If you are considering buying a used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Check a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter advert (free) →The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 3 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are fuel system (piezo Delphi fuel injector failure leading to limp mode and severe misfires) and engine (timing chain stretch (rear-mounted chain) resulting in engine rattle and potential failure). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 7 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Mercedes-Benz Sprinter advert and we check it in seconds.
Check an advert now (free) →Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 92 DVSA recalls for the Sprinter, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Sprinter 907 model vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 5.0 tons a brake connection flange might not have been properly welded to the support tube of the rear axle.
Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the rear axle on the affected vehicles.
On certain Sprinter model 907 vehicles a welding seam of the propeller shaft might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Replace the propeller shaft on the affected vehicles.
On affected vehicles the spring U-bolts may not have been subject to treatment to increase their hardness which may lead to them fracturing.
Put right by: Replace the spring U-bolts on the affected vehicles.
On affected vehicles the weld points of a reinforcement in the right B-pillar may not correspond to the specifications. In this case the reinforcement in the B-pillar may work loose over time and fail to transmit the belt forces to the B-pillar as intended. This would increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Put right by: Rework the B-Pillar on the affected vehicles if necessary.
On affected vehicles the fuel filter heater may be deactivated. If this happens a fuel gelling may occur at low temperatures and an unexpected loss of propulsion cannot be ruled out.
Put right by: Code the CDI control unit to ensure the activation of the fuel filter heater
On affected vehicles the wheel rim structure might not meet specifications. Micro cracks might form in the rim structure.
Put right by: Change the wheel rims.
On affected vehicles the screw connection of the partition wall might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Check and rework the screw connections
On affected vehicles the fuse layout of the interior blower might not meet the requirements for permanent operation under the highest blower level.
Put right by: Replace the fuse and its supply line and relocate the fuse.
On affected vehicles the instrument cluster may fail when starting. Displays such as the speedometer fuel level indicator lamps and warning messages as well as the warning tones would not function.
Put right by: Update the instrument cluster software.
On certain vehicles an external ingress of fluids into the glow plug output stage may occur under specific conditions potentially resulting in an electrical short circuit andoverheating of the component.
Put right by: Replace the glow plug relay and install an additional glow plug relay cover on the affected vehicles.
On affected vehicles a component of the park pawl system may suffer extraordinary wear due to a certain type of customer usage and negatively affect the ability to park the vehicle safely.
Put right by: Update the software of various control units.
On affected vehicles a component of the park pawl system may suffer extraordinary wear due to a certain type of customer usage and negatively affect the ability to park the vehicle safely.
Put right by: Update the software of various control units.
On affected vehicles certain climatic conditions could over time lead to chemical alteration of the passenger airbag inflator propellant. In the event of a crash the inflator could rupture when the airbag is deployed.
Put right by: Replace the passenger airbag
Specific climatic conditions may over time cause a chemical change in the propellant in the airbag inflator of certain Takata airbags. In the event of an accident in which the airbag is deployed this change could cause the airbag inflator to burst due to increased internal pressure.
Put right by: Replace the affected front passenger airbags on the affected vehicles.
The driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Put right by: Replace the drivers air bag.
The driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Put right by: Replace the drivers air bag.
The Drivers front air bag may not deploy as intended.
Put right by: Replace the drivers front airbag.
The Driver's front air bag may not deploy as intended.
Put right by: Replace the driver's front airbag.
The software of the rear-view camera on certain vehicles might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Update the software of the rear-view camera of the affected vehicles.
An incorrect diameter rear axle torsion bar (anti roll bar) might be installed.
Put right by: : Replace the rear axle torsion bar (anti roll bar) on the affected vehicles.
On certain vehicles with an OM654 classic diesel engine the crankshaft might not correspond with the required specification
Put right by: As a precautionary measure the engines will be replaced on the affected vehicles
The wiring harness of the alternator may have been swapped with the wiring harness of the electric steering in the assembly procedure of certain vehicles.
Put right by: Check the affected lines and if necessary connect the correspondent wiring harnesses.
On certain vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission (gearbox) on rare occasions a temporary fault with the automatic transmission internal park pawl mechanism may occur resulting in the park pawl not engaging as intended.
Put right by: As a precautionary measure the Mercedes-Benz service organisation will update the ESP control unit software with a revised parameter set on the affected vehicles.
On certain vehicles the engagement hooks of the cable duct of the starter-generator wiring harness may not be fully latched in the battery case.
Put right by: Check the fixings of the cable bracket and replace the engagement hooks of the affected cable duct with expanding rivets if required.
On certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles the distance between the brake line and the wiring harness may not be sufficient.
Put right by: Check and apply an anti-chafe protection to the affected components. If damage to the components is already evident then the affected components will be replaced and anti-chafe protection applied.
On certain vehicles with a trailer coupling block with tow ball cracks could form in the connecting section of the trailer-coupling block/crossmember over the vehicle life.
Put right by: Replace the affected trailer-coupling block/crossmember with a reinforced variant.
On certain vehicles the actual installation condition of the communication module and its correct commissioning cannot be traced due to an error in production.
Put right by: Check the installation condition of the communication module and depending on the actual condition of installation either retrofit it or if it is already available put it into correct operation.
On certain vehicles no or not approved cable ties have been used for additional fastening of the main wiring harness on the cable duct of the starter-generator wiring harness.
Put right by: Replace the existing cable tie and plug holder with the approved fastening elements or use the approved fastening elements in cases where cable ties have not been used yet.
On certain vehicles the behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Update the software of the HERMES communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles
Mandatory recall requiring the updating of software in the engine control unit with the Euro 5b+ N1 GR.III/N2 emissions standard.
Put right by: Update the software in multiple control units depending on vehicle specification and options.
Changes to specific aspects of the engine control system calibration are required.
Put right by: Depending on vehicle specification and options software updates to multiple control units will be conducted.
Electrical cables may be improperly routed or mounted within the front swivel-seat frames.
Put right by: Inspect the installation of the seat wiring harness (left/right) of the front seats and attach the mounting clips to the intended position.
The brake hose of the front axle could touch and chafe the wheel housing interior lining.
Put right by: Exchange the brake hoses on the front axle on the affected vehicles with a revised version.
Vehicles may have received a version of the ESP Software application that has not been customized for upfitted vehicles with a higher centre of gravity.
Put right by: Update the software version of the corresponded ESP control unit.
The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions and may cause hydraulic fluid to leak.
Put right by: Check the return line connections of the power steering and install a screw type clamp at the connection point if needed.
One or more of the rear-wheel speed sensors may experience an electrical failure.
Put right by: Replace the rear-wheel speed sensors on affected vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles.
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles.
The retaining washer on the bolt connecting the brake pedal to its bearing block could come loose.
Put right by: Secure the bearing bracket on the brake pedal by means of an additional retaining ring on the affected vehicles.
The fuse for the electric system for the air suspension may be incorrectly specified.
Put right by: Check the currently installed fuse and control unit on the potentially affected vehicles and replace if necessary. Also replace the fuse assignment booklet if necessary.
The rescue cutting line located in the seat box of the driver seat may not be accessible.
Put right by: Reposition the rescue loop on affected vehicles.
The reverse gear light may occasionally be non-functional until the next ignition change or the next engine start.
Put right by: Update the software responsible for gear recognition on the affected vehicles.
The rear brake calliper may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake.
Put right by: Replace the rear brake callipers and update the ESP software.
The accelerator pedal may not have been mounted on the vehicle in accordance with the specification.
Put right by: Check the correct installation of the accelerator pedal on the affected vehicles and if necessary renew it.
A software update of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) control unit is required.
Put right by: Update the ESP control unit software in the affected vehicles.
The electrical wiring harness pre-installation for the HERMES control unit (communication module) could become stuck between the brake light switch and the brake pedal
Put right by: Correct the routing of the concerned wiring harness through the installation of an additional cable tie.
On affected vehicles front and rear brake hoses may have sustained an outer cut.
Put right by: Check brake hose condition and renew if necessary.
Possible damage and short circuit of the glow plug relay in certain collision scenarios
Put right by: Retrofit a housing for the glow plug relay and install a pyrotechnic fuse on the affected vehicles
Vehicles were produced and delivered without the necessary rear underride guard.
Put right by: Retrofit the rear underride guard on the affected vehicles.
Electric lines routed near the frame for the rotating seats may get jammed and thus be damaged.
Put right by: Correct the routing of the wiring harnesses of the rotating seats on the affected vehicles.
The threaded connection of the propeller shaft intermediate bearings at the underbody has not been verifiably documented in certain Sprinter vehicles.
Put right by: Renew the screws of the propeller shaft intermediate bearing and tighten them with the specified torque in the affected vehicles.
The operating manual does not correctly specify certain conditions under which the automatic parking function (Auto-P) of the automatic gearbox operates.
Put right by: Add a supplementary booklet with a correct description of the Auto-P function to the operating manual.
The wheel arch liner on the front axle could touch and chafe the flexible brake hose.
Put right by: Check the condition and clearance of the flexible brake hoses replacing them if necessary. Additionally the corresponding wheel arch liner will be modified to provide adequate clearance.
The rear axle steel leaf springs may not meet all requirements for strength during operation
Put right by: Check if the rear axle springs on the affected vehicles are a part of an affected production batch and replace them if necessary
A weld seam on the seat height adjustment mechanism may not have been carried out in accordance with specifications
Put right by: Replace the seat-frame bases of the front seats in the affected vehicles
Vehicles were delivered with a higher transmission oil level than intended.
Put right by: Check the transmission oil level and drain any excess transmission oil if necessary.
A thermal overload can occur at the fuse carrier of the compressor for the air suspension as well as at the associated lines.
Put right by: The fuse holder and fuses of the air suspension compressor will be removed and the electric lines will be checked and replaced if necessary.
The screw connection of the upper hood (bonnet) catch may not have been secured properly
Put right by: Check the torque of the screw connection and replace any missing screws if necessary
A malfunction of the rear lamps may occur
Put right by: The signal and actuation module will be re-coded on the affected vehicles
Automatic transmission Direct Shift Module fault. Vehicle may roll away or drive in a direction not intended.
Put right by: Replace the Direct Shift Module together with the centralising sleeve on affected vehicles.
Main beam not deactivating automatically with 'High-Beam Assist'
Put right by: Update the software for the signal acquisition and actuation module on the affected vehicles.
The Digital Owner's Manual contains an incorrect description of the vehicle jack support points at the rear axle.
Put right by: Update the Digital Owners Manual by updating the head unit control unit software.
The cross-bridge at the rear axle may not withstand the internal durability specifications.
Put right by: Inspect potentially affected cross-bridges and replace if a weld seam is missing. Install a cross-bridge reinforcement strut.
Vehicles may have been delivered without the printed version of the operator's manual.
Put right by: Supply the missing printed version of the operators manual and/or any missing supplements of the vehicle service folders.
A failure of the glow plug relay may result in an electrical short circuit and in overheating of the component.
Put right by: Replace the glow plug relay and provide an additional protective relay shield on the vehicles affected.
The bolted connection between the steering shaft and steering gear may have been fitted with a bolt of the wrong length.
Put right by: Vehicles to be checked to confirm if the correct bolt is installed and replace it if this was not the case.
An incorrect operating lever might have been installed to the door locks on the right side of the vehicle.
Put right by: Door locks are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
An incorrect operating lever might have been installed to the door locks on the right side of the vehicle.
Put right by: Door locks are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
The post-collision brake function within the Electronic Stability Programme was not activated during production.
Put right by: The Electronic Stability Program control unit software will be updated to the latest version.
Vehicle exit warning feature does not function as designed after the ignition is switched off.
Put right by: Update both front door control units software on the affected vehicles.
An incorrect length linkage fitted to headlight range control sensor.
Put right by: Replace headlamp range control level sensor.
Driver support and assistant functions are not active or available in the ESP control unit due to a software error.
Put right by: The software of the ESP control unit will be up-dated with the latest version.
The backlight illumination of the hazard warning push button switch is deactivated after approximately 20 minutes driving.
Put right by: Software in the control unit will be updated with the latest version.
Blind spot vehicle exit warning failure
Put right by: Update software on affected vehicles
Spot welds on the front side wall that join the door frame with the hinge reinforcements behind it might not have been applied
Put right by: On affected vehicles check spotwelds and apply if missing.
Gas fuel tanks fitted to affected vehicles may be affected by corrosion. Over time corrosion may weaken the tank wall(s) and the tank may burst.
Put right by: On affected vehicles check gas fuel tanks for corrosion. assess and where necessary replace.
The toe adjustment for the front axle was incorrectly calculated and set during production.
Put right by: Measure the front axle adjustments (toe and camber) and correct them.
The windscreen may not be correctly sealed in the upper middle area which may allow water to enter the cabin area.
Put right by: On affected vehicles check installation of windscreen and if necessary re-install.
The vehicles electronic control unit (ECU) may have been incorrectly updated. This may affect the operation of systems controlled by the ECU
Put right by: On affected vehicles update the software of the control unit
The rear spring seat bases may develop cracks. Therse could case the seat base(s) to fail and the spriing(s) may detach.
Put right by: On affected vehicles repalce the rear spring seat bases
Two out of the four screws/bolts of the trailer hitch may not have been tightened correctly resulting in excessive stress to the other bolts. It is therefore possible that over time the connection could fail and the trailer detach from the towing vehicle increasing the risk of incident.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fixing bolts/screws for the towing attachment.
The seatbelt mountings on the two seater bench seats may not be correctly tightened. This could cause the seatbelts not fully restrain the passengers and heighten the risk of injury if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the seatbelt mouintings. Retighten the seatbelt mountings to the correct torque.
In the event of an accident the windows bonded tie down rails and the super high roof (if fitted) could detach and increase the risk of injury due to the lack of adhesion of non-conforming paint.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and remove/install all bonded windows (excluding the windshield) and tie down rails and/or super high roof (if present) as well as repainting the corresponding bonding surfaces.
In the event of an accident the windows bonded tie down rails and the super high roof (if fitted) could detach and increase the risk of injury due to the lack of adhesion of non-conforming paint.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and remove/install all bonded windows (excluding the windshield) and tie down rails and/or super high roof (if present) as well as repainting the corresponding bonding surfaces.
On vehicles with multi layered paint it is possible the layers may not have bonded as intended. This could allow the windscreen to detach in the event of excessive forces such as an accident. This may similarly affect bonded tie downs and/or super high roof.
Put right by: Recall affected vehicles and check stability of the paint. Where necessary reapply paint to affected areas.
On vehicles fitted with the four cylinder (OM651) engine the high pressure fuel lines may not have been manufactured to specifications. These lines may crack and allow fuel to leak. If an ignition source is present there is a risk of fire.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace high pressure fuel lines.
The threaded connections of the seatbelts at the B-Pillars were possibly not tightened with the required torque. If the required torque is not present it is possible the threaded connection may loosen further. In the event of a loosened threaded connection the intended restraint effect of the seat belt cannot be guaranteed in the event of a collision and the risk of injury during an event may possibly be increased.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check and where necessary tighten the threaded connection.
On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.
It has been established that on certain models of NCV3 (5-ton) vehicles fitted with air suspension from the VB AirSuspension company have a high risk of a fracturing of the weld seam on the rear axle spring saddle. In the unlikely event that this occurs then the rear axle can become loose and take on a self-steering behaviour which could affect vehicle control or stability.
Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to fit an additional spring saddle clamp to provide additional security.
The screws/bolts used for fastening the towing eyes the cross-member of the trailer hitch and the rear step for the support of the cross-member on 5 ton vehicles may be the wrong type. This could cause the bolts to work loose and in a worst case snap.
Put right by: As a precautionary measure the screw/bolts will be replaced on affected vehicles.
A fuel leak may occur from the area of the fuel drain opening in the fuel filters which leaks onto the road.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the fuel filter and replace where necessary.
Rear suspension springs may not be to specification and could fail at the spring eye. If such a failure occurs vehicle control could be lost.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the suspension springs.
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Sprinter, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Rear-mounted timing chain stretches over time, typically at 100,000-150,000 km under normal maintenance. No fixed interval. The tell-tale is a cold-start rattle that disappears after 10-20 seconds. Because the chain sits at the back of the engine, replacement is a major job.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Three stand out. Fuel system: piezo Delphi fuel injector failure leading to limp mode and severe misfires (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Engine: timing chain stretch (rear-mounted chain) resulting in engine rattle and potential failure (typically 80000 to 120000 miles). Engine: DPF blockage and associated sensor failures due to low-speed multi-drop delivery use (typically 60000 to 150000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
No Mercedes-Benz Sprinter year is a write-off, but the W906 (2006 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: fuel system and engine. The W907 / W910 (2018 on) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
Ask the seller about the fuel system and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine management light and rattle on cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter advert →
The DVSA lists 92 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter issued between 2011 and 2025. The most recent, from December 2025, is "Weld seam on rear axle brake mounting flange". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
Owners report 29.3 mpg on average across the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engines with data, about 85% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 269 owner submissions. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Real MPG by engine →
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.
Knowing what a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.