on 08-03=23, I as driving MB sprinter van on highway Route 84 east toward Connecticut, when I was near Southington exit smoke was coming out of AC vent, I took exit to route 10 and stopped van right after exit on the road, and opened hood, there was active fire near lower left side engine, with help of drivers who stopped behind me, I extinguished fire with fire extinguisher and called MB road service system, police arrived first and towing vehicle from MB arrived and towed van to MB dealer called New Country Mercedes Benz, where van was inspected by technician on 08-15-23. I was told problem was overloaded alternator and serpentine belt failure. Cost to repair is around 9500 I told them I have solar Panel on roof and connected to my portable power bank battery and engine battery was never connected or used for my to power use for camping accessories. Driver for towing told MB had this problem and some vehicles were recalled, mine was not recalled.
The worst 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 22
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination 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, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.
Recall number 24V930000 · Recall details
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
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The screws for the front door hinges may not have been tightened properly.
- Risk
- Loose door hinge screws could change the gap between the door and vehicle body, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will check the screws and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TURSCHA.
Recall number 21V359000 · 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
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: lock
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles equipped with an optional electric sliding door. The auxiliary lock on the sliding door may be the incorrect type for an electric sliding door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the sliding door could dislocate more than intended, and increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will convert the sliding door from electric to manual function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHIEBT.
Recall number 21V153000 · 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
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.
Recall number 21V055000 · 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production.
- Risk
- Over time, the hose could begin to leak brake fluid, affecting the braking performance of the vehicle, including the potential loss of directional stability when braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the condition of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles and replace them as needed, free of charge. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3MONTLAU.
Recall number 20V631000 · 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 152
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 152 bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
What 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
On occasion the vehicle will loose almost all power. It occurs at random times. It could be deadly if merging into traffic or crossing an intersection where the other drivers don’t have to stop. I have no idea why it does this. It seems to happen more in the cold and maybe at altitude. It has happened at sea level and 70 degrees though too. By cold I mean 32 F and 5000’
My complaint is regarding Mercedes Benz of Eugene, my disservice started May 20,2021, I will leave that story at the end of current complaint. On November 17,2021 I contacted Jason Cowdry, service specialist for Sprinter Vans. Two issues, the one that is consistent and no resolution is the radio. The other is documented and recorded for future evidence for repair. The van has an AM FM radio stock, came with my new purchase of this van. I reported that when tuned into a station be it on AM or FM, it begins to broadcast another radio station for about 3-10 seconds and then switch back. This occurred on any station, at any time, any location. Portland, Oregon coast, Ontario Oregon etc. Recommend repair was to replace radio. After receipt of new radio and installed the problem continued in the shop. Jason mentioned that he would need to request another radio, that is was the same issue. At that time of my revisit, Jason mentioned that another customer complained about the same issue. The radio was replaced again. I was told any issues please contact with concerns.(third radio) I drove 2 minutes away, I was on the phone to Jason stating the issue is the same and has changed broadcast 3 times in the very short time. I asked if he would like for me to return. No will set up appointment for further review. Jason went on to mention that he and the repair representative listened to the radio for 30 minutes and no issue. The first of many colorful non-truths, I was scheduled for another radio replacement, this would be the third and many inconveniences to me. Each visit was an AM appointment, each was a long day process, the joke with Jason was that it should be quicker because they have replaced it so many times. Jason mentioned that the cost of the radio was $1300.00 and need to add in labor. FYI I was told. Upon return to the dealership, I was told by Jason that in speaking with a local representative of Mercedes Benz, the radio was not this issue, they changed.
Constituent writes seeking a waiver to collect their vehicle which is being held by the dealership due to a voluntary recall.
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Questions about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2.5 times a typical Sprinter 1500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is driver assistance (1).
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 have?
22 recalls, covering electrical system, structure and power train.
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