2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls and problems
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 4 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 recalls
Recall 21V-042: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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
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
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.
Recall 14V-706: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Fix: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,000 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 3500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years
Compare all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500: 21V-042 (electronic stability control (esc)), 17V-480 (air bags), 16V-077 (air bags), 14V-706 (equipment adaptive/mobility). 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 3500?
Owners report electronic stability control (esc) problems most often (5 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,000 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.