Recalls (16)
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Unloaded Vehicle Weight on Label
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.
- Consequence
- The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed. A vehicle that exceeds its maximum weight has an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the UVW label and inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is not overloaded, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
82.4% repairedof 17 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 18V113000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Load Capacity on Label/Part 567
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Consequence
- If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the label and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 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 17V650000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Driveshaft Catch Strap Not Installed
Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.
- 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 the missing catch strap for the driveshaft, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on November 17, 2017. The recall began on December 21, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
61.5% repairedof 109 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 17V592000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Tire Pressure Label on B-Pillar
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.
- Consequence
- Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and replace the tire label, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
36.4% repairedof 1,257 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 17V364000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Bracket Not Welded Correctly
Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
- Consequence
- If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
53.6% repairedof 892 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 17V149000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Seats may Unexpectedly Move/FMVSS 207, 210
Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, equipped with certain left side seat adjusters, model number 486077 manufactured by Atwood. The affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash. As such, these adjusters fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages", and 207 "Seating Systems."
- Consequence
- If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left slide track, free of charge. The recall began on December 22, 2016. Owners may contact Midwest customer service at 1-574-522-4878.
25% repairedof 28 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 16V853000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Seat Belt Anchorage Bolts may be Loose
Seat belts · rear/other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened.
- Consequence
- If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and Sprinter dealers will inspect the connecting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
74.9% repairedof 271 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 16V670000
Listed for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
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
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (62)
62 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
3involved a crash
2involved a fire
6injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 62 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 22.6% |
| Service brakes | 14 | 22.6% |
| Air bags | 12 | 19.4% |
| Electronic stability control | 12 | 19.4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 16.1% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 14.5% |
| Wheels | 7 | 11.3% |
| Engine | 5 | 8.1% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 4.8% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 3.2% |
How 2016 compares with other Sprinter 3500 years
Best and worst Sprinter 3500 years →201221
201345
201454
201537
201662
201728
20189
201927
202013
20218
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 21 | 4 |
| 2013 | 45 | 5 |
| 2014 | 54 | 7 |
| 2015 | 37 | 15 |
| 2016 | 62 | 16 |
| 2017 | 28 | 9 |
| 2018 | 9 | 10 |
| 2019 | 27 | 41 |
| 2020 | 13 | 22 |
| 2021 | 8 | 16 |
This year (2016)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.
Looking at a 2016 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.
Where to next
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns: 21V042000 (electronic stability control (esc)), 20V663000 (steering), 19V003000 (air bag), 19V004000 (air bag), 18V113000 (equipment), 17V786000 (equipment), 17V650000 (equipment), 17V592000 (power train), 17V364000 (equipment), 17V149000 (power train), 17V093000 (air bag), 16V853000 (seat belt), 16V670000 (seat belt), 16V351000 (structure), 16V261000 (structure), 16V093000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems?
Owners filed 62 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (14), Service brakes (14), Air bags (12) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
How does the 2016 Sprinter 3500 compare with other years?
Among the 2012–2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (8) and the 2016 the most (62). The 2016 drew 62. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
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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