2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, 14% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,750 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11382947, filed 2020-12, 25,000 miles“Drove on interstate expressway at 60 MPH when suddenly the engine disconnected from the transmission. Check engine light, ABS warning, ESC warning and asc warning light came on. Had to carefully coast to the road shoulder. Turned off engine and checked for obvious problems under the hood, but found nothing. Started engine up again and was able to drive home, although all the warning lights remained on. Mb dealer diagnosis showed a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor and replaced it. Not exactly a pleasant feeling when you're in expressway traffic and suddenly loose all propulsion!!”
NHTSA complaint #11094122, filed 2018-05Related service bulletins
- 11036855Aug 26, 2026Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force…
- 11034410Jun 15, 2026Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit…
- 11026891Dec 1, 2025Clunking noise on load change or gear engagement Complaint Clunking noise can be heard on some load changes or when changing from N->R or N->D Cause Movement of transfer case…
- 11023982Sep 16, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 10151957Jul 23, 2018Automatic Transmission Housing Cracked: Damage Resulting From Cracked Diesel Particulate Filter Bracket
- 10135719May 2, 2016Humming, droning from the drivetrain on SPRINTER 2500 with all-wheel drive (4x4)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 18% |
| 2022 | 1 | 11% |
| 2020 | 1 | 8% |
| 2019 | 6 | 22% |
| 2018 | 1 | 11% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 14 | 23% |
| 2015 | 4 | 11% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology