VehicleVerdict

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 electrical system problems

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 21 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 22% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

21

Electrical System complaints

22%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Sprinter 3500 electrical system complaints by model year21 complaints2008: 1 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 21 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 6 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 5 complaints
Sprinter 3500 electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

21V042000Electrical SystemFebruary 3, 2021 · 48,667 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

“Unshielded rear-center generator exhaust pipe positioned with approx 12 in clearance above the ground, ignited the exterior of vehicle when generator operated, causing total loss. My safety as well as my pets was put at great risk due to this design and lack of shielding. The problem has not been…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 2, 2025 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?

NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 electrical system — 22% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 21V042000.

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.