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2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Van
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical18
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA62
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
2025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 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 18 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 62 complaints, most often about the forward collision avoidance.

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.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (18)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Electrical System

VS3BELKOM
697 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster illumination may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."RiskA display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.
NHTSA campaign 24V930000reported Dec 13, 2024Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

VS3TREWAN
387 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The partition wall may be missing bolts, allowing the wall to detach during a crash.RiskA detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.FixDealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
NHTSA campaign 23V876000reported Dec 21, 2023Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

VS3ROHRAH
3,739 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The longitudinal frame members may be missing reinforcement fasteners, reducing vehicle stability and decreasing the structural integrity of the third-row seats.RiskReduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
NHTSA campaign 23V875000reported Dec 21, 2023Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

VS3LACKHA
131 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The topcoat paint formula may cause the windows and interior lashing rails to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.RiskAn insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will inspect the paint adhesion and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any damage, DVUSA may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LACKHA.
NHTSA campaign 23V806000reported Dec 1, 2023Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

4790205
20,500 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Sprinter and 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is 4790205.
NHTSA campaign 23V444000reported Jun 26, 2023Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

VS3KOMBAUS
6,857 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.RiskA blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.
NHTSA campaign 23V204000reported Mar 24, 2023Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Power Train

22V2790611,2,3
124,305 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with a manual parking brake and 7-speed automatic transmission. The guide bushing on the parking pawl may fatigue, which can cause the parking pawl not to engage and result in vehicle rollaway.RiskVehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.
NHTSA campaign 22V796000reported Oct 21, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

VS3LE54ELE
2 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 vehicles. The generator wiring harness may be incorrectly connected to the electric power steering, which can result in an electrical surge.RiskAn electrical surge can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and correct the wiring harness connection, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 10, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3LE54ELE.
NHTSA campaign 22V491000reported Jul 11, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM
19,937 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.
NHTSA campaign 22V360000reported May 20, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

VS3KOMRUE
12,086 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskAn inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.
NHTSA campaign 22V281000reported Apr 27, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Suspension

VS3VADREH
2,153 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC. (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly.RiskAn incorrectly assembled torsion bar may fail at the connection between the torsion bar and linkage, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability, and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VADREH.
NHTSA campaign 22V131000reported Mar 8, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
○minor

Equipment

VS3RE58HIN
2,564 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may be improperly stated on the tire and loading label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."RiskThe operator may overload the vehicle, resulting in excessive tire wear and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the tire and loading information label. Additionally, tires will be inspected for excessive wear and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed to owners on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RE58HIN.
NHTSA campaign 22V073000reported Feb 9, 2022Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

VS3BAURAVE
98 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The front axle fender liner and brake hose may be too close, allowing the fender liner to contact and damage the brake hose.RiskA damaged brake hose may leak brake fluid, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the condition and clearance of the brake hose, modify the fender liner trim, and replace the brake hose as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BAURAVE.
NHTSA campaign 21V933000reported Dec 1, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

VS3HECKTRI
30 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened.RiskLoose bolt fasteners may allow the rear step to separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will tighten the bolt fasteners and replace the console and attaching hardware, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HECKTRI.
NHTSA campaign 21V934000reported Dec 1, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

VS3KABKAN
38 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. A cable duct may drop out of place due to unlatched engagement hooks inside the battery case. This may cause the starter-generator wiring harness to chafe against the transmission carrier, which could result in an electrical short-circuit.RiskAn electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will replace the engagement hooks on the affected cable duct with expanding rivets, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KABKAN.
NHTSA campaign 21V779000reported Oct 6, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

VS2/VS3 KISIGUR
1,514 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Metris, and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt assemblies. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskAn unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 21, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA's customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA campaign 21V513000reported Jul 7, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

VS3UXPOBOX
33,437 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixThe multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on July 23, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3UXPOBOX.
NHTSA campaign 21V411000reported Jun 2, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

VS3DREHSEL
4,078 vehicles
ProblemDaimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with swivel seats. The wiring harnesses for the front seats may have been routed incorrectly and could become jammed and damaged in the swivel seat frames.RiskDamage to the wiring harness can prevent the side air bag within the seat to deploy inadvertently or not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will attach the mounting clip to the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 11, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DREHSEL.
NHTSA campaign 21V410000reported Jun 2, 2021Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
62complaints filed

4 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 7 · 2022: 13 · 2023: 13 · 2024: 13 · 2025: 11 · 2026: 5

Most-cited components

Forward Collision Avoidance20
Service Brakes12
Unspecified10
Electrical System9
Lane Departure7
Engine6

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Driver’s Side Air Bag Deactivatedâ€� was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness needed to be rewired. The vehicle was…”Mar 13, 2026 · Air Bags · NHTSA owner report
“Mercedes Dealership is refusing to get the vehicle in to make this safety recall repair in a timely manner. I have been told that i will need to wait for over a month just to drop the vehicle off with no time frame given in terms of how long the vehicle will be gone while being repaired.”May 12, 2025 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report
“The Distronic Cruise Control stops working and then will start working again several times on long trips. After research it appears if the radar doesn't detect anything in front of your vehicle for an hour it thinks it is inoperable and and shuts the Distronic Cruise Control off and it cannot be reengaged. If it detect…”Sep 2, 2024 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA owner report

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.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
VAN AWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★☆☆☆☆99%
VAN RWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★☆☆☆☆92%
VAN RWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★☆☆☆☆99%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Sprinter model years

A

2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

1 recalls · 2 complaints

D

2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

4 recalls · 16 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

7 recalls · 36 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

7 recalls · 49 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

25 recalls · 103 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

51 recalls · 115 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

10 recalls · 25 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

9 recalls · 41 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

16 recalls · 92 complaints

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). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

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

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