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2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, most recently filed February 2021. Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electronic stability control.

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 9campaigns 2 air bag · 2 equipment · 1 electronic stability control (esc) Source: NHTSA Complaints 28filed Owner reports, 2013–2022 shown Source: NHTSA ODI
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Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V288000 Filed May 3, 2018

Missing Welds

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on the front side wall, connecting the door portal to the hinge reinforcements in the A-pillar area, possibly affecting vehicle strength in a crash.
Consequence
If the missing welds affect body strength, there may be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and add any missing spot welds, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
62.8% repairedof 153 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 18V288000
Listed for 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V113000 Filed Feb 15, 2018

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 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V804000 Filed Dec 14, 2017

Crosswind Assist may not Intervene as Expected

Lane departure · assist
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles equipped with the Crosswind Assist function. In the event of strong crosswind, automatic brake interventions by the vehicle dynamics control system (ADAPTIVE ESP) might not be activated.
Consequence
If Crosswind Assist system does not activate the automatic braking system as expected in the event of a strong crosswind, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP control unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-854-888-3214.
78.4% repairedof 2,177 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 17V804000
Listed for 2017 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V742000 Filed Nov 21, 2017

Spare Tire Holder Not Secure

Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. The spare tire holder under the vehicle may not be properly secured.
Consequence
If the spare tire holder is not properly secured, the spare tire may separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will lift the spare tire holder completely and tighten the securing screws as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact DVUSA custom service at 1-854-888-3214.
82.4% repairedof 773 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 17V742000

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.

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 (28)

28 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electronic stability control is mentioned most often.

0involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 28.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2017 compares with other Sprinter 3500 years

Best and worst Sprinter 3500 years →
45 54 37 62 28 9 27 13 8 8
2013201420152016201720182019202020212022
This year (2017)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 2017 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 →2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 report9 complaints · 10 campaigns →2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 report62 complaints · 16 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 21V042000 (electronic stability control (esc)), 20V663000 (steering), 19V003000 (air bag), 19V004000 (air bag), 18V288000 (structure), 18V113000 (equipment), 17V804000 (lane departure), 17V786000 (equipment), 17V742000 (tire). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems?

Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. Electronic stability control (7), Wheels (7), Service brakes (5) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2017 Sprinter 3500 compare with other years?

Among the 2013–2021 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 2017 drew 28. 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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