Both rear wheel sensors went out within 2 months of each other. One 6,000 miles, the other 8,000 miles. Both highway driving no rough road
The worst 2015 Mercedes-Benz 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.
- Driver assistance8
- Acceleration7
- Brakes7
- Body2
- Electrical2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Recalls 12
Electronic stability control (ESC): control module
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles upfitted into campers or recreational vehicles. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
- Risk
- If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-wheel speed sensor with a more robust sensor, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
Recall number 21V042000 · 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
Seats
- What is wrong
- Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1‑800‑443‑4540.
Recall number 19V238000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 19V003000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 19V004000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
- Risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1‑855‑262‑3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Recall number 17V786000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured without a protective plate on the front of the gas tank and a foam ring at the filler neck. As such, these vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- Without the protective plate and the foam ring installed, impacts may damage the tank resulting in a fuel leak that can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 17V092000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
- Risk
- If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 17V093000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a driveshaft catch strap, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 17V094000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.
- Risk
- If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the required crash-pads, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 16V351000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
- Risk
- If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 4, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑770‑705‑2070.
Recall number 16V261000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.
- Risk
- The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will replace the incorrect tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267.
Recall number 16V093000 · Recall details
See all 12 recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Defect investigations
Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify incidents related to Rear Wheel Speed Sensors (RWSS) failures. ODI's analysis identified 6,710 incidents of RWSS failure (unique VINs) in MY 2012-2018 Mercedes- Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles upfitted to campers or recreational vehicles (RVs) representing 81 percent of all Sprinter RWSS reports. Complaint and warranty analysis indicated that the majority of incidents (approximately 99%) were related to RWSS moisture intrusion condition in the Sprinter 3500 5-ton variant, which accounts for 98 percent of upfit campers, where moisture build-up and crystal dendrite formation develop in parked RVs and lead to sensor failures. According to the Daimler Information Request (IR) response, if the wheel speed information is detected as implausible by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit, the ESP system enters a failsafe mode where:-Driver torque requests are no longer accepted;-Cruise control, if used, would be deactivated; -The ESP/ABS system shuts off; and -Multiple warning lamps and messages advise the operator to take the vehicle to the workshop. While the majority of reports involved only ABS and/or ESP warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster due to faulty sensor signals triggering a failsafe mode, some reports cited intermittent sensor failures resulting in increased vehicle speed while in cruise control and degraded ABS or ESP. Degraded ESP functionality may impact driving stability of the 5-ton vehicle.On Feb 3, 2021, following discussion with ODI, Daimler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency describing a defect in the RWSS disabling the ESP control unit functions in approximately 48,667 MY 2012 through 2018 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles manufactured from Jan 4, 2012 through Oct 25, 2018 (Recall 21V‑042). In its DIR, Daimler indicated that RWSS sensor failures are prevalent in camper vans due to sustained periods of non-use, during which time the moisture may not dry out, remaining inside the plastic housing package. If the moisture within the RWSS dries and the RWSS returns to normal operation, the failsafe mode and the warning lights will disappear at the next ignition cycle, but the sensor fault remains stored within the ESP control unit and can be accessed through a diagnostic evaluation. ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Sprinter non-RVs and Sprinter 2500 RVs 3-ton and 3.5-ton variants (approximately 626 vehicles).Daimler will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and advise them to take their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealer, who will replace the RWSS with a repackaged sensor with high robustness against moisture intrusion. Daimler began notifying dealers and owners in Feb 2021. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at under the following ID numbers:11352380 11351299 11350521 11348969 11342776 11342464 11341988 11341151 11340388 11338230 11337921 11331832 11331829 11331476 11331427 11331066 11328671 11325768 11325693 11322814 11322346 11320295 11319376 11317336 11311647 11310621 11308318 11254223 11253828 11252220 11196530 11194330 11164250 11145019 11141273 11139000 11138785 11124129 11094122 11394837 11390889 11390039 11389262 11387883 11387713 11386418 11383887 11383866 11382947 11377384 11376615 11376973 11375781 11375403 11374997 11374151 11373892 11373111 11366293 11365920 11365594 11365355 11365194 11364253 11364346 11363990 11363787 11362948 113629
PE20014
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 114
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- OM642 DPF
- Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle
- The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to...
- EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine...
See all 114 bulletins for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
What 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving on the freeway with my cruise control set at 65. The vehicle abruptly started accelerating. Fortunately I had left myself a good distance from the semi in front of me or I would have rammed into the back of it. This was quite unnerving and after braking I received the following error codes: ABS, esp, traction control and cruise control.
This vehicle has had 4 separate wheel sped sensor failures. When each incident occurred, the vehicle will accelerate on its own and at the same time the ABS will not allow full braking pressure while underway. You will hear the ABS sound like it's sliding on a slippery surface in any condition. As the vehicle accelerates and braking pressure is greatly reduced, it is sometimes necessary to quickly shove the vehicle in neutral to keep from hitting anything ahead. When these failures occur it can be at any speed or on any surface. This vehicle was purchased new and now has approximately 45,000 miles. Occasionally, prior to the dash lights indicating a wheel speed sensor failure, the vehicle will also cut all power. This typically has happened on hard acceleration onto a highway, being equally dangerous to drive. The vehicle is just going out of warranty and I have tried to work out a solution with mercedes who have now stated I have no claim. A final factor is that at about 10,000 miles this vehicle had a massive short that literally melted the battery down. I have suggested to mercedes that that incident, under warranty, may have done serous harm to the entire electrical system/computers.
See uploaded document
In october of 2018 at 28,860 odometer miles, the passenger rear wheel speed sensor failed while driving from atlanta, ga to west palm beach, fl. Causing the eps, ABS, anti_collision and cruise control system to stop functioning with warning messages displayed on the dash. I experienced erratic speeds while manually driving home. On october 3, 2020, at 39,214 odometer miles, the same issue happened again, only this time it was the front passenger wheel speed sensor that failed with all the same warning lights and disabled eps, ABS, anti-collision and cruise control systems being shut down. In both cases the failed sensors were replaced under the mercedes-benz emission warranty. I am very concerned that these failures are common with this model vehicle and I will continue to experience failures of these sensors after the warranty expires. I have replaced two of them so far with less than 40,000 miles on the vehicle and there are still two more original sensors yet to fail.
This is a winnebago view 24g on sprinter 3500 chassis. While highway driving, sudden ABS and esp warning light with message to go to workshop. Cruise control stops working. Loss of power and shifting ability is intermittent. Was able to drive (without cruise control and with warning lights on) for 100+ miles to shop. When loss of power occured, I would pull off the road and turn off engine, and this would typically resolve the problem for awhile sprinter authorized service center replaced both rear wheel RPM sensors 7/3/20 ($581.09). Same condition re-appeared during similar driving condition. Same sprinter dealer replaced right front wheel speed sensor to resolve the problem on 8/18/20 ($507.48).
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 thor siesta installed on a 2015 mercedes benz sprinter 3500 chassis. The contact stated that upon approaching a stop, the contact heard a loud abnormal grating noise. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the receiver hitch that was attached to a bar had fractured from the chassis. The tow bar was still attached to the receiver hitch however, due to the failure, the tow bar was dragging on the road. The safety cable from the tow bar was also no longer attached to the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 31,842.
While going uphill at about 50 MPH on a highway the vehicle did a hard downshift and three engine lights came on,esp,ABS&asr . I stopped and check tires and air pressure all ok. At times the engine would buck, then speed up. Turned off engine then started it again. I was able to drive about 50 miles to mercedes dealer who diagnosed as the rear axel speed sensors failure. Medford mercedes-benz replaced both rear real axel speed sensors (vehicle mileage 27907) cost $909.00. Vehicle warranty on speed sensor is 5 yr or 100,000 miles.
I'm experiencing wheel speed sensor malfunction and failure at interstate highway speed. It's happened approx 10 times. Once when encountering a dip in the road. Once in heavy cross winds. And lastly when passing an 18 wheeler. Upon malfunction, my camper looses power due to cruise control dropping out. This put me in unsafe condition passing 18 wheeler. First failure was on I-8 in remote country. I made it to safe area but was very stressed. Fault cleared after restarting my engine. Next event was in colorado in august 2019. In heavy crosswind on interstate system coded 'wheel spin, loss of traction.' multiple times I stopped, killed engine, but codes didn't clear. Upon leaving camp it coded additional ABS failure. This resulted in breakdown. Vehicle became erratic jerking and lurching. I called mercedes and was towed 250 miles to dealer in littleton co. Right rear wheel speed sensor replaced. Lastly this happen again two days ago on I-20 in louisiana. While passing an 18 wheeler my sprinter coded 'wheel spin, vehicle skid'.' immediate loss of cruise control caused loss of speed. The large truck sped by me in the inside lane buffeting me badly! I maintained control but this was unsafe for myself and the truck driver! Upon getting off interstate I got ABS code with vehicle stuck in low gear (computer generated response).mercedes has once again towed my sprinter to dealer for repair. All said these sensors are not fit for purpose. Their failures at highway speed put operators at risk. This ruins consumers plans.it puts us unsafely on the side of the road waiting on tow trucks.
While driving our 2015 mercedes sprinter 3500 on I-5 south from oakland, ca to joshua tree national park on thursday, march 19 suddenly our speed control quit functioning and the ABS, esp and traction control lights on our instrument panel lighted up. We immediately called a mercedes benz service department in bakersfield, ca and were told that as long as the van seemed to be driving , braking and handling normally we did not need to bring it in for service but could continue driving. The van did seem to be running normally so we drove on without speed control. About 400 miles later as we were driving into joshua tree national park the brakes started to make a loud clicking noise when the pedal was depressed completely and the transmission would no longer shift out of 2nd gear making it impossible to drive over 30 MPH. We had to have the van towed 46 miles back to palm springs, ca and await the mercedes benz service department there opening on monday, march 23. At the service department they diagnosed the rear wheel speed sensors had failed with only 48,271 miles on the odometer. The following day they replaced the rear wheel speed sensors and the van was running normally again. I have researched the problem with the wheel speed sensors on mercedes benz sprinter vans. It seems to be a common problem at least from the year 2013-2016. It is unacceptable that a van that mercedes promotes for its utility has this kind of failure commonly. It is a significant safety issue. We were driving on dry pavement so noticed no problem with performance until the brakes began to malfunction and the van would not shift above 2nd gear. If we had been on wet or slick roads the lack of anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control would have made the van dangerous to drive. Mercedes benz needs to do something to remedy this common failure.
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Questions about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, 1.2 times a typical Sprinter 3500 model year.
What is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 year score?
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 scores 61 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
Driver assistance and stability, with 8 complaints, typically around 27,907 miles. Next is acceleration (7).
How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?
12 recalls, covering electronic stability control (esc), steering and seats.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 driver assistance?
Yes, 1 recall: 21V042000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have the most driver assistance problems?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2014 (14 complaints) and 2016 (13 complaints).
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