2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electronic Stability Control (esc)
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
What could happen: If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V042000 (manufacturer code NC3DREZAHA).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on March 13, 2018. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V032000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013 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. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on March 13, 2018. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, exces…
What could happen: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer servic…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V077000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after…
What could happen: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
The fix: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V706000 (manufacturer code 14E-041).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-639-5438.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
5. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 SPRINTER 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V093000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-762-8267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Airbags (19), Vehicle Speed Control (12), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (10), Brakes (8), Wheels / tires (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/06/2023 · Steering
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that she safely drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact stated that when she opened the hood, she discovered that the vehicle was le…
06/08/2023 · Unknown Or Other
My Sprinter van was purchased used, and I was alerted of a recall on my vehicle where I took it in for service. However, the issues were not addressed and caused further damage to my vehicle. When I addressed those issues, I contacted the manufacturer, who refused to reimburse me for the repairs. The vehicle, despite it still being "fixed", continues to hav…
06/28/2022 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wheel speed sensor was replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic St…
08/23/2021 · Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and attempting to activate the cruise control, the vehicle failed to remain in cruise control mode. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was info…
07/27/2021 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the ABS warning light and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired however, the contact replaced the driver’s side rear wheel speed…
07/20/2021 · Vehicle Speed Control
Speed sensor failures caused ESP & ABD disabled. Both front and rear sensors had problems frequently! The mechanics at different dealership told me that the sensor has design deficiencies and it happens all the time.
06/25/2021 · Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a repair for the rear wheel speed sensors and now they were unable to exceed 50 mph while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was possibly in Limp Mode. The contact contacted the dealer who performed the repair however, the contact was unable to take the vehicle in for an app…
05/12/2021 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V042000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF RENO (11500 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511, (855) 661-9151) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET…