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2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 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.
- 5safety recalls
- 38owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 4fire reports
- 25%fail the UK MOT
38 complaints, against an average of 53 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The components named most often in the 38 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 38 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
Equipment Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Air Bags Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Risk: If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
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.
Structure Morgan Olson Corporation (Morgan Olson) is recalling certain model year 2014 Sprinter 2500 vehicles manufactured May 30, 2014, to August 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may have an aluminum document holder installed in the cab side of the load area partition that an unbelted occupant may strike in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash, an unbelted occupant may strike the document holder, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Morgan Olson will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the document holder, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2014. Owners may contact Morgan Olson customer service at 1-800-262-3437.
Is the 2014 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 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 DVSAChanges to specific aspects of the engine control system calibration are required
Risk: Changes to specific aspects of the engine control system calibration are required.
Fix: Depending on vehicle specification and options software updates to multiple control units will be conducted.
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 DVSAA thermal overload can occur at the fuse carrier of the compressor for the air suspension and associated lines
Risk: A thermal overload can occur at the fuse carrier of the compressor for the air suspension as well as at the associated lines.
Fix: The fuse holder and fuses of the air suspension compressor will be removed and the electric lines will be checked and replaced if necessary.
UK DVSAFailure of the glow plug relay
Risk: A failure of the glow plug relay may result in an electrical short circuit and in overheating of the component.
Fix: Replace the glow plug relay and provide an additional protective relay shield on the vehicles affected.
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 DVSATrailer hitch may detach
Risk: 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.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fixing bolts/screws for the towing attachment.
UK DVSARisk of fireYears estimated
Risk: 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.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace high pressure fuel lines.
UK DVSASeatbelt fixing bolts may work looseYears estimated
Risk: The retaining bolts securing the front seat belts to the 'B' Pillar may not have been tightened to the correct specification. They may work loose and the seat belt could detach.
Fix: On affected vehicles check retaining bolts for tightness and correct if necessary.
UK DVSAOil may leak
Risk: 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.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.
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.
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 functioning of the emergency call system may in some cases be impaired.The communication module software will be updated on affected vehicles.
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 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 GateIncorrect mass values on the vehicle registration certificate may lead to overloading of the vehicle.As a result, the front and rear axles can be damaged.
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 GateFailure of the glow plug relay may result in an electrical short circuit and in overheating of the component.Overheating can result in smouldering of the relay, increasing the risk of 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
EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe supporting tube of the rear axle has been incorrectly mounted.This can lead to an insufficient weld connection between the spring saddle and the axle. Consequently, reduced manoeuvrability of the vehicle without prior warning cannot be ruled out.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2014 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 2014, 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners report?
12 of the 38 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.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 70,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 223,000.
The contact owned a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop was heard, and noticed there was smoke coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was a Sprinter van driver. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had the passengers located in the vehicle exit the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was not filed, however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed…
The van won’t throttle when requested and will lose power going uphill. I can set the cruise at 70 but the van will only accelerate to 55 to 65. When going uphill it will drop all the way to 45 mph with no ability to accelerate. Mercedes in Missoula has looked at it and said it’s the way the new update “fixed” the limp mode and there is nothing wrong with it. Our personal mechanic has also concluded there is nothing wrong. We live in rural Montana and this is our main vehicle as we have a large family. It’s extremely scary to have a semi come screaming up behind you and not having anywhere to…
The contact 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while driving approximately 65 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECU computer needed to be replaced. On another occasion, while driving approximately 45 MPH, and the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not accelerate as…
Just at roughly 100,000 miles under-body brake lines rusted out at started leaking making the vehicle inoperable and unsafe to drive.
Diesel fuel leaking from hose that goes into engine.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while her partner was driving at an unknown speed, a stop engine warning message illuminated on the instrument panel as oil leaked out of the engine. The engine had also begun to seize as her partner pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the contact's partner had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her partner that the chain tension was loose and that the engine needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 5 MILES, PARKED AND NOT RUNNING, ABOUT 2.5HRS LATER FIRE STARTED ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE / UNDERCARRIAGE. FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE. NO PRIOR RUNNING DEFECTS. STARTING POINT FOR THE FIRE APPEARS AT OR NEXT TO FUEL TANK ON THE LEFT SIDE WITH THE FIRST FLAMES VISIBLE UP THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HOUSING WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND THIS ETCHED IN AN ARC SHAPE ABOVE THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. INSIDE VEHICLE NO PERSONAL ITEMS OR AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS. FIRE SPOTTED APPROXIMATELY 3:15 - 3:17 EASTERN TIME, WEATHER TEMPS IN MID 70S. THIS WAS A HIGH TOP 12 PASSENGER MODEL…
DIESEL PARTICLE FILTER CONNECTOR BREAKING. CONNECTOR BREAKS ALLOWING CARBON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HOT EXHAUST GASES BURN AND MELT WIRING UNDER TRUCK CUTTING OFF ENGINE POWER CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAGS TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER A YEAR. I AM WORKING WITH FAIRFIELD MERCEDES (FAIRFIELD CALIFORNIA) AND STILL NO PARTS. IS THIS TRUE OR AM I BEING DELAYED BY THE DEALER?
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER (MX2CA170). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V077000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ROCHESTER (4296 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
THE DAY I PURCHASED THE VAN WHILE STILL AT THE DEALER A WARNING CHIME CAME ON AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG THEN IT FINALLY WENT AWAY BY ITSELF. THAT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT LAST AUGUST. I TOOK IT TO TWO MERCEDES DEALERS BUT NO USE. I ALSO EXPERIENCED A DRASTIC DROP IN FUEL MILEAGE IT SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM AROUND 19 TO 13.5 MPG AT THAT TIME I NOTICED GRINDING NOISE ALL THAT WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER. ON 2/27/2015 AT 2:15 AM A LOUD KNOCK ON THE DOOR WOKE US UP THE PERSON WAS AN UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER THAT HAPPENED TO BE DRIVING BY TOLD US TO GET OUT OF THE…
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2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the most common categories were air bags (15, 39.5%), engine (8, 21.1%), electrical system (3, 7.9%). There are 5 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 4 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Across 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (39.5% of complaints), engine (21.1% of complaints), electrical system (7.9% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.9% of complaints), service brakes (7.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the most recent (campaign 19V004000, 2019-01-08) concerns Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (10.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Diesel particle filter connector breaking. connector breaks allowing carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment. hot exhaust gases burn and melt wiring under truck cutting off engine power causing vehicle to stall while driving." (NHTSA complaint 11174948, February 2019). 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.
Have any 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles caught fire?
3 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (7.9%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. A related recall exists: campaign 17V786000 (equipment). The fix: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Vehicle was driven about 5 miles, parked and not running, about 2.5hrs later fire started on the left rear side / undercarriage. fuel tank caught fire. no prior running defects." (NHTSA complaint 11355724, September 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 2014 only.