The Sprinter is Mercedes-Benz's full-size commercial van. Designed for Europe's narrow city streets, it has become well-loved in Canada thanks to being surprisingly easy to drive for its size; some of the industry's best mirrors make for great visibility. A variety of cargo and passenger configurations maximizes its appeal, and a 4x4 option turns this van into an all-weather champ. Good fuel economy is a bonus, especially with diesel power.
Skylar01Great for long haulsJanuary 30, 2017Sprinter 2500
Overall Score
I have driven mine several times across Canada through the mountains with and without a trailer it was great. Always had all my tools & ladders with me. Microwave and sleeping bag. Great truck for always being prepared.
Issue:
On certain recreational vehicles (RVs) and camper van conversions, moisture could cause a rear wheel speed sensor to fail. If this happens, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit may not work properly.
Note: A malfunction of the ESP control unit can cause the ESP or ABS warning lights to turn on, and a "workshop assistance" message could appear in the instrument cluster.
Safety Risk:
A stability control system that does not work properly could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear wheel speed sensors with an improved part.
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the power steering return hoses may detach at their connection points. If this happens, power steering fluid can leak. This would result in a loss of power steering assist and power steering fluid could leak onto the road.
Safety Risk:
A loss of power steering assist may result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. A power steering fluid leak could create a road hazard.
Corrective Actions:
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to check the power steering return hose connections. Dealers will install a clamp at the connection point, if needed.
Issue:
On certain vans, the upper hood latch may not be properly installed. Under some driving conditions, this could allow the hood to open suddenly while driving.
Safety Risk:
If the hood opens while driving, it could suddenly block a driver's view. This could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their van to a dealer to inspect, and if necessary, tighten the mounting screws for the upper hood latch. Any missing screws will be replaced.
On certain motorhomes built on a Mercedes Sprinter cutaway or Mercedes chassis, the radio volume control module connected to the Mercedes chassis electrical system can cause improper operation of various electrical systems. This can result in an engine stall, and/or interference with the proper operation of the airbag system. Additionally, dash warning lights, exterior running lights can also be affected. Failure of these electrical systems will increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will remove the radio volume module and harness from the chassis electrical system.
Certain 4x4 vehicles may fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 301 - Fuel System Integrity. The vehicles were not fitted with a drive shaft catch strap at the time of assembly. In the event of a crash without the additional drive shaft catch strap, the fuel tank could become damaged, allowing a fuel leak to occur. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will retrofit the additional drive shaft catch strap.
On certain vehicles, a reinforcement plate and the protective bracket may not have been installed on the airbag control unit. This could cause the airbag control unit to become damaged in the event of a frontal impact. If this occurs, this could prevent the airbag system to work properly in the event of a secondary impact requiring the deployment of additional airbags which could increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. Correction: Dealers will install the reinforcement plate with the protective bracket.
On certain vehicles equipped with four-cylinder diesel engines, the timing chain tensioner gasket could fail, causing an oil leak. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, this could cause engine failure, which would result in a loss of motive power. Oil leaking onto hot engine surfaces could also increase the risk of a fire. These issues could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the timing chain tensioner gasket.
On certain Sprinter 2500 vehicles, the bench-type seats (for rear occupants) may have been equipped with improperly manufactured ISOFIX anchorage brackets for child restraints. Failure of the child restraint anchorage to restrain the occupant as intended would increase the risk of personal injuries during a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat bench assembly.
On certain Sprinter 3500 vehicles, the rear suspension springs may have been manufactured incorrectly and could fail. Rear suspension failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear suspension springs.
Certain vehicles, with the optional three-seat bench in the second seating row, may have been equipped with seatbelts that were certified to European standards, but fail to comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. Due to incorrect load limiter mounting, the assembly loop is unable to withstand the forces specified by the Standard. Failure of the seatbelt to restrain the seat occupant as intended would increase the risk of personal injury during a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seatbelt assemblies.
On certain Sprinter 3500 vehicles, incorrect A-pillar interior trim may have been installed during vehicle assembly. As such, the vehicle may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 201 - Occupant Protection. Installation of incorrect A-pillar trim could increase the risk of personal injuries during a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the A-pillar trim panels.
On certain vehicles equipped with an optional emergency exit window, the adhesive bond between the glass and the hinge on the side of the window may loosen, which could cause the glass to separate from the vehicle. A window separating from the vehicle could strike another vehicle or a stationary object, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected window.
On certain Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles, the spring plate which is mounted at the oil filler neck, and fixes it at the cylinder head cover, may crack and cause an engine oil leak. In addition to possible damage to the engine (caused by inadequate lubrication) this may result in leakage of oil onto the road surface. Correction: Dealers will replace the oil filler neck.
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