What 17 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (swb)

My front driveshaft is backing out of both the front differential and the transfer case. This could detach, and potentially take out fuel, brake, and electrical lines (poss. incl. Electric Steering). And cause full loss of drive power. MBZ reportedly has an internal TSB but has not issued a recall. There are MANY similar reports at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11627147

Noticed the driveshaft to my front differential is very close to falling out. Also rusting & flinging grease everywhere as it pulls out of its seating. This is an issue other owners have seen, with severe consequences when the driveshaft becomes complete unseated including sudden severe vibrations, loss of drive power, and potentially damaging steering components, brake lines/components, and electrical harnesses.

NHTSA ODI 11588123

The front driveshaft for the vehicle referenced has a safety design flaw that makes it too short. There is a risk of the front driveshaft separating from the front differential splines completely and wrecking havoc to the vehicles essential driving components like steering rack, wiring harness, and potentially causing an accident. Mercedes Benz has increased wait times at their shops and are currently 5-6 weeks out to even look at the vehicles issue. Currently my vehicle is experiencing major vibrations due to the front driveshaft barely hanging on to the front differential splines as the manufactures design is not robust enough for simply driving on the road and allows the front driveshaft to simply slip off what is designed to retain the shaft to the front differential. Before every drive I have to push the drive shaft further onto the splines and am hoping it doesn't fully come off while driving. This issue began around 6k miles and now have 12k miles on the vehicle. Just now finding the main cause of the issue when discussing with other owners. MB needs to do something about this ASAP. As of right now MB has no solution.

NHTSA ODI 11579218

At 3,000 miles, my 2023 Van (purchased new) developed significant reduction in power and acceleration. The transmission also shifts incorrectly (too late, resulting in higher then normal RPM's) and then abruptly downshifts upon stopping. When going uphill, the van obtains a max speed of about 35-40MPH, forcing me to travel on the local Interstates on the shoulder with my hazards flashing so other vehicles know to pass me. Van was left at Mercedes Dealership for 1 month. Van was not repaired, no plan or remedy was communicated. Van has only been inspected by the dealership where it was purchased. A check engine light came on about 1 week after van lost power.

NHTSA ODI 11563046