2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500: sudden loss of power

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · MI

Sudden complete engine failures occurred in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van during highway operation while transporting freight, creating a serious safety hazard due to immediate and total loss of engine power in active traffic conditions. The first engine failure occurred at approximately 303,000 miles. The second failure occurred at approximately 140,000 miles after engine replacement. In both cases, there were no prior warning signs, diagnostic alerts, abnormal noises, or performance issues before sudden and catastrophic engine shutdown. Both incidents occurred while I was operating the vehicle at highway speeds during commercial freight delivery. The engine failed without warning, resulting in immediate loss of propulsion while in traffic. On both occasions, I was forced to rapidly maneuver the disabled vehicle to the shoulder under reduced control and arrange emergency towing to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway and prevent a potential collision or injury. These failures created a significant highway safety risk due to the abrupt loss of power while merging, traveling in traffic flow, and operating at speed. A sudden engine shutdown in these conditions could result in a rear-end collision, loss of control, or multi-vehicle accident, particularly in high-speed or heavy traffic environments. The repeated nature of catastrophic engine failure following engine replacement raises concern about a potential underlying defect in the engine system, components, or related assemblies, or possible unresolved mechanical or installation-related issues. The recurrence of identical failure conditions under similar operating circumstances increases concern that this may not be an isolated incident. Vehicle Information: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter used for commercial freight delivery First engine failure: ~303,000 miles Second engine failure: ~140,000 miles (replacement engine) Failure type: Sudden, complete engine shutdown with no warning at highway speed

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Transmission · IL

The vehicle experiences complete loss of power (dead peddle) in 2 situation. both of which happen completely randomly. 1. From the start at zero miles per hour. In this situation you will start to move and then there is no power no matter how hard you press the peddle. This is very dangerous when turning into traffic. The vehicle has completely stopped running the risk of T bone collision. 2. There is also "dead peddle" while driving on the highway. The problem happens quite often. There have been situations where I have slowed from 60mph down to 20mph forcing me to pull off the road before the vehicle has regained power again.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Engine · PA

Vehicle loses power and is unable to move. Pressing the accelerator to the floor, the engine develops no power. This happens randomly at higher altitudes. We have had several instances of power loss while merging into traffic. Total loss of power left us sitting in busy intersections. This is a common issue with these vehicles with no known fix available. Mercedes should be repairing thus problem before someone is seriously injured.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Engine, Steering · VA

Serpentine belt shredded, cooling fan separated from clutch, pulley screws missing and pulley completely freed from mount and loss of power steering. This seems very similar to previous recall which my vehicle was supposedly not impacted by. Losing power steering in a large vehicle like this is extremely dangerous. Loose components in engine bay has potential to cause more problems. Fan and pulley completely free to come off and fly around bay. This problem has been seen by 10+ Revel owners in the last few weeks. This topic is being openly discussed on public forums and social media. It is currently sitting at MB of Littleton in Littleton, CO and has yet to be inspected. There were no warnings.

Filed Jun 25, 2022 · Fuel system, Transmission · WA

There is a problem with the engine control parameters which occurs at higher altitudes. The vehicle will not produce adequate power. This is not simply normal power loss related to density altitude. This is a malfuntion where the vehicle does not respond to the throttle, and produces only about 2psi of turbo boost even upon extended application of full throttle. This problem occurs only on sprinter 4x4 models with the OM642 diesel motor. I experienced this problem for the first time yesterday when pulling onto a 2 lane highway at 7,000 feet in the sierra nevada. The vehicle began to move but as I turned uphill to cross the highway it produced no power and I was stuck straddling the center line on a blind curve. Extremely dangerous. Had to turn the vehicle off and restart it and it behaved normally until later in the day, on a steep remote 4x4 road. Unable to climb a small hill due to lack of power. Could not be resolved through any combination of turning off, waiting, warm-up periods, activating/de-activating traction control etc. Had to use winch to climb mild grade. This issue is well known to the Sprinter community and has been repeatedly reported to Mercedes Benz USA with no response or resolution. There are no warnings, messages, store error codes etc associated with this issue. Many descriptions of this behaviour can be found online: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/106595/ https://windinmyface.com/Sprinter-Issues_Breakdowns-WillNotMove_RPMsDropEngineLugs.html https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/103019/#post-1130969 https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/94746/ There are many more. This is a known issue, relating to engine control software, that is very dangerous and the manufacturer has taken no steps to remedy. It is beyond time for regulatory intervention. Thank you.

Filed May 1, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 7,000 miles · NH

Power steering hose is not long enough, is poorly connected/clamped, and has been disconnecting from multiple of these vehicles, causing an immediate emergency situation (loss of power steering), and an immediate vehicle breakdown. Mercedes is aware of this issue but has thus far failed to address it

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Steering · 100 miles · NH

Power steering hose is too short for its fitting, and at risk of separating and causing a loss of power steering and loss of vehicle control. The vehicle is brand new. A recall should be issued for this, and/or it should be repaired under warranty. This is a dangerous situation that appears mercedes benz is failing to address.*dt

Filed Jan 11, 2021 · Engine · 800 miles · CO

My brand new 2020 mercedes sprinter 2500 van just like. Everyone else's on that vehicle has a power steering hose that is too short. Because of this a fair amount of people have had this come off and ended up stranded. When it comes off you lose power steering. If this happens while driving it could be dangerous. I called mercedes benz of westminster in co and they said they cannot fix this until there is a recall for my particular VIN. Other vins have received a recall already. I am afraid that by driving this vehicle like this it presents a danger to myself and other on the road. I am trying to be proactive and fix this before there is a bigger problem. I do not know what else to do. I think they should be. Halted from selling these vehicles until this is fixed. *dt