control warnings and loss of normal driving behavior. A recurring detail across the speed control and ESC complaints is multiple dashboard warning lights activating together, with the ABS light appearing consistently across that cluster of reports.
45
Total Complaints
By System
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators, which can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
A separate airbag concern affects vehicles where the airbag control unit was built without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket; without those parts in place, secondary airbags may not deploy in a crash, raising the risk of injury to occupants. On the electronic stability control side, this recall applies only to vehicles that have been upfitted as campers or recreational vehicles: the stability control system can disable itself, reducing the vehicle's ability to maintain control in certain driving conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The Electronic Stability Control system may stop working on certain 2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 campers and recreational vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more durable sensor at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The front passenger air bag module will be replaced free of charge at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit lacks a reinforcement plate and protective bracket. After an initial impact, the unit may stop working, preventing air bags from deploying in a secondary impact.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
