CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (5 reports).
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
Stability Control May Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit on these Sprinter 3500 vans may become disabled.
Passenger air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants
Certain 2012 Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans, sold under the Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz names, have a passenger-side front air bag inflator that can degrade over time from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Driver airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these Sprinter vans can build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems
Problem areas named in the 21 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 |
What owners report
This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall Number 19V003 involving failure of rear wheel speed sensors. The recall was completed by a dealer in April 2022 at 70,466 miles. At just under 90,000 miles in August 2026 a failure was indicated for the right rear wheel speed sensor. Error code C003A indicated on OBD-II scanner. This failure triggered ABS, ASR/ABS and EPS warning lights for functions including antilock braking, traction control and stability control. This also triggered a check engine light and speed control was disabled. The owners manual indicates a risk of accident. Dealer and MB says there is no additional warranty or action for the wheel speed sensor that repeatedly fails.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE.IT MAY START EACH TIME FOR WEEKS AND THEN YOU MIGHT TRY 30 TOMES BEFORE IT WOULD START AGAIN. IF ONE HAD AN EMERGENCY AND NEEDED TO FIND A DOCTOR QUICK YOU WOULD BE HOPING THAT IT WOULD START. I WOULD ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO GOOGLE" WHY WANT MY SPRINTER START" ONE COULD SEE HOW WIDE SPEED THIS IS IN THE SPRINTER WORLD. THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES FROM 2017-2021.
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START UP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,400.
ON OR ABOUT MARCH 11TH, I WENT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF 4000 N. MAIN STREET, GAINESVILLE FL. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SAFETY RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V042000 ON MY 2012 SPRINTER 3500 ( VIN WDA PF4CA2C9519207,PRODUCTION DATE 04/12/2012). I MET WITH MICHAEL POTTEIGER, ASST. SERVICE MANAGER. TO MY DISMAY, MR. POTTEIGER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL AND THAT MERCEDES ADDRESSED THE ISSUE OF FAILED REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSORS BY EXTENDING THE WARRANTEE PERIOD. IN OTHER WORDS, THE SENSORS COULD ONLY BE REPLACED AFTER THEY FAILED. SINCE NHTSA PART 573 SAFETY RECALL REPORT 21V-042 DATED FEB 03, 2021 INDICATES THAT THE PLANNED DEALER NOTIFICATION DATE WAS FEB 22, 2021 THERE IS NO
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 questions
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: Stability Control May Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk; Passenger air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants; Driver airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments; Equipment Adaptive/Mobility. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (5), Vehicle Speed Control (5), Air Bags (4).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 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.