Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 loss of power problems

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 Apr 30, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Subject: Transmission Failure Safety Complaint I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious transmission problem with my vehicle. While driving, the transmission suddenly failed, and the vehicle lost the ability to move properly. The car would not accelerate as expected and had difficulty. In some instances, the vehicle would not move forward or reverse. Warning indicators appeared, and the transmission Fault Stop began showing abnormal behavior such as delayed shifting, jerking, slipping, or sudden loss of power. This created a dangerous safety risk, especially while driving in traffic and at intersections. The vehicle has been maintained regularly, and this issue occurred unexpectedly. I believe this transmission defect may affect other vehicles of the same make and model and should be investigated for consumer safety. The dealership attributed the issue to wrong fuel, but I am concerned the actual issue involves transmission failure. I have a fuel purchase receipt showing the correct fuel was purchased before the incident. Despite this, the dealership suggested wrong fuel as the cause. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and appropriate action be taken. Vehicle Information: Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van 2500 Year: 2025 Mileage: 71599 VIN [XXX] Date of Incident:03/24/2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Steering · TX

Power steering hose is too short from factory, mine came loose while driving and I lost power steering assist unexpectedly. In checking forums, this is an EXTREMELY common problem and has existed since at least 2018 - mine is a 2022.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Steering · 22,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose had detached and had lost power steering fluid. The vehicle was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that there were metal shavings found in the power steering pump. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump needed to be flushed and refilled. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the power steering pump. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

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 Jul 2, 2024 · Steering · NV

The line for the automatic steering fluid blew. This was "repaired" Mercedes Benz during a recall but the repaired clamp did not hold. We lost the ability to steer the van easily which is dangerous to other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by the repair shop that we took it to. We did not have a warning light prior to the incident. It was instant, we lost all of the power steering fluid and instantly lost power steering.

Filed Jun 28, 2024 · Engine · PA

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.

Filed May 11, 2024 · Engine · FL

I was facing west in the left turning lane to turn south into my community. The vehicle lost power when I was cutting across oncoming, east bound traffic. The vehicle lost power two more time after that once I was in my community. No warning light or any other indicators. The vehicle just went limp. I almost didn't make it clear of oncoming traffic.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · OR

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.