CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has 15 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (9 reports).
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls
Power Steering Hose May Detach, Causing Sudden Steering Loss
Certain Sprinter vans have power steering return line hoses that can detach at their connection points under some operating conditions.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Causing Injury
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vans may rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments into occupants
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vans can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Incorrect weight label may lead to overloaded vans
Certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans with folding seats (sales code S20) may have an incorrect unloaded vehicle weight label.
Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge or detach in a fire
Certain camper and custom vans built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and RAM ProMaster chassis are equipped with Kidde plastic-handle or push-button fire extinguishers.
Wrong Load Capacity Label May Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk
The certification label on the B-pillar of certain 2016 vans may state a higher maximum vehicle load capacity than the vehicle is designed to carry.
Loose Driveshaft Can Puncture Fuel Tank, Causing Fire Risk
Some vans were built without a driveshaft catch strap.
Wrong Tire Pressure Label Can Lead to Tire Damage
Certain 2016 Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans with reinforced front axles have a tire label on the B-pillar that lists a tire pressure that is too low.
Driveshaft Bracket May Detach in Crash, Risking Fuel Fire
The bracket that holds the center support bearing of the driveshaft may not have been properly welded.
Air Bags May Not Deploy in a Second Crash
Some Sprinter vans from 2013 and 2014 were built without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit.
Driver's seat may move during a crash, raising injury risk
Certain left-side seat adjusters in these vans may allow the seat to move during a crash.
Rear seat belt bolts may be loose, risking restraint failure in a crash
Some 2016 Sprinter vans built between March 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016 may have bolts that were not properly tightened where the lower rear seat belt connects to the rear bench seat.
Missing roof crash pads raise injury risk for unbelted passengers
Some 2015-2016 Sprinter vans built with super-high roofs may be missing the required roof crash pads.
Windows May Separate From Vehicle in a Crash
Some vans had multiple layers of paint applied during manufacturing.
Incorrect load label may lead to overloading and crash risk
Certain 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans, built between April 29 and December 15, 2015, have a tire pressure label that lists a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed to carry.
Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems
Problem areas named in the 28 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Steering | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
What owners report
The door latch and or roller failed which prevents the door from closing properly. Since the door does not close all the way, there is the risk that it opens while driving. This is a recurring issue I have on this vehicle and triggered a lemon-law buyback.
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms prior to failure. NOTE: there is an existing recall for 2015-2020 Sprinter vans for this issue, however upon contacting the dealership, the 2016 model doesn't currently fall under this recall.
The primary issue is the seal on the air conditioning unit, which is on top of the Sprinter van. Prior to purchasing it, we read multiple reviews that the seal breaks frequently and water pours into the cabin. It is a known defect and quite prevalent. Whenever we drive through rain and the seal is intact, we get drips of rain. When the seal needs to be replaced, gallons of water pour into the cabin. Replacing the seal costs thousands of dollars and we've replaced it a few times. We travel with buckets and a dozen bath towels in case we drive through rain. Seals for the air conditioning unit only last about a year before a new one is needed. Our local dealership is aware that this a widesprea
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. Both failures manifested as small air leak then suddenly crack increases in size dramatically to where tire can only hold air for a few hours before deflating fully
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. Mitchell, Kentucky has inspected the vehicle and stated that it has a defective intake manifold. This vehicle has 140,000 miles at this time. At this time the van has not been repaired, the cost is $3132.77
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 questions
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500: Power Steering Hose May Detach, Causing Sudden Steering Loss; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Causing Injury; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments into occupants; Incorrect weight label may lead to overloaded vans; Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge or detach in a fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (9), Vehicle Speed Control (5), Structure (4).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.