What 67 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew

Park feature on automatic transmission. Unit is available for inspection upon request. Unit was idling on the street for approximately 10 minutes, vehicle was in park. Vehicle began rolling down the incline while in park. Crew was in vehicle applied the brakes to stop the vehicle from rolling. Vehicle was sent to dealer. Dealer advised that a vehicle parked with the transmission in park position and the parking brake not engaged, The vehicle may roll away. They attached pages from the owners manual stating if you park the vehicle with the transmission in park position and the parking brake is not engaged the vehicle may roll away. Engaging park position is not a fully adequate replacement for the parking brake. No warning lights were on inthe vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11478818

Regarding onboard OEM Navigation system (MBUX) - I feel there is a serious safety issue in the factory supplied, vehicle specific GPS Navigation unit. In the Northeast, we have many parkways, low bridges etc. and the built in navigation system will happily route you onto restricted access parkways or right into a low bridge. My stock Sprinter is close to 10ft tall.... When leaving Long Island, NY , even if you research your route and then entrust the navi system guide you - your route is guaranteed to change due to traffic information. I'm not expecting a miracle - but a truck GPS is not rocket science - don't route me into a low bridge or onto a parkway. A simple checkbox "avoid parkways" would be a start. Another good one would be "avoid low bridges" At the very least add an "OK" checkbox stating we all agree the supplied route is for entertainment purposes only and not to be relied on for vehicle navigation. Thank you for all you do for the public! , Mark

NHTSA ODI 11467313

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while an employee was moving the vehicle out of the garage into the parking lot, the employee shifted the vehicle into PARK with the engine running. The contact exited the vehicle and while walking to the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into REVERSE and started rolling backward almost pinning the employee up against the front wall of the garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was reversing at approximately 2 MPH. The vehicle rolled backward into the front wall of the garage. There was damage to the driver’s side door and front fender. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the issue was not a defect but an operator’s error. The failure mileage was approximately 50,925.

NHTSA ODI 11452051

The contact's uncle owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that an abnormal rubbing sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. After an inspection, neither the contact nor his uncle could diagnose the cause of the failure. While the contact's uncle was driving 70 MPH, one of the rear driver’s side tires detached from the axle without warning. His uncle was able to pull over and the contact retrieved the tire. Upon inspection, they discovered that the inner wall of the rim had sheared and that the lug nuts were still attached to the rim. The contact stated that the failure was related to the poor design of the axle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448357

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it inadvertently rolled backward and crashed into a garage. The vehicle's rear doors were damaged. The dealer was aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment on January 25th, to replace the rear doors. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was available. The VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 13,575. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available. Repair was finished by on Feb 4, 2020. Consumer never received invoice from them, as it went thought insurance company.

NHTSA ODI 11447877

2019 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC MODULES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EIS AND EZS MODULES ARE EXPOSED TO WET AND DAMP CONDITIONS. OVERTIME THEY CORRODE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MODULES WERE IN A POOR LOCATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI 11442814

I brought my 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van in for a campaign recall for the power steering hoses and clamps. The dealership said they made the repairs as necessary and sent me on my way. A few weeks later the power steering hoses blew while driving and almost caused an accident. I was stuck on the side of the road and lost all steering capabilities. Come to find out the dealership lied and never made the repairs as necessary as far as replacing the faulty clamps. After getting the vehicle towed back to the dealership they replace the clamps with cheap hardware store clamps and I have had problems with my power steering ever Since then. I’ve taken my vehicle back multiple times for them to make the repairs and they replace the power steering pump once with a remanufactured one unfortunately I continue to have power steering issues. This is all due to the faulty hose clamps on the power steering unit for the 2019 4x4 Sprinter Van. If they would’ve replace the hoses with longer hoses and the proper fittings this would’ve all been prevented and could potentially prevent a serious accident while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11435232

The main display screen in the unit has failed, which means the following is no longer functional: Reverse camera (rearview camera image) ; Traction control settings ; Lane Departure system settings ; Door lock settings ; Vehicle lighting settings

NHTSA ODI 11433096

The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect. Please help? Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11432851

I took my vehicle in for a recall on power steering hose 12/20. They said it was fixed. Last week I was driving down a 9000 foot mountain with my family when the power steering hose disconnected and I lost power steering while coming down an 8% grade. We almost went over the edge but luckily I was able to engage my brake fast enough to stop us just before the guard rail. We nearly died. This recall was supposedly fixed and it wasn't. I contacted the MB dealer where I bought the van and was given a non-reassuring answer that they'll take a look at it but no real concrete reasoning as to why this happened even after having it fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11431125

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact state that while in PARK, the vehicle moved and rolled away. Additionally, while in park the vehicle moved when the seat belt was released. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11429905

The contact's client was utilizing a 2019 Mercedes- Benz Sprinter 2500 for work. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, the driver exited the vehicle however, it rolled backward, flipped over, and crushed the driver's legs. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained road and chemical burns and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no report of a fire or airbag deployment. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and inspected the vehicle where the black box was retrieved. The contact mentioned referenced NHTSA Action Number PE21019 (Power train). The failure mileage was 965.

NHTSA ODI 11428683

DRIVER STATED HE PUT THE VAN IN PARK ON BUT DIDN'T ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. ON HIS WAY TO MAKE HIS DELIVERY, THE VAN STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN AND ROLLED BACKED INTO PILE OF SNOW.

NHTSA ODI 11428353

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started rolling backward without warning. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11427068

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the MBUX multimedia system became inoperable resulting in the rear-view camera not functioning as designed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11427071

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopping, the contact heard a humming sound coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000

NHTSA ODI 11427070

Smoke was seen coming from the a/c vents inside the vehicle. Soon after, a small fire was seen coming from the passenger side engine hood vent. The fire spread to the rest of the van by the time the fire department arrived.

NHTSA ODI 11421845

THE DELIVERY DRIVER PLACED THE VAN IN PARK ON A HILL AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING THE DELIVERY DRIVER TOOK A MINUTE OR TWO TO LOCATE HIS PACKAGE AND PROCEEDED TO STEP OUT OF THE DRIVER DOOR WHILE THE VAN WAS STILL RUNNING. JUST AS HE WAS STEPPING OUT OF THE VAN THE DRIVER HEARD SEVERAL LOUD CLICKS AND THE VAN PROCEEDED ROLL AWAY AND WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE TREE BRANCH THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ROOF OF THE VAN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OF THESE VANS ROLL AWAY SOME CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE VANS, OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY AND 2 DRIVERS HAVE BEEN HURT AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2019 ##

NHTSA ODI 11415509

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. THIS UNIT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE IS A LINK TO A VIDEO SHOWING THE ISSUE IN QUESTION. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZTDGXOKP-N8 AND HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/Y7CY8CMFMCC

NHTSA ODI 11405798

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. WE HAVE A SECOND UNIT AT THE DEALER THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THIS UNIT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE DOWN TIME THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. WE HAVE PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH ALL OF THE VINS THAT ARE IN QUESTION AND VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE ARE A COUPLE MORE VIDEOS SHOWING THE ISSUE ACROSS THE 4 UNITS. 1) HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=NLPPZSZ7G20 2) HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/HWPCJ4BEJE8 3) HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LY7WQLXBHFE

NHTSA ODI 11405803

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. WE HAVE A SECOND UNIT AT THE DEALER THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THIS UNIT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE DOWN TIME THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. WE HAVE PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH ALL OF THE VINS THAT ARE IN QUESTION AND VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE ARE A COUPLE MORE VIDEOS SHOWING THE ISSUE ACROSS THE 4 UNITS. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LY7WQLXBHFE HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/D-SRVHCCFM0 HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/K9BOWLIAM94

NHTSA ODI 11405804

OCTOBER 12 2020, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN PARK. DRIVER WAS NOT IN VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE MAKING DELIVERY. MERCEDES SPRINTER ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO SOMEONE'S CAR, COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE.

NHTSA ODI 11404969

THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN PARK. THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. IT ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL ON TOP OF SOMEONE'S CAR AND COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. UPONE MORE INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MERCEDES 2019 SPRINTERS ARE MADE WITH FAULTY PARKING PRAWLS INSTALLED IN THEM NOT FIT TO HOLD A LARGE DELIVERY VEHICLE LIKE THE ONES THEY MANUFACTURE FOR AMAZON. THIS IS MY SECOND AMAZON BRANDED MERCEDES SPRINTER ACCIDENT ON DIFFERENT VEHICLES, WITH THE SAME EXACT FAULTY BRAKE OPERATING SYSTEM, THAT HAS HAPPENED IN SIX MONTHS. BEWARE OF 2019 AND 2020 BRAKE SYSTEMS INSTALLED ON MERCEDES SPRINTERS.

NHTSA ODI 11404838

ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. IMPACT AT RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE.*DT Consumer stated delivery driver had the vehicle on park and left the vehicle to deliver a package. While outside the vehicle, he heard a noise and vehicle began rolling downhill. As it rolled he heard a clicking noise (believed to be the parking pawl attempting to engage). We performed a joint inspection of the vehicle (VIN XXXXXX) with Mercedes. During the inspection, download of the ACM showed the engine was running at idle the whole time to the point of impact; operation of the transmission software to continuously shift to park when the driver’s door is opened was visually verified at the transmission inner manual lever; and the transmission was removed and disassembled to view the park pawl and ring gear. The ring gear had wear on the leading edge of the teeth consistent with contact with the parking pawl as it was attempting to engage. There was no injury or damage to the vehicle. It was taken to local dealer, who could find no reason for the roll away that had occurred. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ODI 11404893

WE RUN A FLEET OF MERCEDES SPRINTERS AND WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED AN ISSUE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION MAY ROLL FREELY AFTER BEING PLACED INTO PARK. THE INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME SOME VEHICLES WILL RELEASE FROM THE PARKING POSITION AND ROLL FREELY. WE HAVE MULTIPLIED THIS ISSUE ON 4 UNITS SO FAR. MERCEDES HAS REPLACED A TRANSMISSION ON THIS UNIT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT SEEMS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. THE SEQUENCE THAT IS REQUIRED TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE IS AS FOLLOW- THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP AND IS PLACED INTO PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE DRIVER HAS TO REMAIN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH THE SEAT BELT ON FOR A PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES. AFTER THE 10-MINUTE TIMEOUT THE BRAKE HOLD WILL RELEASE AND SLOWLY ROLL THE TRUCK PAST THE PARKING PAWL (AS IT APPEARS THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING) WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE MAY FREELY ROLL ANYWHERE BETWEEN 2FT AND CONTINUOUSLY IF NOT STOPPED BY PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE ISSUE IS NOT 100% REPRODUCIBLE EVERY SINGLE TIME SO IT MAY TAKE 2 TO 8 ATTEMPTS TO GET THE SAID OUTCOME. WE ARE NOT SURE IF THIS SYMPTOM CAN BE DUPLICATED IN ANY OTHER WAY AS OF THE TIME OF WRITING THIS. MERCEDES WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH AN ANSWER TO WHY SOMETHING LIKE THIS CAN HAPPEN. WE ALSO HAVE MULTIPLE VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE ISSUE IN QUESTION. WE WENT AS FAR AS TO RECORD THE LIVE DATA ON A MERCEDES DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLES VALUES SHOW THAT IT THINKS IT'S IN PARK. WE HAVE 20 VEHICLES IN THIS CATEGORY AND WE SEEM TO HAVE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE VINS ASSOCIATED TO DUSSELDORF, GERMANY PLANT WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF APRIL -2019. OUT OF THE 20 TRUCKS IN OUR FLEET 11 OF THOSE MEET THE CRITERIA AND WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON 4 OF THOSE UNITS SO FAR.

NHTSA ODI 11404417