2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls and problems

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has 2 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
9
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 recalls

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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control3
Exterior Lighting2
Air Bags2
Unknown or Other2
Engine2
Visibility/Wiper1
Service Brakes1
Electrical System1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,000 miles (median of owner reports).

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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Nov 4, 2026
1. Component failure: The electrical system of my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has an excessive parasitic battery drain. Following two recall repairs on July 23, 2026, the battery became completely discharged. An independent repair facility measured an approximately 1.4-amp electrical draw. The problem remains unresolved, and I must manually disconnect the battery when parked. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. Safety risk: The vehicle can become unable to start after being parked, creating a risk of unexpected breakdown and occupants being stranded in unsafe locations. Repeated…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 16,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that on various occasions after coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was stalling and shaking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine revved loudly before accelerating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers for routine maintenance services, and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 3, 2022
Wheel speed sensor malfunction, partially addressed in NHTSA recall ID: 21V042 Why only rear speed sensors? As of Aug. 2, 2022, I am facing the replacement of both front speed sensors one of which was replaced a year ago. No ABS braking, No stability control, faulty parts creating on going safety problems not addressed in recall 21V042.
Air Bags · reported Aug 12, 2021
Had a service call to repair recall items. Technician forgot to install bolts holding the transmission which led to multiple light alerts. Could have been dangerous for driver.
Unknown or Other · at 23,000 miles · reported Nov 13, 2018
Check engine and DEF light comes on when I can only put a quart of DEF in tank only have 23000 miles on engine. Light clears after adding only a quart and restatrting and driving. Then returns in a short while. Shouldnt this be covered under the emission wtty. Year 2012 mercedes sprinter 3500

Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500: 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (3 reports), followed by exterior lighting (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

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