Summary
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 has 9 recalls covering the 2018-2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 vehicles where the main wiring harness can chafe against the drive shaft, short circuit, and cause simultaneous loss of drive power, power steering, and brake control, while also raising the risk of a fire.
The other 2023 recall involves a front left suspension strut bolt that may not be properly secured, which can allow the driver to lose steering control. Stepping back to 2021 models, an incorrectly installed shim on the front torsion bar can cause that component to fail at its connection point, destabilizing the vehicle. On 2020 models, the propeller shaft bearing mounting to the crossmember can loosen and reduce vehicle control; in a crash, the shaft can also strike the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak that raises the fire risk further.
The 2019-2021 model years share several electrical and safety system issues. On vehicles equipped with swivel seats, wiring routed through the seat frames can become pinched and damaged, causing the seat-mounted side airbags to either deploy without a crash or fail to deploy when needed. A software error can also prevent the rearview camera from displaying any image when reversing, and on 2019-2020 models fitted with the Connect 5 multimedia system, the camera image may take longer than two seconds to appear, cutting into the available warning time when backing up. Also on 2019-2021 vehicles, a software fault in the communication module's SIM card can disable the automatic emergency call system, meaning the vehicle cannot reach emergency services after a crash without the occupant manually placing a call. Going back to the 2018 model year, the upper hood latch may not be fully engaged, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and blocking the driver's forward view entirely.
