VehicleVerdict

2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 17 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

17

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Sprinter 2500 years?

See all Sprinter 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine338%
Driver Assistance225%
Lighting113%
Other113%
Speed Control113%

Does the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 have recalls?

17 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V876000Body & StructureDecember 21, 2023 · 387 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

23V875000Body & StructureDecember 21, 2023 · 3,739 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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.

23V874000Body & StructureDecember 21, 2023 · 9 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The connection between the propeller shaft bearing and crossmember may loosen, reducing vehicle control.

Consequence

Reduced vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the propeller shaft may damage the fuel tank during a crash, causing a leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the crossmember as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3QUERTR.

23V204000Electrical SystemMarch 24, 2023 · 6,857 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

22V796000TransmissionOctober 21, 2022 · 124,305 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

22V360000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 19,937 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

22V281000Driver AssistanceApril 27, 2022 · 12,086 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

21V972000Electrical SystemDecember 15, 2021 · 48,400 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. A software error in the park lock system may allow the vehicle to move after the gear selector has been placed in the Park 'P' position without the parking brake applied.

Consequence

Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the electronic stability program control unit software, free of charge. Owner 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 VS3PA27 ERI/ERO.

21V411000Electrical SystemJune 2, 2021 · 33,437 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

21V410000AirbagsJune 2, 2021 · 4,078 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

21V241000SteeringApril 6, 2021 · 4,444 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.

Consequence

A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.

21V235000Electrical SystemApril 5, 2021 · 1,285 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster 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, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.

21V152000BrakesMarch 10, 2021 · 56,534 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The retaining washer and bolt that connect the brake pedal to the bearing block, may come loose and detach. This could cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

Consequence

Malfunctioning brake lights can fail to alert other motorists of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will secure a bearing bracket to brake pedal by retrofitting an additional retaining ring (with PNR A 907 994 01 00) at the bearing bracket of brake pedal, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on May 3, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREBOL.

21V077000Driver AssistanceFebruary 17, 2021 · 198 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with the multimedia system "Connect 5" and a rearview camera. The rearview image may not display within 2 seconds from the start of the backing event. In addition, the rearview image may be obscured or covered by the visual display of the Emergency Call (eCall) pop-up window if the eCall system is activated while the reverse gear is engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A delayed or obstructed rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update on the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3RUECON.

20V802000BrakesDecember 21, 2020 · 9,094 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.

Consequence

Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.

20V663000SteeringOctober 28, 2020 · 47,667 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

20V595000Fuel SystemSeptember 29, 2020 · 4,010 units

Defect

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters. The fuel line clamps may loosen and result in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the fuel hose clamp connections and tighten or replace the components as needed, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 9, 2020. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3SCHELLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Engine destroyed by oil and water accumulation in intercooler that was pulled through the turbo and entered cylinder 6. Bent connecting rod on Cylinder 6, Bent and torn turbo vanes. Sudden loss of power while operating. Mercedes is replacing the entire motor. No Symptoms before the event, check…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 29, 2022

Driving in center lane of three lane interstate highway in the evening so it was dark. I had cruise control set at 55 mph. Nothing to my right and at least 100 yards of nothing in front of me. A white sedan speeds by in the left lane staying entirely in their left lane. My vehicle slammed on the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 14, 2023

COLOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INCLUDING COLOR DISPLAY BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WILL NOT DIM AT NIGHT. THE RESULTING WASH OF LIGHT MAKES SEEING OUT THE SIDE MIRRORS OR ANYTHING AT NIGHT VERY DIFFICULT. VAN IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. MANUFACTURE CONFIRMS THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NO FIX.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 10, 2020

COLOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INCLUDING COLOR DISPLAY BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WILL NOT DIM AT NIGHT. THE RESULTING WASH OF LIGHT MAKES SEEING OUT THE SIDE MIRRORS OR ANYTHING AT NIGHT VERY DIFFICULT. VAN IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. MANUFACTURE CONFIRMS THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NO FIX.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 10, 2020

On May 22, 2023 around 19:00 after driving my vehicle for nearly 90 minutes the vehicle no longer responded to the gas pedal being depressed by increasing acceleration. The vehicle would not go over 2,500 RPMs even with the gas pedal fully depressed. No warning were shown on the driver display or…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 22, 2023

2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 — common questions

Is the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 17 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Freightliner Sprinter 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sprinter 2500 years to avoid are 2008, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2009, 2011, 2017, 2007. The cleanest record among Sprinter 2500 years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.