May 19, 2025Body & structureFire
I was driving and the vehicle began to smoke through the air conditioning vent and within 30 seconds flames of fire entered the vehicle and the vehicle was completely burned. I never received any recall regarding that malfunction and never saw any signal that this would happen. I almost caught in fire due to the imminent flames. That's was my vehicle for work and I lost everything, materials, tools, merchandise and everything. I am struggling financially due to this situation. I tried to open the side door to take my belongings but it was locked. There's were not any previous symbols or indicators of the malfunction.
NHTSA ODI 11661916
Jan 4, 2025Transmission & drivetrain
At high altitudes (it's happened over 5000ft and not under that) while in 4x4 mode, the car occasionally just simply does not respond to throttle input while in drive. This is usually from a start while shifting from park or reverse into drive, but there is zero power which has now been dangerous a few times for us while on inclines or near traffic. It eventually goes away after shifting back and forth to park/reverse/neutral and trying to rev the engine. But it's inconsitent, infrequent and not particularly easy to reproduce.
NHTSA ODI 11634134
Nov 10, 2024Electrical systemSpeed controlDriver assistance
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 frustrating and UNSAFE. This function should not automatically shut off. I paid a lot of money to try and figure out the problem. This is VERY UNSAFE for this feature of instantly shut off for no reason and is dangerous. Please fix this with a software update and allow me to download it at my dealer for no charge. Not happy as I use my cruise control on long trips in the USA.
NHTSA ODI 11624407
Jul 3, 2023Speed controlDriver assistance
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. This is an intermittent problem that occurs without warning. When cruise control set to 65-70 mph, the deceleration is very pronounced, as if brakes are applied. This can be very starling to the driver, passengers, and any vehicles tailing behind. I reported this to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer, and they stated a released software update addressed this problem. However, after the dealer servicing, it still happens several times a day when traveling in our RV.
NHTSA ODI 11530169
Sep 28, 2022Equipment
Awning operation and lights are controlled by switchs in vehicle and/or app. Intermittently switchs will not work. Awing sometimes stutters when deployed. So far we have been able to fully retract. We have not taken to dealer since the symptoms are very sporadic.
NHTSA ODI 11486867
Sep 9, 2021Electrical system
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 You can also refer to this thread from other Sprinter owners with the same issue: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/83054/
NHTSA ODI 11432261
Jun 23, 2021Lane DepartureBackup camera & sensorsDriver assistance
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 wheel and try to maneuver the vehicle to stay in your lane. The only way to turn off these features are to turn off them off every time you start your vehicle. Mercedes Benz has told me there is no way to turn it off completely and they have had numerous complaints of unsafe vehicle responses from the assist features.
NHTSA ODI 11421986
Mar 25, 2021Transmission & drivetrainCrash
ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLISION AT RIGHT FRONT.
NHTSA ODI 11404894
Feb 1, 2021SteeringElectrical system
TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE WHEELS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, AND WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST COMPLETELY FAILED. IT TOOK EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. MERCEDES-BENZ IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR ON THE 15-MONTH OLD VAN THAT HAS 43000 MILES ON IT. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FAILED ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.
NHTSA ODI 11390987