What 5 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 1500 12 Passenger

on 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11539986

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480837

On occasion the vehicle will loose almost all power. It occurs at random times. It could be deadly if merging into traffic or crossing an intersection where the other drivers don’t have to stop. I have no idea why it does this. It seems to happen more in the cold and maybe at altitude. It has happened at sea level and 70 degrees though too. By cold I mean 32 F and 5000’

NHTSA ODI 11472228

My complaint is regarding Mercedes Benz of Eugene, my disservice started May 20,2021, I will leave that story at the end of current complaint. On November 17,2021 I contacted Jason Cowdry, service specialist for Sprinter Vans. Two issues, the one that is consistent and no resolution is the radio. The other is documented and recorded for future evidence for repair. The van has an AM FM radio stock, came with my new purchase of this van. I reported that when tuned into a station be it on AM or FM, it begins to broadcast another radio station for about 3-10 seconds and then switch back. This occurred on any station, at any time, any location. Portland, Oregon coast, Ontario Oregon etc. Recommend repair was to replace radio. After receipt of new radio and installed the problem continued in the shop. Jason mentioned that he would need to request another radio, that is was the same issue. At that time of my revisit, Jason mentioned that another customer complained about the same issue. The radio was replaced again. I was told any issues please contact with concerns.(third radio) I drove 2 minutes away, I was on the phone to Jason stating the issue is the same and has changed broadcast 3 times in the very short time. I asked if he would like for me to return. No will set up appointment for further review. Jason went on to mention that he and the repair representative listened to the radio for 30 minutes and no issue. The first of many colorful non-truths, I was scheduled for another radio replacement, this would be the third and many inconveniences to me. Each visit was an AM appointment, each was a long day process, the joke with Jason was that it should be quicker because they have replaced it so many times. Jason mentioned that the cost of the radio was $1300.00 and need to add in labor. FYI I was told. Upon return to the dealership, I was told by Jason that in speaking with a local representative of Mercedes Benz, the radio was not this issue, they changed.

NHTSA ODI 11450266

CONSTITUENT WRITES SEEKING A WAIVER TO COLLECT THEIR VEHICLE WHICH IS BEING HELD BY THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A VOLUNTARY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11422602