Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 38 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-153 the manufacturer reports only 25% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 19, 2025. Updated daily.
9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
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.
Risk. A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
Risk. Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash.
Risk. A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a…
Risk. Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk. Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Risk. Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Risk. Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the operator relies on the provided owner's manual, the information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information may be inaccurate and/or…
Risk. The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Risk. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk. If the driver relies on the Auto-P function as described in the Operator's Manual, vehicle rollaway or movement may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Loss of brake fluid can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed…
Risk. A reduction in traction may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of…
Risk. If small vehicle components, such as nuts and screws, enter the steering column area, the steering operation can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the screws detach, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the connecting screws are not properly tightened, hot exhaust gases may leak from the EGR pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk. An exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment increases the risk of a fire.
Risk. If the lashing rails disconnect, the cargo could become unsecured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A diesel fuel leak can create slippery road conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. In the event of a crash, the weld seam may break and cause the seat cushion to shift forward, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. If a vehicle that has an incorrectly installed abutting wedge is involved in a severe frontal accident, a greater force may be necessary to open the doors,…
Risk. Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.
Risk. An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Risk. A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Reduced taillight visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Risk. In the event of a side impact crash or vehicle rollover, the fitted side windows may not adequately protect the rear occupants from being ejected, increasing…
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.
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 4500 median. How we score
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The active distance assist inoperative appears when using the cruise control. This comes on when no traffic in front of the vehicle for 1 hour or less. Also Active Brake Assist functions limited - see operators Manual To reset: follow another vehicle for 5 minutes. This is Very Very Very…
Cruse control will sometimes disengage and display these error messages: "Active Distance Assist Inoperative" "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Operator's Manual" Cruse control kicks out and the power cuts off abruptly. After some variable time the cruise control function will work again.…
The Lane Assist and Crosswind Assist do not work properly. When a gust of wind hits you or when you're passing a semi, the van immediately forces your vehicle off the road or into the other lane where there is another vehicle or a concrete barrier. It's very difficult to hold onto the steering…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.