Model year guide

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 at a glance

Safety recalls16
Owner complaints61

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 recalls 16

Electronic Stability Control (esc):control Module NHTSA Campaign #21V042000 · manufacturer #NC3DREZAHA · 03/02/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #20V663000 · manufacturer #NV3LETULPE · 28/10/2020

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #19V003000 · 08/01/2019

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 exp…

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #19V004000 · 08/01/2019

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 m…

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #18V113000 · 15/02/2018

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vehicles, equipped with folding seats (sales code S20). The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label on these incomplete vehicles may be incorrect.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the UVW label and inspect the vehicle to make sure that it is not overloaded, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #17V786000 · 08/12/2017

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 a…

Fix: 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 …

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #17V650000 · 16/10/2017

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The label on the B-pillar may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed for. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the label and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #17V592000 · 22/09/2017

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500/3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose driveshaft to strike the fuel tank.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing catch strap for the driveshaft, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on November 17, 2017. The recall began on December 21, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #17V364000 · 05/06/2017

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with reinforced front axles. The affected vehicles have tire labels on the B-pillar that list a tire pressure that is too low.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and replace the tire label, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #17V149000 · 07/03/2017

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #17V093000 · 10/02/2017

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 …

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:front:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #16V853000 · 28/11/2016

Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, equipped with certain left side seat adjusters, model number 486077 manufactured by Atwood. The affected seat adjusters may allow the seats to move in the event of a crash. As such, these adjusters fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…

Fix: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left slide track, free of charge. The recall began on December 22, 2016. Owners may contact Midwest customer service at 1-574-522-4878.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Dimensions & weight

Length
233.1–289.8 in
Width
79.5 in
Height
110.6–120.1 in
Wheelbase
144.1–170.1 in
Curb weight
5,626–6,345 lb
Front track
67.7 in
Rear track
68.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 — ranges cover the 8 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure Closed

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 vehicle…

NHTSA #PE20014 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Air · opened Sep 2020 · closed Mar 2021

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 117

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 117.

Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table b…

Bulletin LI14.20-N-073867 · Engine · May 2025

EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stor…

Bulletin LI14.20-N-073867 · Engine · Apr 2025

Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with disti…

Bulletin LI82.35-N-078930 · Visibility/wiper · Mar 2025

Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type Complaint: Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type (e.g., gasoline, water, biodiesel, AdBlue/DEF) Cause: The incorrect fuel type, such as gasoline, water, bio…

Bulletin LI47.10-N-079010 · Fuel/propulsion System · Mar 2025

EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of…

Bulletin LI14.20-N-073867 · Fuel/propulsion System · Mar 2025

Complaint Fault code P06DA00 is found current or stored in engine control unit. Check engine light may be activated. Cause Various causes Remedy Up to Model year 2018: Fault code P06DA00 can be disregarded if not activating the check engine light, unless other…

Bulletin LI07.70-N-078824 · Fuel/propulsion System · Feb 2025

Complaint The check engine light or AdBlue warning is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes rela- ted to the AdBlue tank: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction of th…

Bulletin LI49.20-N-078838 · Fuel/propulsion System · Feb 2025

SMOG/Emissions Test fail due to one or more Readiness Monitors not set Complaint: The vehicle has failed the State Emissions Certification because one or more of the OBDII readiness monitors are not completely set. Cause: One or more of the following Readiness…

Bulletin LI49.00-N-078608 · Engine · Nov 2024

Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE…

Bulletin LI14.20-N-073867 · Engine · May 2024

Complaint MIL illuminated. Fault codes for 'position sensor of crankshaft' in combination with fault codes for 'Output stage fuel injectors' are set in the CDI control unit.

Bulletin LI07.10-N-075862 · Fuel System, Diesel · Feb 2023

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SPRINTER 3500. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage t…

Transport Canada #2019455 · Sep 2019

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to t…

Transport Canada #2019454 · Sep 2019

Label

On certain vehicles, the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) label located within the engine compartment, which may be required by intermediate and final-stage manufacturers, may be incorrect. Correction: A production change has been undertaken to remedy this error and has been deemed to be non-safety related. Under a Service Campaign Bulletin, dealers will replace the label with a r…

Transport Canada #2017463 · Sep 2017

Label

On certain vehicles, the tire pressure label located on the B-pillar may not contain the correct front axle tire pressure information. Incorrect tire pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the tire pressure label…

Transport Canada #2017295 · Jun 2017

Structure

On certain vehicles, the bracket for the intermediate bearing of the drive shaft may not have been welded correctly during assembly. The retaining function of the bracket may be compromised, potentially causing it to become loose. In the event of a frontal crash the bracket may become loose and the drive shaft could damage the fuel system, allowing a fuel leak to occur. Fuel le…

Transport Canada #2017118 · Mar 2017

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles the lower seat belt anchorage bolts for the rear bench seat may not have been torqued to specification during assembly. This could cause the seat belts to fail to adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the bolt torque of the seat belt anchorages, and tighten as neces…

Transport Canada #2016445 · Sep 2016

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 trims & engines on record

Engines
3.0L 6-cyl

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 vehicles on record

Other Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 model years

2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-benz sprinter 3500?

Across all 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, service brakes, air bags.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.