The worst 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 17
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control.
- Risk
- Reduced vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the propeller shaft may damage the fuel tank during a crash, causing a leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the crossmember as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3QUERTR.
Recall number 23V874000 · Recall details
Structure: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.
- Risk
- Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
Recall number 23V875000 · Recall details
Structure: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.
- Risk
- A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
Recall number 23V876000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
- Risk
- A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.
Recall number 23V204000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: internal: park pawl
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.
- Risk
- Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.
Recall number 22V796000 · Recall details
Communication: auto crash notification
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Risk
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.
Recall number 22V360000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: display function
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.
Recall number 22V281000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. A software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the parking brake applied.
- Risk
- Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3PA27 ERI/ERO.
Recall number 21V972000 · Recall details
Air bags: passenger side frontal: cushion
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.
- Risk
- Damage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.
Recall number 21V410000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.
Recall number 21V411000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.
- Risk
- A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.
Recall number 21V241000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.
Recall number 21V235000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach. This could cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the brake pedal is not pressed.
- Risk
- Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will secure a bearing bracket to brake pedal by retrofitting an additional retaining ring (with PNR A 907 994 01 00) at the bearing bracket of brake pedal, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREBOL.
Recall number 21V152000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with the multimedia system "Connect 5" and a rearview camera. The rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event. In addition, the rearview image may be obscured or covered by the visual display of the Emergency Call (eCall) pop-up window if the eCall system is activated while the reverse gear is engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update on the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RUECON.
Recall number 21V077000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.
- Risk
- Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.
Recall number 20V802000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V663000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters. The fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the fuel hose clamp connections and tighten or replace the components as needed, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 9, 2020. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHELLE.
Recall number 20V595000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 53
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of our products and to ensure the satisfaction...
- EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint Complaint A:...
- Acoustic Warning or message occurring when a closed sliding door is not recognized
- Brakes may lock up when reversing at slow speeds Complaint When reversing slowly, the vehicle erroneously...
- Fuel Level Unchanged After Refueling Complaint The
- Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection...
- While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash
- Model 907 with all-wheel drive (A4M) – All-wheel drive inoperative Complaint The
- ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint...
- Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm
See all 53 bulletins for the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
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Questions about the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
Is the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 have?
17 recalls, covering structure, electrical system and power train.
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