Home · 2016 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (swb) · Complaints

What 27 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (swb)

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (27)Crash / fire / injury (1)Airbags (9)Speed control (5)Brakes (3)Electrical system (3)Engine (3)Seat belts (3)Steering (3)Body & structure (2)Wheels (2)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1)

2 of 27 complaints match · Body & structure · clear filters

Jul 29, 2024LightsBody & structure

The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widespread problem on Sprinters but Mercedes is refusing to to fix the issue. Secondly, the interior lights do not work. We've had them replaced and they quickly stop working. I'm not certain how prevalent this issue is in other Sprinters, but it is an issue that does not appear to have a long-time fix on our model.

NHTSA ODI 11605186

Apr 10, 2021SteeringElectrical systemBody & structure

MY ROOF IS LEAKING. I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHERE THE STAINS ARE COMING FROM ON MY CEILING. TODAY IS A RAINY DAY IN CINCINNATI. I GO TO PUT MY GROCERY IN THE VAN THE CEILING IS SOAK AND WET. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY MY DISABLED CHILD AND I STAY SICK AND WHY ITS RUSTING OUT.

NHTSA ODI 11407428

Working with the data? Download all 27 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (swb) verdict →