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2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 29owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 31%fail the UK MOT
29 complaints, against an average of 54 for the other 13 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The components named most often in the 29 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 29 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Control Module 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module 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.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 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.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the fuel filter heater may be deactivated.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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Code the CDI control unit to ensure the activation of the fuel filter heater
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles certain climatic conditions could over time lead to chemical alteration of the passenger airbag inflator propellant.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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Replace the passenger airbag
UK DVSASpecific climatic conditions may over time cause a chemical change in the propellant in the airbag inflator of certain Takata airbags.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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Replace the affected front passenger airbags on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Risk: The driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Fix: Replace the drivers air bag.
UK DVSAThe driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated
Risk: The driver airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Fix: Replace the drivers air bag.
UK DVSAThe driver's front air bag may not deploy as intended
Risk: The Drivers front air bag may not deploy as intended.
Fix: Replace the drivers front airbag.
UK DVSAThe driver's front air bag may not deploy as intended
Risk: The Driver's front air bag may not deploy as intended.
Fix: Replace the driver's front airbag.
UK DVSAUpdate the software in the engine control unit
Risk: Mandatory recall requiring the updating of software in the engine control unit with the Euro 5b+ N1 GR.III/N2 emissions standard.
Fix: Update the software in multiple control units depending on vehicle specification and options.
UK DVSAOne or more of the rear wheel speed sensors may experience an electrical failure
Risk: One or more of the rear-wheel speed sensors may experience an electrical failure.
Fix: Replace the rear-wheel speed sensors on affected vehicles
UK DVSAVehicle control unit may not have been correctly updated
Risk: The vehicles electronic control unit (ECU) may have been incorrectly updated. This may affect the operation of systems controlled by the ECU
Fix: On affected vehicles update the software of the control unit
UK DVSAVehicle stability may be affected
Risk: 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.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to fit an additional spring saddle clamp to provide additional security.
UK DVSAIncorrect cross-member bolts fittedYears estimated
Risk: 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.
Fix: As a precautionary measure the screw/bolts will be replaced on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAFuel may leakYears estimated
Risk: A fuel leak may occur from the area of the fuel drain opening in the fuel filters which leaks onto the road.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the fuel filter and replace where necessary.
EU Safety GateA coding of a control unit may not match the individual vehicle equipment so that the affected control units may malfunction.As a result, some functions of the electronic stability program control unit may not be fully available, thus changing the braking and control behavior, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA chemical change in the active substance in the front airbag gas generator can cause an increase in the internal pressure.In the event of an accident, the gas generator may burst and injure the occupants of the vehicle with metal fragments. Furthermore, the airbag will not unfold and protect properly in this situation.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit may cut out under certain circumstances.This will impair the driving stability, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fatigue strength of the ball coupling device may be inadequate.As a result, the device could crack and break, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GatePossible thermal overload of the fuse holder of the air suspension compressor and associated wires.This increases the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateScrews on the trailer hitch may not have been screwed tightly enough.This could lead to the trailer becoming detached.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners report?
12 of the 29 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall Number 19V003 involving failure of rear wheel speed sensors. The recall was completed by a dealer in April 2022 at 70,466 miles. At just under 90,000 miles in August 2026 a failure was indicated for the right rear wheel speed sensor. Error code C003A indicated on OBD-II scanner. This failure triggered ABS, ASR/ABS and EPS warning lights for functions including antilock braking, traction control and stability control. This also triggered a check engine light and speed control was disabled. The owners manual indicates a risk of accident. Dealer and MB…
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…
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START UP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,400.
MY SON CHRISTOPHER JOHN LEE HOWARD WAS IS TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN DALLAS ON SEPT 11,2020 AND DIED AS A RESULT SEVERE INJURIES INTERNAL INJURIES THAT LEAD TO MAJOR BLEEDING OF THE STOMACH AND UPPER TORSO.*DT*DT*JB
THIS SPRINTER IS A WINNEBAGO 170X RV CONVERSION. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN 2016 WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE REMAINS ON BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT ENGAGED. STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING CLEARS UP THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BUT IT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL A FAILING REAR SPEED SENSOR IS REPLACED. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED THE LOCAL MB DEALER REPLACED BOTH REAR SENSORS FREE OF CHARGE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME A WHEEL SENSOR FAILED WE WERE FAR FROM HOME AND HAD TO DELAY OUR TRIP SEVERAL…
THIS IS A SECOND OCCURANCE OF A PROBLEM REPORTED UNDER COMPLAINT NO. 11094122. THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON (CEL, ABS, ESC AND ASC). DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A 'MALFUNCTIONNING RPM SENSOR'.
A THOR MOTOR COACH ON A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER MDB 11K 170 16 0257554 CHASSIS. ON 4/17/2019 THE DEF SENSOR FAILED ON 05/18/2020 THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED. ON 09/14/2020 THE BATTERY FAULT PANEL BLEW OUT. ON 10/12/2020 THE EXHAUST GAS SENSOR FAILED. ON 10/22/2020 THE LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED. THESE FAILURES HAPPENED WHILE ON TRIPS WITH NO AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES WITHIN 100 MILES LEAVING THE PEOPLE IN THE COACH IN UNSAFE LOCATIONS WITH NO CELL PHONE SERVICE. THIS COACH HAS A FEATURE THAT PUTS IT INTO A LIMP MODE, THAT SHIFTS IT INTO LOW GEAR WITH A MAXIMUM…
EIGHT (8) WHEEL SPEED INDICATORS HAVE FAILED AT THE FOLLOWING MILEAGES: 21,866/26 AUG 2015 (2 EACH REAR AXLE); 22,594/8 SEP 2015 ('2 EACH FRONT AXLE); 40,996/17 APR 2018 (1 EACH RIGHT REAR AXLE) AND (1 EACH LEFT FRONT AXLE); 42,319/ 9 MAY 2018 (1 EACH RIGHT FRONT AXLE); AND 48,041/ 2 OCT 2018 (1 EACH LEFT REAR AXLE). EACH FAILURE RESULTED IN AN INDUCED SEVERE REDUCTION OF VEHICLE SPEED CAUSING AN INTENSE SAFETY ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR VEHICLE AND OTHER HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. ALL FAILURES ARE DOCUMENTED WITH REPAIRS CONDUCTED BY AN MERCEDES BENZE REPAIR FACILITY. NON OF THE FAILURES WERE EXPLAINABLE BY…
WHILE IN MOTION AND ACCELERATING, VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLS WHEN ABRUPTLY TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR REQUIRING COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHIFT TO PARK, RESTART. AFTER RESTART, ENGINE OPERATES NORMALLY UNTIL ABRUPTLY TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR. WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR SLOWLY, ENGINE DOES NOT STALL. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON. VERY DANGEROUS ON A LEFT TURN OR IN TRAFFIC. I FOUND A SIMILAR COMPLAINT: ​NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10628368
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2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the most common categories were vehicle speed control (8, 27.6%), air bags (6, 20.7%), electronic stability control (esc) (5, 17.2%). There are 4 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Across 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are vehicle speed control (27.6% of complaints), air bags (20.7% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (17.2% of complaints), electrical system (10.3% of complaints), power train (10.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the most recent (campaign 21V042000, 2021-02-03) concerns Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Control Module. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
5 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (17.2%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall Number 19V003 involving failure of rear wheel speed sensors. The recall was completed by a dealer in April 2022 at 70,466 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11760939, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (13.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While in motion and accelerating, vehicle suddenly stalls when abruptly taking foot off accelerator requiring coming to a complete stop, shift to park, restart. after restart, engine operates normally until abruptly taking foot off accelerator." (NHTSA complaint 11003106, July 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
3 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (10.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall Number 19V003 involving failure of rear wheel speed sensors. The recall was completed by a dealer in April 2022 at 70,466 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11760939, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sprinter
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SPRINTER 2500 and SPRINTER 3500.