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2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 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.
- 0safety recalls
- 62owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 10%fail the UK MOT
62 complaints, against an average of 51 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The components named most often in the 62 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 62 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2021 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 DVSAMercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Sprinter 907 910 model vehicles the software of the instrument cluster control unit does…Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Sprinter 907 910 model vehicles the software of the instrument cluster control unit does not correspond with the latest series production configuration
Risk: 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.
Fix: Update the instrument cluster software.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles a component of the park pawl system may suffer extraordinary wear due to a certain type of customer usage and…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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Update the software of various control units.
UK DVSAThe software of the rear-view camera on certain vehicles might not meet specifications
Risk: The software of the rear-view camera on certain vehicles might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the rear-view camera of the affected vehicles.
UK DVSACrankshaft might not meet required specification
Risk: On certain vehicles with an OM654 classic diesel engine the crankshaft might not correspond with the required specification
Fix: As a precautionary measure the engines will be replaced on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAThe wiring harness of the alternator may possibly have been swapped with the wiring harness of the electric steering
Risk: 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.
Fix: Check the affected lines and if necessary connect the correspondent wiring harnesses.
UK DVSAA software implausibility error in the hv 'battery gateway' control unit may cause the contactors of all hv batteries to be opened…A SOFTWARE IMPLAUSIBILITY ERROR IN THE HV 'BATTERY GATEWAY' CONTROL UNIT MAY CAUSE THE CONTACTORS OF ALL HV BATTERIES TO BE OPENED UNNECESSARILY
Risk: A software implausibility error in the HV battery gateway control unit may cause the contactors of all HV batteries to be opened unnecessarily.
Fix: Update the software of the HV battery gateway control unit.
UK DVSAThe engagement hooks of the cable duct of the starter-generator wiring harnessmay not be fully latched in the battery case
Risk: 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.
Fix: Check the fixings of the cable bracket and replace the engagement hooks of the affected cable duct with expanding rivets if required.
UK DVSAThe distance between the brake line and wiring harness may not be sufficient
Risk: On certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles the distance between the brake line and the wiring harness may not be sufficient.
Fix: 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.
UK DVSACracks could form in the connecting section of the trailer-coupling block/crossmember over the vehicle life
Risk: 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.
Fix: Replace the affected trailer-coupling block/crossmember with a reinforced variant.
UK DVSAThe actual installation condition of the communication module and its correct commissioning cannot be traced due to an error in production
Risk: On certain vehicles the actual installation condition of the communication module and its correct commissioning cannot be traced due to an error in production.
Fix: 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.
UK DVSANone or not approved cable ties have been used for additional fastening of the main wiring harness
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles the behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the HERMES communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAThe hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points
Risk: The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions and may cause hydraulic fluid to leak.
Fix: Check the return line connections of the power steering and install a screw type clamp at the connection point if needed.
UK DVSAOn certain front wheel drive vehicles equipped with an additional traction battery the attachment bolts on the frame of this high voltage…ON CERTAIN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADDITIONAL TRACTION BATTERY THE ATTACHMENT BOLTS ON THE FRAME OF THIS HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY COULD BE LOOSE
Risk: On certain front-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with an additional traction battery the attachment bolts on the frame of this high voltage battery could be loose.
Fix: Tighten the screwing of the high voltage battery module on the affected vehicles according to the respective specification.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe rescue cutting line located in the seat box of the driver seat may not be accessible
Risk: The rescue cutting line located in the seat box of the driver seat may not be accessible.
Fix: Reposition the rescue loop on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAVehicles have been delivered with an operating manual that doesn't contain a warning notice for the exclusive use of an approved charging…VEHICLES HAVE BEEN DELIVERED WITH AN OPERATING MANUAL THAT DOESN'T CONTAIN A WARNING NOTICE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF AN APPROVED CHARGING CABLE FOR CHARGING THE HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERY
Risk: Vehicles have been delivered with an operating manual that doesn't contain a warning notice for the exclusive use of an approved charging cable for charging the high-voltage (HV) battery.
Fix: Attach a supplementary sheet with a corresponding warning notice in the operation manual for the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe gear recognition function in the transmission could not function as intended
Risk: The reverse gear light may occasionally be non-functional until the next ignition change or the next engine start.
Fix: Update the software responsible for gear recognition on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe rear brake calliper may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake
Risk: The rear brake calliper may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake.
Fix: Replace the rear brake callipers and update the ESP software.
UK DVSAThe accelerator pedal may not have been mounted on the vehicle in accordance with the specification
Risk: The accelerator pedal may not have been mounted on the vehicle in accordance with the specification.
Fix: Check the correct installation of the accelerator pedal on the affected vehicles and if necessary renew it.
UK DVSAA software update of the electronic stability programme (esp) control unit is required
Risk: A software update of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) control unit is required.
Fix: Update the ESP control unit software in the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles front and rear brake hoses may have sustained an outer cut
Risk: On affected vehicles front and rear brake hoses may have sustained an outer cut.
Fix: Check brake hose condition and renew if necessary.
EU Safety GateThe fuse for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may be faulty, which can cause excessive contact heat generation,…The fuse for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may be faulty, which can cause excessive contact heat generation, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
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 component of the parking lock system may wear out.As a result, the vehicle may begin to move out of parking position, 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 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 GateThe wiring harness of the generator may have been erroneously swapped with the wiring harness of the electric steering during assembly.Consequently the steering wiring harness would be secured with the generator fuse (fused too high), and the generator wiring harness with the steering fuse (fused too low). In the event of an additional electrical fault (e.g. damage to the steering wiring harness) the mix-up of the two differently fused wiring harnesses could lead to the steering wiring harness becoming overloaded, 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 GateA defect in the park pawl of the transmission could make the vehicle move unintentionally if the manual parking brake is not activated and…A defect in the park pawl of the transmission could make the vehicle move unintentionally if the manual parking brake is not activated and cause 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 insulation of an electrical wiring harness may chafe.This could cause a short circuit and vehicle 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 GateThe eCall emergency call service may not work, because of a production error.As a result, in the event of an accident it would not be possible to direct emergency services to the vehicle, which could increase the impact of the accident. Not specified
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 seat cable harnesses may be incorrectly installed.As a result, the side airbags may be activated for no reason, increasing the risk of injury.
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 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 high-voltage battery module may be attached incorrectly.As a result, it could become detached from the vehicle and fall onto the road, 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 GateIncreased wear on a sealing ring in the electric parking brake delivery spindle may lead to leakage of the braking system on the brake…Increased wear on a sealing ring in the electric parking brake delivery spindle may lead to leakage of the braking system on the brake saddle of the rear axle.
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 hydraulic power steering assistance may be defective and could fail.This will lead to increased 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 GateCracks may form at the point where the trailer hitch is connected to the vehicle.This could cause the trailer coupling to 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 GateThe accelerator pedal may be installed incorrectly.As a result, it could become detached, 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 GateInstructions on charging behaviour and appropriate warnings are missing.This can lead to increased 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 GateDue to a production error and the possible ageing of the materials, brake fluid may leak from the brake hose.As a result, the braking performance may be impaired, 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 welding of longitudinal members could be faulty.As a result, there may be increased risk of injury in the event 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
How often does the 2021 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 2021, 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners report?
12 of the 62 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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control functions during turning/signaling.
I am a Amazon driver and my dsp makes us drive with very bad safety hazards on the vehicle the step up platform on the vehicle is broken brakes are terrible and the airbag sensors and tire pressure sensors are not working and very bad.
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Following Jayco and Entegra instructions, I delivered my coach to Blue Compass RV. It has now been more than SIX MONTHS out of service. Jayco Pre-Authorization has denied the required battery replacement and referred me to the battery manufacturer, even though Entegra bulletins and recall procedures identify and correct the conditions that caused the damage. Completed Recall and TSB Work Approved by Entegra and Jayco · 22-075 (TSB) A/C Electrical Connection Instructions, September 2022. Replaces WAGO connectors. · 22-076 (TSB) Firefly Terminator G4 Tap Connector, September 2022. Corrects…
Sprinter hood came unlatched and flew up smashing the windshield. Luckily we were able to pull over safely.
I had the same issues as identified in a current recall entitled: Model 907 Sprinter. Model Year 2019-2022 Update Instrument Cluster Software. In my case the instrument cluster remained non-functional upon vehicle start-up exactly like the recall with an added problem of the ignition push button would not shut off the vehicle. I was left with a vehicle I could not shut off without an operational instrument cluster. While my model year and model number match this recall, for some reason my VIN number was not included in the recall so the dealer will not upgrade the software and fix this…
CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Vehicle shifts into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence, could roll over passengers. Component of concern: Electronic "Wiper" stalk shifter is easily shifted into NEUTRAL during normal start sequence. Problem encountered several times in our 2021 Mercedes Sprinter- the stalk shifter is located directly in front of the "START/STOP" ignition button. To start the vehicle, you must: 1) Press and hold the brake 2) Reach under the shifter and press the "START/STOP" button The problem is pressing the brake is also the "safety interlock" for shifting out of PARK. The breakout…
Brakes deployed and distance warning illuminated for a very brief instant at highway speed (70 mph) just when a vehicle traveling faster starts to overtake. Very scary! Luck to not have been hit on the right rear corner.
The ABS front wheel sensor became inoperable after 27K. This disables several onboard systems that assist in vehicle control, including blind spot detection, and collision warning systems. Looking at the sensor - it completely separated at the connector by the wheel hub. The surrounding area showed no signs of unusual trauma or deterioration.
The crosswind assist system is unsafe, it make the vehicle unstable when activated. Since new I took to the dealership many times and it never was fixed. And the line assist system many times do not let me turn right because it not see a broken line painted on the road.
Mercedes Dealership is refusing to get the vehicle in to make this safety recall repair in a timely manner. I have been told that i will need to wait for over a month just to drop the vehicle off with no time frame given in terms of how long the vehicle will be gone while being repaired.
Fuel pump recall July 5. No resolution. Vehicle deemed unsafe per recall. Please advise. Have contacted Mercedes Benz and also local dealer. No resolution at this time. What are the next steps?
Mercedes-Benz guides on CarHooq
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the most common categories were forward collision avoidance (12, 19.4%), service brakes (12, 19.4%), electrical system (9, 14.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 4 complaints mention a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Across 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are forward collision avoidance (19.4% of complaints), service brakes (19.4% of complaints), electrical system (14.5% of complaints), lane departure (11.3% of complaints), power train (11.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
3 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (4.8%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "The Distronic Cruise Control stops working and then will start working again several times on long trips. After research it appears if the radar doesn't detect anything in front of your vehicle for an hour it thinks it is inoperable and and shuts the…" (NHTSA complaint 11612105, September 2024). 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.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have rust or paint problems?
3 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (4.8%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Error Message: "Service Required: Do Not Shift Gears, Visit Dealer" The 2021 Sprinter Van indeed would not shift gears and I was stranded. I was finally able to be towed two days later to a Mercedes Benz dealership." (NHTSA complaint 11505240, February 2023). 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 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SPRINTER 1500 CARGO, SPRINTER 1500 PASSENGER, SPRINTER 2500 12 PASSENGER, SPRINTER 2500 15 PASSENGER, SPRINTER 2500 CARGO VAN (LWB), SPRINTER 2500 CARGO VAN (SWB), SPRINTER 2500 CREW VAN (LWB), SPRINTER 2500 CREW VAN (SWB), SPRINTER 3500 CARGO VAN and SPRINTER 3500 CREW VAN.