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Your vehicleHome›Mercedes-Benz›Sprinter› 2016
Mercedes-Benz · Van

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Van
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
40 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical 16
Complaints3 crash · 3 fire · 6 injured reported 92
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a van; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's recall, complaint and investigation records. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 92 complaints, most often about the air bags.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1995 generation) · Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

No EPA fuel-economy record: the EPA does not certify vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR. Recall, complaint and investigation data below come from NHTSA.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleIncomplete - Chassis Cab (Single Cab)
GVWR classClass 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3 L

Fuel Economy

FuelDiesel

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: 2500, 3500). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length233.1–289.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.5 in
Height96.5–120.1 in
Wheelbase144.1–170.1 in
Track, front67.7 in
Track, rear68.1 in
Curb weight5,124–6,367 lb

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 23 configurations: 2500 Cargo Van 144-IN Wb High Roof, 2500 Cargo Van 144-IN Wb Standard Roof, 2500 Cargo Van 170-IN Wb Extralong High Roof, 2500 Cargo Van 170-IN Wb Extralong Super High Roof, 2500 Cargo Van 170-IN Wb High Roof, 2500 Cargo Van 170-IN Wb Super High Roof …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Sprinter
Other years The 2026 Sprinter Recalls Mercedes-Benz recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (16)

Source: NHTSA recall database
●moderate

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

NC3DREZAHA
48,667 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V042000 reported Feb 3, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

NV3LETULPE
47,667 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V663000 reported Oct 28, 2020 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

88,388 vehicles 62% reported repaired built Feb 27, 2013 – Apr 5, 2017
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V004000 reported Jan 8, 2019 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

71,301 vehicles 77% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V003000 reported Jan 8, 2019 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

17 vehicles 82% reported repaired built Jan 19, 2016 – Nov 14, 2017
Problem 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. Risk The incorrect UVW label can result in final stage manufacturers exceeding the maximum vehicle weight once the vehicle is completed. A vehicle that exceeds its maximum weight has an increased risk of a crash. 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V113000 reported Feb 15, 2018 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Equipment

550 vehicles 2% reported repaired built Mar 1, 2014 – Oct 31, 2017
Problem 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov Risk In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. 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 Safety Recall" for more information.
NHTSA campaign 17V786000 reported Dec 8, 2017 Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

2 vehicles 0% reported repaired built May 24, 2017 – Jun 28, 2017
Problem 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." Risk If the load capacity information is incorrect on the label, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V650000 reported Oct 16, 2017 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

109 vehicles 61% reported repaired built Feb 4, 2016 – Sep 29, 2016
Problem 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. Risk A loose driveshaft may strike and puncture the gas tank, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V592000 reported Sep 22, 2017 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

1,257 vehicles 36% reported repaired built Jun 8, 2016 – Dec 20, 2016
Problem 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. Risk Operating the vehicle with low front tire pressures may result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V364000 reported Jun 5, 2017 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

892 vehicles 54% reported repaired built Aug 2, 2016 – Nov 14, 2016
Problem 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. Risk If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V149000 reported Mar 7, 2017 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

15,338 vehicles 70% reported repaired built Apr 1, 2013 – Nov 8, 2016
Problem 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V093000 reported Feb 10, 2017 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

28 vehicles 25% reported repaired built Jul 1, 2016 – Sep 30, 2016
Problem 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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages", and 207 "Seating Systems." Risk If the seat moves in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would be at an increased risk of injury. 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V853000 reported Nov 28, 2016 Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

271 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Mar 1, 2016 – May 31, 2016
Problem Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened. Risk If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash. Fix DVUSA will notify owners, and Sprinter dealers will inspect the connecting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V670000 reported Sep 15, 2016 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

3 vehicles 67% reported repaired built May 31, 2015 – Apr 30, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V351000 reported May 24, 2016 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

55 vehicles 24% reported repaired built Apr 1, 2015 – Oct 31, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V261000 reported Apr 29, 2016 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Equipment

2,278 vehicles 62% reported repaired built Apr 29, 2015 – Dec 15, 2015
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V093000 reported Feb 18, 2016 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf. Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a subst

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002 · the investigation’s page →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Wheel Speed Sensor — 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 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

Opened Sep 21, 2020 · closed Mar 30, 2021 · action PE20014 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Sprinter

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Mercedes-Benz publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Mercedes-Benz’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Sprinter →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
92complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 6 injuries · 0 deaths reported

54 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 16,921 Sprinter built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2016: 3 · 2017: 5 · 2018: 10 · 2019: 24 · 2020: 22 · 2021: 17 · 2022: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 2

Most-cited components

Air Bags 21
Service Brakes 18
Vehicle Speed Control 15
Power Train 15
Electronic Stability Control 12
Electrical System 9

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Had 2 rims develop cracks causing loss of air pressure in tires. 1st occurred at approx. 45000 miles (2019), 2nd occurred at 110000 (2023). Both failures occurred to area of rim where welds to lock in center (with lug holes) on outer rim (where tire sits) are situated.
Wheels Jan 23, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11567265
The check engine light came on in the Sprinter van. There is a Hissing noise coming from the engine when accelerating. The Sprinter van loses speed when on the highway. The vehicle could not keep up with traffic on the road. The Mercedes Benz dealer, Ft.
Engine Jul 17, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11532688
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V003000 (Air Bags), 19V004000 (Air Bags), and 20V663000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available.
Air Bags Jun 12, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11526686
There is a known issue and recall for wheel speed sensors on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 models. However, this same issue applied to 2500 models also. Along with other RV owners, I have just experienced this problem.
Service Brakes Nov 15, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11440448
The wheel speed sensors on this vehicle have been replaced four times in 15000 moles. When the sensor fails the vehicle suddenly shudders to a los speed which can create a very dangerous situation for myself and my family
Power Train at 32,500 miles Apr 26, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11414039
RV transfer switch caught fire while sleeping. 5100 series transfer switch. Consumer stated didn't know why it happened but could of been the vibration which may have loosen the screws
Electrical System at 11,000 miles Sep 24, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11360859

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Mercedes-Benz itself: 7 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 10 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 41 per 100,000 built. Every Sprinter model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 18k

miles, typically

Half the 56 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 10,000 and 25,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 16
10k–20k 16
20k–30k 10
30k–40k 7
40k–50k 3
50k–60k 2
60k–70k 0
70k–80k 0
80k–90k 0
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 0
150k + 2

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Service Brakes1718,0000.45×
Vehicle Speed Control1324,0000.8×
Power Train1311,5000.22×
Electronic Stability Control1220,0000.5×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: service brakes (0.45×), power train (0.22×), electronic stability control (0.5×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 355
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-19
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 355 service bulletins

Most often about: Equipment, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical System, Power Train.

  • LI82_85_N_080972_1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-19 · Unknown Or Other
  • Unavailability of MB Apps Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Cause MB Apps is officially sundowned for all vehicles with NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics.
  • LI28_00-N-079097_1_en Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Power Train
  • Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force distribution AWD, rather force is only applied to the front axle according to ESP calculations. As per GF28.00‑D‑ 9900A: "vehicles with 4MATIC all‑wheel system and variable force distribution, an electronically regulated multiplate
  • LI54_30-N-080701 Service bulletin
    2026-07-01 · Unknown Or Other
  • ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint The ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected. The customer or dealer may report that the vehicle did not reach the starting maintenance interval shown in vehicle documentation, option coding, sales literature, or the Owner's Manual. The service reminder may appear significa
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Service bulletin
    2026-06-15 · Power Train
  • 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 below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of elect
  • LI49.10-N-080528 Service bulletin
    2026-06-03 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • OM642 DPF Filter Cracked or Broken Complaint Vehicle will not start or exhibits noisy exhaust. Check Engine Lamp (CEL) is on. Multiple control unit communication and system faults may be present, including but not limited to: 134800, 134900, 11B300, 11EC00, 15E100, 155700, 162500. Additional events codes may include: 134300, 102200, 163400, 16CE00. In many cases, multiple unrelated faults are s
  • LI4910-N-060969 Service bulletin
    2026-04-18 · Engine
  • Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is cracked or broken. • See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmission bell housing cracked or broken at the exhaust mounting area. • See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. 3. Exhaust bracket from DPF
  • LI49-20-N-080376 Service bulletin
    2026-03-23 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to AdBlue quality or concentration. Complaint Customer reports an illuminated check engine light and or an AdBlue system warning indicating AdBlue quality out of specification. The vehicle may enter reduced performance mode. One or more of the following fault codes related to the AdBlue tank may
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Service bulletin
    2026-01-16 · Engine
  • EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 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: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR V

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
B150BManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter failed the safety inspection on 0.91% of first inspections — lower than the 2.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected.

New York inspections 0.91%

failed the safety inspection

660 initial inspections of 644 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 SprinterEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the safety inspection0.91%2.2%660
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.45%0.27%660
Miles driven a year10,65010,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer109,783103,109odometer at inspection

Fewer than 200 emissions tests are on file for it, so no emissions rate is shown. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Sprinter by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 A 0 0 2025 A 1 4 2024 C 4 16 2023 F 7 38 2022 D 7 49 2021 F 18 62 2020 F 25 103 2019 F 51 115 Do not drive2018 F 10 25 2017 F 9 41 2016 this page F 16 92

Common questions about the 2016 Sprinter

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 16 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, 2 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 19V004000, covering Air Bags. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (40/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

Transport Canada measured it at 233.1–289.8 in long, 79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 96.5–120.1 in tall, on a 144.1–170.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 5,124–6,367 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, most often about air bags, service brakes, vehicle speed control. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 6 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The manufacturer has filed 355 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, most often covering equipment, engine, fuel/propulsion system. The most recent is dated 2026-09-19. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter failed the safety inspection on 0.91% of first inspections — lower than the 2.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected. The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurationsnoneEPA certification recordsThe EPA does not certify vehicles rated over 8,500 lb GVWR, so heavy-duty nameplates have no entry at all.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls16NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints92NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratingsnoneNHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe.
Service bulletins355NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA6 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2026 Sprinter The Sprinter model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Mercedes-Benz recall on file All campaigns filed against Mercedes-Benz vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Sprinter by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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