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Your vehicleHome›Mercedes-Benz›Sprinter› 2021
Mercedes-Benz · Van

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Van
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
51 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 18
Complaints4 crash · 1 injured reported 62
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

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, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 62 complaints, most often about the forward collision avoidance.

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 styleCargo Van
GVWR classClass 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg)

Engine Basics

Displacement2 L

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows1
Seating capacity2 seats

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds9

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Electronic stability control

Optional: Adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist

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 one configuration rather than every trim (seen: 907 (VS30)). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length233.5–290.2 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.5 in
Height96.5–117.7 in
Wheelbase144.1–170.1 in
Track, front66.1–67.3 in
Track, rear60.6–68.1 in
Curb weight4,696–6,173 lb

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 37 configurations: 1500 Cargo 144-IN Wb High Roof, 1500 Cargo 144-IN Wb Standard Roof, 1500 Passenger 144-IN Wb High Roof, 2500 Cargo 144-IN Wb High Roof, 2500 Cargo 144-IN Wb High Roof 4WD, 2500 Cargo 144-IN Wb Standard 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 2021 Sprinter
Other years The 2026 Sprinter Recalls Mercedes-Benz recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 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 →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (18)

Source: NHTSA recall database
○minor

Electrical System

VS3BELKOM
697 vehicles 73% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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." Risk A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V930000 reported Dec 13, 2024 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

VS3TREWAN
387 vehicles 47% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V876000 reported Dec 21, 2023 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

VS3ROHRAH
3,739 vehicles 55% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V875000 reported Dec 21, 2023 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

VS3LACKHA
131 vehicles 24% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk An 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V806000 reported Dec 1, 2023 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

4790205
20,500 vehicles 67% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V444000 reported Jun 26, 2023 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

VS3KOMBAUS
6,857 vehicles 80% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk A 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V204000 reported Mar 24, 2023 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

22V2790611,2,3
124,305 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V796000 reported Oct 21, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

VS3LE54ELE
2 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk An electrical surge can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V491000 reported Jul 11, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM
19,937 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk A 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. Fix The 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V360000 reported May 20, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

VS3KOMRUE
12,086 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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." Risk An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V281000 reported Apr 27, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

VS3VADREH
2,153 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Daimler Vans USA, LLC. (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The shim on the torsion bar was installed incorrectly during assembly. Risk An 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V131000 reported Mar 8, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

VS3RE58HIN
2,564 vehicles 63% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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." Risk The operator may overload the vehicle, resulting in excessive tire wear and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V073000 reported Feb 9, 2022 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

VS3BAURAVE
98 vehicles 80% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk A damaged brake hose may leak brake fluid, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V933000 reported Dec 1, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

VS3HECKTRI
30 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The spring-loaded rear step bolt fasteners were not properly tightened. Risk Loose bolt fasteners may allow the rear step to separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V934000 reported Dec 1, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

VS3KABKAN
38 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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 21V779000 reported Oct 6, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

VS2/VS3 KISIGUR
1,514 vehicles 77% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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." Risk An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V513000 reported Jul 7, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

VS3DREHSEL
4,078 vehicles 93% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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. Risk Damage 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. Fix Dealers 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 21V410000 reported Jun 2, 2021 Daimler Vans USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

VS3UXPOBOX
33,437 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Daimler 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." Risk A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix The 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V411000 reported Jun 2, 2021 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.

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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 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
62complaints filed

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

21 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 28,997 Sprinter built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

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

Most-cited components

Forward Collision Avoidance 20
Service Brakes 12
Unspecified 10
Electrical System 9
Lane Departure 7
Engine 6

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.

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
Service Brakes May 12, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11660365
This recall was issued on March 17, 2022. It has now been over 120 days since that recall was issued and the parts are not yet available. I believe the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair
Suspension Jul 30, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11476667
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.
Vehicle Speed Control Sep 2, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11612105
Vehicle is unable to move apparently because of a design flaw that allows water to travel down cables into the EIS as described here and here
Power Train Aug 12, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11607908
Fuel pump recall July 5. No resolution. Vehicle deemed unsafe per recall. Please advise. Have contacted Mercedes Benz and also local dealer. No resolution at this time. What are the next steps?
Engine Sep 29, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11547376
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 Deactivated” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness needed to be rewired.
Air Bags at 8,000 miles Mar 13, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11724098

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: 2 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 1 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 6.9 per 100,000 built. Every Sprinter model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

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.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 517
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-29
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 489 service bulletins, 8 service campaigns, 8 emissionss

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Structure.

  • LI54_71_N_080985_1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-29 · Service Brakes
  • Brakes may lock up when reversing at slow speeds Complaint When reversing slowly, the vehicle erroneously triggers an emergency braking event, causing the brakes to lock up. Engine may not start following a key cycle. Cause The vehicle triggers a maneuvering or emergency braking event while reversing. The customer must then immediately park the vehicle (ignition Switched OFF) The hydraulic pressur
  • 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
  • LI33_30-N-080795 Service bulletin
    2026-07-17 · Power Train
  • Model 907 with all-wheel drive (A4M) – All-wheel drive inoperative Complaint The customer may report one or more of the following: • All-wheel drive is unavailable or inoperative. • Rear wheel slip during acceleration on low-traction surfaces. • Noise from the front axle area while driving. • Message in the instrument cluster indicating all-wheel drive is unavailable due to overheating. • Fault co
  • 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
  • LI47_00-N-069565 Service bulletin
    2026-06-16 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • Fuel Level Unchanged After Refueling Complaint The customer reports that the fuel gauge shows inaccurate readings or remains unchanged after refueling. Cause A. The Fuel Supply Control Unit (FSCU) fails to detect a refueling event B. The Fuel Level Sensor provides incorrect readings due to mechanical interference or installation issues
  • 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
  • LI80.20-N-079697 Service bulletin
    2026-06-08 · Structure — Body
  • Acoustic Warning or message occurring when a closed sliding door is not recognized Complaint Customer may state the warning message or indicator accompanied by acoustic tone alerting the sliding door is ajar when the door is completely closed Cause There are several reasons that lead to the failure occurring: - Mechanical damage through bending when loading and unloading - Worn contact plates -->

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
P012CManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine1 owner report

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.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter failed the emissions check on 0.47% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.40% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 0.47%

failed emissions

503 initial inspections of 492 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 SprinterEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check0.47%1.9%212
Failed the safety inspection0.40%1.5%503
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0%0.19%503
Miles driven a year11,10710,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer58,37954,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. 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 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 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 this page F 18 62 2020 F 25 103 2019 F 51 115 Do not drive2018 F 10 25 2017 F 9 41 2016 F 16 92

Common questions about the 2021 Sprinter

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 18 recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The most serious on file is 23V876000, covering Structure. 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (51/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

Transport Canada measured it at 233.5–290.2 in long, 79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 96.5–117.7 in tall, on a 144.1–170.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,696–6,173 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, most often about forward collision avoidance, service brakes, unspecified. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 1 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The manufacturer has filed 517 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, most often covering engine, electrical system, unknown or other. The most recent is dated 2026-09-29. 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter failed the emissions check on 0.47% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.40% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). 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.
Recalls18NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints62NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings3 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins517NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
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 NHTSA9 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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