2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 recalls and problems

The 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 has 3 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 recalls

Recall 21V-042: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Reported Feb 3, 2021 · 48,667 vehicles affected · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-480: Air Bags

Reported Jul 28, 2017 · 17,609 vehicles affected · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on January 12, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-025.

Recall 16V-077: Air Bags

Reported Feb 10, 2016 · 136,361 vehicles affected · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Problem: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Power Train1
Wheels1

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jan 12, 2023
The vehicle dash board had 4 {ECM, ABS, traction and skid} lights, reduced speed to 20mph on the highway RPM increased over 3000 lost ability for ABS, stearing control and speed. Check engine lights p003a and p0037 pointing to both rear wheel speed sonsors.
Service Brakes · reported Oct 30, 2022
Abs speed sensor, traction rear speed sensor fault code c0037 and c003a. Speed reduces to 20mph high engine RPM rev over 3000 RPM

Other Freightliner Sprinter 3500 years

Compare all Freightliner Sprinter 3500 years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500: 21V-042 (electronic stability control (esc)), 17V-480 (air bags), 16V-077 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3500?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (2 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (2).

Are Freightliner recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Freightliner dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.