2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v077000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (mercedes-benz of massapequa, 101 east sunrise highway, amityville, ny 11701 (631) 213-2023) stated that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
“It is has been over a year and we are still waiting for an airbag replacement. This is quite dangerous and we believe that waiting for more than one year is too long.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz sprinter 2500. While driving unknown speeds, the srs indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (mercedes-benz of brooklyn, located at 1800 shore pkwy brooklyn, ny 11214) where it was diagnosed that the ether element sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 42,097.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Takata recall: have been receiving recall notices about years (first recall april 2016). Made several appointments to replace, but they were out when I arrived. Currently I've had an air bag on order to be held in my name since june 2018. Still no success.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Roof mounted a/c leaks water inside the van every time it rains. This is my second sprinter with this problem, and it affects my business tremendously as I own an executive transportation company, not the type of problem expected on a mercedes”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2015
“My sprinter is a very low mileage sprinter, I just recently passed the 6,000 miles ( it is a 2011 model) the car has been incorporated in my company's fleet. I own an executive ground transportation company, recently on a local trip transporting some executive passengers, it started to rain heavily and water started to pour inside the rear section of the van just where the passengers were seating! The water was coming down thru the a/c vents!! This is terrible. I looked everywhere only and it is a common issue with the sprinters, I just don't understand why is not a recall, also there is a major lawsuit going on in california.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2015
“We moved to high altitude (6750 ft elevation). From a stop it takes over three seconds for the vehicle to have proper power to accelerate. It will start to roll, but no real power. I have taken it to the mercedes benz (walter's mercedes of riverside, ca) dealer three times. They refuse to test it at altitude and say they can't duplicate the problem at sea level (of course not). It is a safety issue. I can't pull out onto the highway by myself without fear of being hit because I am unable to properly accelerate. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2014
“The vehicle started pouring water to the interior cabin trough the rooftop air-conditioning vent, this distracted my attention and impaired my ability to focus exclusively on the road. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes benz sprinter. The contact stated that the rear driver side tire blew out and after installing the spare tire the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician informed the contact that the lug nut for the regular tire could not be use to install the spare tire since it would cause the emergency brake to engage. In order to repair the failure and install the new tire, the bolts had to be cut off. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.”Owner report · Wheels · May 2014
“Previously (days after purchase) mercedes benz sprinter 2500 lo-top with rear roof-mounted high powered a/c started dripping from the grill in the headliner during dry weather. Also, the headliner had a water spot. This was repaired with a relay to fix a known vacuum pressure issue with the a/c. This time, water poured (not dripped) in from the grill again, after parking on a slight incline and pulling away from the curb during a rain. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2013
Recalls - 4 campaigns
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THREE-SEAT BENCH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Freightliner and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The began on January 12, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-379.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
SPRINTER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 FREIGHTLINER 2500 SPRINTER AND MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE HINGE ON THE TOP OF THE WINDOW MAY LOOSEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-201-573-0600.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sprinter 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.