2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 150 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 38 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag severe electrical system/module failures (2024 models) — causes a cascade of malfunctions including wipers, turn signals, door locks, windows, horn, lighting, srs, and stalling. dealers struggle to diagnose. frequency: very frequent in discussions of 2024 models.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

150
Owner complaints
38
Recalls
18
Crash reports
8
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
36
power train
30
electrical system
18
service brakes
18
engine
10

Recalls affecting the 2019 Sprinter

seats

Campaign 19V800000

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner vehicles. A seam on the height adjuster for the front seats may have been insufficiently welded.

equipment

Campaign 19V908000

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The lashing rails on the side walls may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in the lashi…

fuel system, diesel

Campaign 19V798000

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with diesel fuel systems. The bayonet lock between the fuel pump and the fuel tank may not have been close…

air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Campaign 19V695000

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comp…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and use case. Long-term owners of older diesel models, particularly the T1N generation (pre-2006), report extremely high reliability, durability, and satisfaction, with examples cited reaching 300,000 km (186,000 mile

  • Severe electrical system/module failures (2024 models) — causes a cascade of malfunctions including wipers, turn signals, door locks, windows, horn, lighting, SRS, and stalling. Dealers struggle to diagnose. Frequency: very frequent in discussions of 2024 models.
  • Excessive maintenance and repair costs — routine service and minor repairs described as 3-5x more expensive than competitors, driven by dealer labor rates and costly OEM parts. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures in cold weather — system ceases to function in sub-zero temperatures, leaving owners stranded. Not disclosed at sale. Frequency: recurrent.
  • High initial purchase price — cited as a significant barrier, often $20,000+ more than a comparable Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission issues (newer models) — described as erratic shifting, failing to disengage at stops, and starting in high gear. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sprinter.

Typical used price

Used Sprinter listings typically run $49,998–$60,596 across 2022 to 2026 model years.

Other Sprinter model years

2021 Sprinter2018 Sprinter
Full Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owner reportCompare against another car