Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, most recently filed February 2021. Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 15campaigns 3 air bag · 3 structure · 2 equipment Source: NHTSA Complaints 37filed Owner reports, 2011–2020 shown Source: NHTSA ODI
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Recalls (15)

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V042000 Filed Feb 3, 2021

Electronic Stability Control Unit Malfunction

Electronic stability control (esc) · control module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Consequence
If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
88.6% repairedof 48,667 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V042000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V663000 Filed Oct 28, 2020

Hydraulic Power Steering Hose May Detach

Steering · hydraulic power assist · hose, piping, and connections
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.
Consequence
The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.
90.3% repairedof 47,667 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V663000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V238000 Filed Mar 26, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
16.7% repairedof 12 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V238000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V003000 Filed Jan 8, 2019

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
77.2% repairedof 71,301 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V003000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V004000 Filed Jan 8, 2019

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
61.5% repairedof 88,388 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V004000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V786000 Filed Dec 8, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
2% repairedof 550 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V786000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V092000 Filed Feb 10, 2017

Fuel Tank Protection Missing/FMVSS 301

Fuel system, diesel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured without a protective plate on the front of the gas tank and a foam ring at the filler neck. As such, these vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence
Without the protective plate and the foam ring installed, impacts may damage the tank resulting in a fuel leak that can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
0% repairedof 2 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V092000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V093000 Filed Feb 10, 2017

Air Bag Control Unit may be Damaged in a Crash

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Consequence
If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
69.7% repairedof 15,338 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V093000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V094000 Filed Feb 10, 2017

Driveshaft Catch Strap Not Installed

Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence
A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a driveshaft catch strap, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
0% repairedof 2 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V094000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V351000 Filed May 24, 2016

Super High Roof Vehicles Missing Crash Pads

Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.
Consequence
If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the required crash-pads, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
66.7% repairedof 3 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V351000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V261000 Filed Apr 29, 2016

Windows may Separate from Vehicle in a Crash

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
Consequence
If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 4, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
23.6% repairedof 55 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V261000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V093000 Filed Feb 18, 2016

Incorrect Load Capacity Information on Labels

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.
Consequence
The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will replace the incorrect tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
62.3% repairedof 2,278 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V093000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V261000 Filed May 5, 2015

Oil may Leak from Chain Tensioner Gasket

Engine and engine cooling · engine · diesel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC - DBA Sprinter (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured February 28, 2014, to January 22, 2015. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from around the chain tensioner gasket area.
Consequence
Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chain tensioner gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2015. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall is an expansion of 14V-764.
87.5% repairedof 1,335 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V261000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V082000 Filed Feb 10, 2015

Abutting Wedge Incorrectly Installed

Structure · body · door
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC - DBA Sprinter (Sprinter) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to October 14, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the abutting wedge, a component attached to the door jamb to make opening the door easier after a severe frontal impact, may have been installed incorrectly.
Consequence
If a vehicle that has an incorrectly installed abutting wedge is involved in a severe frontal accident, a greater force may be necessary to open the doors, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Sprinter will notify owners, and dealers will check the installation of the abutting wedge, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 2015. Owners may contact Sprinter customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
73.1% repairedof 5,586 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V082000
Listed for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V764000 Filed Dec 1, 2014

Oil may Leak from Chain Tensioner Gasket

Engine and engine cooling · engine · diesel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC - DBA Sprinter (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Sprinter 2500, and Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured February 28, 2014, to November 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from around the chain tensioner gasket area.
Consequence
Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chain tensioner gasket, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2014120003.
82.5% repairedof 8,279 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V764000

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Which Sprinter 3500 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (37)

37 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.

0involved a crash
0involved a fire
1injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 37.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2015 compares with other Sprinter 3500 years

Best and worst Sprinter 3500 years →
8 21 45 54 37 62 28 9 27 13
2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
This year (2015)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

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Looking at a 2015 Sprinter 3500 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Sprinter 3500 years

Where to next

Which Sprinter 3500 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 report62 complaints · 16 campaigns →2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 report54 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns: 21V042000 (electronic stability control (esc)), 20V663000 (steering), 19V238000 (seat), 19V003000 (air bag), 19V004000 (air bag), 17V786000 (equipment), 17V092000 (fuel system), 17V093000 (air bag), 17V094000 (power train), 16V351000 (structure), 16V261000 (structure), 16V093000 (equipment), 15V261000 (engine), 15V082000 (structure), 14V764000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems?

Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (13), Vehicle speed control (12), Electronic stability control (11) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2015 Sprinter 3500 compare with other years?

Among the 2011–2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (8) and the 2016 the most (62). The 2015 drew 37. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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