What 79 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew Diesel

Sudden complete engine failures occurred in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van during highway operation while transporting freight, creating a serious safety hazard due to immediate and total loss of engine power in active traffic conditions. The first engine failure occurred at approximately 303,000 miles. The second failure occurred at approximately 140,000 miles after engine replacement. In both cases, there were no prior warning signs, diagnostic alerts, abnormal noises, or performance issues before sudden and catastrophic engine shutdown. Both incidents occurred while I was operating the vehicle at highway speeds during commercial freight delivery. The engine failed without warning, resulting in immediate loss of propulsion while in traffic. On both occasions, I was forced to rapidly maneuver the disabled vehicle to the shoulder under reduced control and arrange emergency towing to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway and prevent a potential collision or injury. These failures created a significant highway safety risk due to the abrupt loss of power while merging, traveling in traffic flow, and operating at speed. A sudden engine shutdown in these conditions could result in a rear-end collision, loss of control, or multi-vehicle accident, particularly in high-speed or heavy traffic environments. The repeated nature of catastrophic engine failure following engine replacement raises concern about a potential underlying defect in the engine system, components, or related assemblies, or possible unresolved mechanical or installation-related issues. The recurrence of identical failure conditions under similar operating circumstances increases concern that this may not be an isolated incident. Vehicle Information: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter used for commercial freight delivery First engine failure: ~303,000 miles Second engine failure: ~140,000 miles (replacement engine) Failure type: Sudden, complete engine shutdown with no warning at highway speed

NHTSA ODI 11737931

On November 28, 2025, I experienced a vehicle fire in my Mercedes 2020 Sprinter 2500 4WD van. The van engine was on and idling while heating up with the van heater blower on level 6 (out of 7). After about 45 minutes, I saw a haze first and then smelled smoke. Unsure of the source, I turned the vehicle off and exited with my dog. I opened the hood to look for smoke in the engine bay. No smoke under the hood. I contact Mercedes Roadside and open the driver side door where I see flames under the seat. I grabbed the fire extinguisher I installed and put the fire out within 20-25 seconds of seeing it. I believe the root cause of the fire was running the van blower at a high setting for a sustained 45 minutes. My dog and I were inside and definitely in danger. It scares me to think of a scenario where the van was idling with only my dog inside and something like this occurring. The incident is currently under investigation with MB USA and my insurance company, Progressive. No warning signs or dashboard messages. In general, the electrical wiring for my vehicle has been spotty and was completely rewired by the dealer service center in 2021. Currently, there is an issue blacking out the dashboard screen so there is no screen function including gps, entertainment, or vehicle info.

NHTSA ODI 11703896

I had 5 recalls completed at the MB Sprinter dealership in Pleasanton CA on 11/06/2025. Had hardly driven it 100 miles or 5 times since then when I noticed it was not always going into park. One recall had to do with not going in park when you push park button while foot on brake. I was not having that problem until the MB Sprinter dealership did the recall work. Now every 5th time or so it does not go in park when I push park button while foot on brake. Dealership insists I must pay to have this fixed even though their recall work caused it. This is a severe safety hazard that could result in death!

NHTSA ODI 11703605

I’ve had two issues with my sprinter van that were transmission shift module that left me stranded with no way to shift the car into neutral. I was blocking a fuel pump and couldn’t get the car into gear. The first time I was stuck in a parking lot with the same issue. I can’t believe no one else had this issue. The screen message said “Service required do not shift gears” I purchased the van new in 2020. It only has 17000 miles on it. The dealerships Mercedes Benz in Sioux Falls and Mercedes Benz in Rochester Minnesota repaired the van.

NHTSA ODI 11686750

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention); but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682962

repeated EGR clogging and malfunction: bucking or stumbling behavior, inability to accelerate properly, disabled shifting affecting ability to slow or stop without excessive use of brakes, Limp Home Mode suddenly without warning including inability to maintain a safe speed on highway and speed minimums that the vehicle cannot keep up (20 mph max while climbing moderately), unable to downshift when going downhill - relying solely on braking to keep speed below safe limit or speed limits. EGR failed again after cleaning, in as little as 3 months. No repair seems possible, only repeated cleanings. Since this happened so much, we have been in several unsafe situations due to the sudden and unheralded degradation of performance and safe use of the vehicle. Once repaired, the condition can come back immediately due to the computer still guessing that it is still in failure (limp home mode returned suddenly without warning as we merged onto an interstate with no exit for 7 miles uphill… and only made 20mph). Check Engine light could come on, and did, but never during the actual degradation of performance - and went often after a few run cycles. Mercedes dealers have confirmed and performed all services on the EGR and related issues (malfunction once caused the aircleaner element to be sucked in and that caused a MAF to be destroyed by contaminants): 1) first signs of issue before 43,000 miles (when check engine light and/or LHM happened -repaired 18sep2023, 51,871 miles, MB service code: LI14.20-N-073867); 2) 26 DEC 2023 - EGR failure diagnosed and replaced by MB dealer. Cleaning had not fixed the issue or failure was final as found by driving by technician and not by codes! 3) 09/jul/2024 - MAF replaced, EGR codes noted - but functioning, fix by MB/Canada 4) 07/24/2024 - 70,547 miles - EGR Clean by MB Missoula MT - failed upon highway same day 5) 07/25/2025 - 70,600 miles - MB Missoula MT cleared computer 6) 88,340 MB cleaned EGR - runs ok again

NHTSA ODI 11674336

While driving the vehicle, 4x4 and low range would engage on its own. It would cause the transfer case to grind, clunk, and lock up. This happened while the vehicle was in motion and could have easily sent the vehicle out of control. Some warning lights appeared on the dash. I took it into the dealership, they diagnosed it as a glitch in the transfer case actuator software. They updated the software and declined my warranty claim since the powertrain warranty did not cover software updates. I had to pay out of pocket for this fix. The issue is common to this model.

NHTSA ODI 11654889

Since date of purchase, May 2022, the electrical components have not worked properly. The solar panels have never worked, the second alternator used to only charge while driving intermittently now it doesn't work at all, and plugging into shore power sometimes melts the cord. The chassis battery frequently drains requiring constant starting or a jump. It has been replaced four times. The cabin lights continue to flicker when turned on. I sought help from the dealer just weeks after purchasing the van. Due to parts and labor shortages, it wouldn't be for 5 months that they could work on the vehicle. Which they did on and off for five months before sending me from Oregon to Alabama to have the manufacturer work on it. They sent me 2300 miles to fix a brand new vehicle that they sold me. After having been to over 15 Mercedes dealers, towed to many, and to the Tiffin manufacturer (and when it turned out not to be fixed. I took it right back but then when it still wasn't fixed. I sought help from Mercedes.), the van is still not fixed and I am often without power.

NHTSA ODI 11632275

The vehicle experiences complete loss of power (dead peddle) in 2 situation. both of which happen completely randomly. 1. From the start at zero miles per hour. In this situation you will start to move and then there is no power no matter how hard you press the peddle. This is very dangerous when turning into traffic. The vehicle has completely stopped running the risk of T bone collision. 2. There is also "dead peddle" while driving on the highway. The problem happens quite often. There have been situations where I have slowed from 60mph down to 20mph forcing me to pull off the road before the vehicle has regained power again.

NHTSA ODI 11626585

Vehicle loses power and is unable to move. Pressing the accelerator to the floor, the engine develops no power. This happens randomly at higher altitudes. We have had several instances of power loss while merging into traffic. Total loss of power left us sitting in busy intersections. This is a common issue with these vehicles with no known fix available. Mercedes should be repairing thus problem before someone is seriously injured.

NHTSA ODI 11606647

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V875000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to multiple local dealers in the area to repair the vehicle under the recall; however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11580880

It is very difficult to start the engine, and when it starts the RPM never goes above 750. I had the van towed to a Specialist and diagnosed. Their diagnosis is that the Engine wiring harness is damaged and causing electrical malfunction which causes a number of saftey systems to prevent the vehicle from operating properly. Mercedes Benz customer service representative indicated that the diagnosis has to be done by one of their dealers and they would decide then if they want to assist. Unfortunately, the local dealer has twice failed to address an issue thatcshould have been addressed under warranty and so I have list confidence in their ability or willingness to assist. I have received an estimate of nearly $6,400.00 to replace the faulty wiring harness on a vehicle with less than 11,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11580093

The engine stalled when running at 60mph on the interstate. Mechanically jammed.

NHTSA ODI 11572454

The wiring harness under my front passenger swivel seat became pinched and severed the wires. The air bag warning light came on. I took the vehicle to the dealer and got it fixed at my own expense. I noticed the recall #21V410000 which is for the same thing, however my van was not included. Can my van be included so I can be reimbursed by the mfg? Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11563139

Mercedes has a design and installation flaw for the EIS Connector. Its location under the wheel by the metal wall allows for condensation to directly be absorbed into the connector causing corrosion. Once corrosion happens, the van becomes inoperable as the driver cannot shift gears and the van must be towed to the nearest Mercedes dealership. This happens often to vans built after 2019 due to a change in design. Corrosion will happen over time after a change in temperature with condensation build up on the windshield. Mercedes has a solution for this, a boot cover over the EIS, however, it is not widely shared over a safety recall causing Sprinter owners to have an inoperable vehicle when such corrosion happens. This issue can be prevented with a safety recall by installing the cover allowing for a safe and reliable vehicle for civilians on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11554202

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the crosswind assist activated, applying the brake, and briefly taking control of the steering, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality however, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11552875

Drivers seat belt buckle steel cables that secure it broken, one completely in half. SRS light activates intermittently. I am 160lb male and have in no way contributed to this failure. This vehicle has under 12,000 miles on it and has barely used. This is clearly a safety violation

NHTSA ODI 11551140

The windshield wipers are malfunctioning. They randomly turn on after using the blinkers. I cannot get them to turn off unless I turn off the vehicle. I'm afraid they will begin to fail completely and eventually not turn on. This will be a safety issue when it rains. I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership and they were able to reproduce the problem. They said the windshield wiper module in the steering wheel needs to be replaced. It is available for inspection upon request. There were no warnings, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. They first appeared 9/18/2023. I also called several third-party Mercedes mechanics and they said this is a common problem with Mercedes.

NHTSA ODI 11549736

After starting engine and putting transmission into drive, vehicle does not respond to throttle and will not move forward. If I put the transmission into neutral or park, the engine will respond to throttle input. Vehicle may respond to throttle when in reverse. This is an intermittent problem that seems to occur at higher altitudes than our home base of near sea level. The issue has occurred at 4,000 to 12,000 feet elevations. Sometimes the check engine light has come on during these events, but the check engine light clears by the time returning home. When taking the vehicle to Mercedes Van Service to have it checked, no diagnostics data can be found and they cannot reproduce the issue. This issue has occurred numerous times has has been to the Mercedes Van Service Center 4 or 5 times already for the issue. The last event occurred on 10/10/2023. The vehicle eventually behaves normally after several start attempts but makes it very difficult and potentially hazardous when attempting to leave remote campsites. When issue occurs, you don’t know when it will decide to behave normally or if you’ll need to call for emergency assistance via our Garmin satellite handheld unit because of being in a no cellphone service area.

NHTSA ODI 11549365

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster lost functionality and the screen went blank. The contact stated no warning was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced cold start failures. The contact stated that occasionally several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the instrument cluster failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V204000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA ODI 11537530

The adaptive cruise control, auto emergency breaking and collision warning stopped working on the vehicle on a clear day as I was entering the freeway for a long drive. It said sensors were dirty. I stopped, shut off vehicle, cleaned all sensor locations, and restarted vehicle. Sensors worked for 5min and then stopped again and have yet to start functioning after 4 days and extensive driving. It appears that this is a common issue for other 2019+ Sprinter owners. This definitely reduces the safety of the vehicle for the driver, passengers and other vehicles. Shut-off without warning, reduces speed unexpectedly in traffic is a risk. The distractions of looking down for solutions to see what's going on and trying to reset system.

NHTSA ODI 11537028

Driving at speed (70-75 mph) in the HOV lane of the I-5 Freeway south of Los Angeles, a warning signal would occasionally light up and sound when the van passed under HOV signage indicating HOV exits. Then, with a completely clear lane ahead – no vehicles, no obstacles – the van's braking system activated just before the van reached one of these overhead signs. The brakes fully locked, the van skidded briefly before the brakes released. The driver of the car following behind slammed on his/her brakes to avoid rear-ending the van. A very dangerous situation and major accident was only avoided because the traffic was relatively light in that particular section of the freeway at that time of day.

NHTSA ODI 11532181

crosswind assist randomly kicking in, acting in a dangerous manner. Vehicle swirl, almost fish tailing. Other times it randomly slams on the brakes, slows down by 10mph, almost got rear ended.

NHTSA ODI 11531538

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11524851

The automatic awning fully extended while I was moving at approximately 50 MPH. I was alone in the vehicle. Vehicles in the lane to my right had to change lanes and break to avoid colliding with awning. I contacted Carefree of Colorado, the manufacturer of the awning (model name: Freestyle Evolution). The technicians could not diagnose the problem and suggested that I take it in for service. There was no warning lamps or beeps before or during the spontaneous deployment. I was aware of the problem after hearing a loud noise, flapping and was able to visually confirm that the awning was extended. there is only one switch used to extend and retract the awning and it is out of reach of the drivers seat. Upon inspection, I found the switch in the "in" position, which means that it is retracted.

NHTSA ODI 11524951