repaired · 2023 Q2
Electronic stability control (ESC): control module
Risk. If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 62 owner complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 16 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-650 the manufacturer reports only 0% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 3, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has problems
62 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Power train
12Electronic stability control (ESC)1 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
10Vehicle speed control
9Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Wheels
5Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
98 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 12 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
16 recalls
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 12 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Front: anchorage
Risk. If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Structure: body
Risk. If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Sprinter 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sprinter 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Rear Wheel Speed Sensor FailureLed to recall 21V-042
In owners' words
What Sprinter 3500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one…
ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN OUR RV, A 25' LTV UNITY ON A MERCEDES SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS, SUDDENLY LURCHED AND FELT OUT OF CONTROL. THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE UNRESPONSIVE, AND I WAS PUMPING THE BREAKS, HARD! AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF STRUGGLING TO CONTROL…
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS KEEP FAILING. I HAVE HAD EIGHT SENSORS FAIL IN THREE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY, SPEED SURGES, ABS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKING IS IMPAIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Own a 2016 Sprinter 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.