The vehicle was involved in a collision on January 26, 2023. I am not claiming that the computer malfunction caused that collision. After the collision, while I continued operating the vehicle, problems developed with the vehicle’s computer, electronic control system, and instrument cluster. The instrument display could become dark or unavailable, and a CHECK ENGINE warning was present. This prevented reliable access to important information such as vehicle speed, warnings, and operating status. I brought the vehicle to a repair facility expecting a complete inspection and repair. An insurance inspector was expected to inspect and document the vehicle before repairs, but the inspector did not arrive after I waited for the entire day. I was told that the inspector would not be available the following days and would come only when available. Relying on the instructions I received, I left the vehicle at the repair facility. I authorized a complete repair, not an incomplete or partial repair. Nevertheless, the vehicle was only partially repaired, and the computer and instrument-cluster condition remained unresolved. A Mercedes-Benz dealer later documented a CHECK ENGINE condition and that the instrument cluster was showing dark, identified an instrument-cluster malfunction, and recommended further repair or replacement. I objected to taking back and operating a vehicle with an unresolved computer and instrument-display malfunction. I was concerned that losing access to speed, warning messages, or other critical information while driving could endanger me, my passengers, and other road users. I requested that the safety-related problem be fully diagnosed and repaired, but the vehicle was presented for return with the condition unresolved. The vehicle and its repair and diagnostic records should be obtained and examined to determine the cause of the electronic and instrument-cluster malfunction. The computer malfunction began approximately February 9-10, 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 check engine light comes on
25 of the 400 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 describe check engine light, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 25
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical mileage
- 57,000
By model year
- 20231
- 20224
- 20211
- 20204
- 20191
- 20181
- 20173
- 20163
- 20142
- 20131
- 20121
- 20111
- 20102
Often reported together
Trouble codes mentioned
U0416 1P012C 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor, debris in the EGR valve, insufficient Selective Catalytic Reduction(SCR), and low DEF. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and the SCR converter needed to be replaced, and the EGR valve needed to be cleaned. The vehicle ws not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
repeated EGR clogging and malfunction: bucking or stumbling behavior, inability to accelerate properly, disabled shifting affecting ability to slow or stop without excessive use of brakes, Limp Home Mode suddenly without warning including inability to maintain a safe speed on highway and speed minimums that the vehicle cannot keep up (20 mph max while climbing moderately), unable to downshift when going downhill - relying solely on braking to keep speed below safe limit or speed limits. EGR failed again after cleaning, in as little as 3 months. No repair seems possible, only repeated cleanings. Since this happened so much, we have been in several unsafe situations due to the sudden and unheralded degradation of performance and safe use of the vehicle. Once repaired, the condition can come back immediately due to the computer still guessing that it is still in failure (limp home mode returned suddenly without warning as we merged onto an interstate with no exit for 7 miles uphill… and only made 20mph). Check Engine light could come on, and did, but never during the actual degradation of performance - and went often after a few run cycles. Mercedes dealers have confirmed and performed all services on the EGR and related issues (malfunction once caused the aircleaner element to be sucked in and that caused a MAF to be destroyed by contaminants): 1) first signs of issue before 43,000 miles (when check engine light and/or LHM happened -repaired 18sep2023, 51,871 miles, MB service code: LI14.20-N-073867); 2) 26 DEC 2023 - EGR failure diagnosed and replaced by MB dealer. Cleaning had not fixed the issue or failure was final as found by driving by technician and not by codes! 3) 09/jul/2024 - MAF replaced, EGR codes noted - but functioning, fix by MB/Canada 4) 07/24/2024 - 70,547 miles - EGR Clean by MB Missoula MT - failed upon highway same day 5) 07/25/2025 - 70,600 miles - MB Missoula MT cleared computer 6) 88,340 MB cleaned EGR - runs ok again
I have a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter with the M274 engine. At approximately 139,100 miles the check engine light came on and my driver was stranded on [XXX] . I took the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South for diagnosis. I was told that the #4 piston cracked and scored the engine wall. I was quoted $23,820.12 to replace the engine long block. When I asked about trading the vehicle in, they offered me $2,000 for it if I was willing to purchase another vehicle from them. I did some research and there is currently a class-action lawsuit for this exact issue. In reading the comments of various class-action lawsuit websites, this seems to be a manufacturing issue that Mercedes knows about, but is doing nothing to fix the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop was heard, and noticed there was smoke coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was a Sprinter van driver. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had the passengers located in the vehicle exit the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was not filed, however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Mercedes Benz of Billings (3045 King Ave W, Billings, MT 59102); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
It’s feels like hard shifting losing power on a highway Check engine light on I bought the van brand new. I have this issue since 4000 mile on the dashboard. I brought it in over six times for repairs. Nothing has been resolved.
Check engine light Nox sensor failure message
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the instrument panel failed to display properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was hazardous to drive and could be severely injured if the instrument panel failed to display warning features as needed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
At 3,000 miles, my 2023 Van (purchased new) developed significant reduction in power and acceleration. The transmission also shifts incorrectly (too late, resulting in higher then normal RPM's) and then abruptly downshifts upon stopping. When going uphill, the van obtains a max speed of about 35-40MPH, forcing me to travel on the local Interstates on the shoulder with my hazards flashing so other vehicles know to pass me. Van was left at Mercedes Dealership for 1 month. Van was not repaired, no plan or remedy was communicated. Van has only been inspected by the dealership where it was purchased. A check engine light came on about 1 week after van lost power.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The flange connection between the exhaust gas turbocharger and the exit to the diesel particulate filter may not be attached properly, potentially causing an exhaust gas leak.
- Risk
- An exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace the flange seals and properly tighten the connection, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3FLABIND.
Recall number 20V079000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connecting screws on the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe may not have been correctly tightened.
- Risk
- If the connecting screws are not properly tightened, hot exhaust gases may leak from the EGR pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will renew the screw connection and the flange seals on the exhaust gas recirculation pipe, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on April 6, 2020. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3AGROHR.
Recall number 20V078000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?
Owners who report it most often also describe sudden loss of power, engine failure and abs light or abs activating, and the codes they mention most are U0416 and P012C.
Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (4 complaints), 2022 (4 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).
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