Avoid: 2020, 2019 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2018
6 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 8 model years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 1,710 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 84 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2020 drew the most complaints (508), 2018 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (25).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $44,993–$51,874.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2020 (508 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (25).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and use case.
Causes a cascade of malfunctions including wipers, turn signals, door locks, windows, horn, lighting, SRS, and stalling. Dealers struggle to diagnose.
Routine service and minor repairs described as 3-5x more expensive than competitors, driven by dealer labor rates and costly OEM parts.
System ceases to function in sub-zero temperatures, leaving owners stranded. Not disclosed at sale.
Cited as a significant barrier, often $20,000+ more than a comparable Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster.
Described as erratic shifting, failing to disengage at stops, and starting in high gear.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sprinter. Individual model years are broken down above.
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