2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, 8% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,850 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I own an rv on a mercedes 3500 sprinter chasis. I have experienced numerous failures that cause the rv to speed up rapidly and I have to take emergency action to avoid an accident. Usually, I shift into neutral to disengage the transmission. I have ~43,000 miles on my rv and I have experienced this issue and mercedes has replaced the wheel sensors 6 different times. All maintenance performed on the vehicle has been provided by a mercedes dealer service center. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387156, filed 2021-01, 43,000 miles“While driving on a mountain road the vehicle began to send fire, smoke and steam from the motor compartment under the dash board and over the wind shield, causing the motor to stop running and subsequently causing the brakes to fail sending my wife and I down a winding mountain and ultimately resulting in a near fatal crash into a mountain retaining wall. The vehicle was completely destroyed. This vehicle was brand new when purchased by us and only 5 months old with 4500 miles (2325 miles were put on vehicle by the transporter to get it from factory to point of sale).”
NHTSA complaint #11079855, filed 2018-03, 4,500 miles“Driving on a dry day, smooth road, with cruise control on 65mph at 7:45pm. This vehicle is converted with a thor 24hl camper on the chassis. Five hours into the days drive the vehicle flashed asr/esp triangle - and jerked abruptly but instantaneously but remained on cruise control. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386418, filed 2021-01, 13,200 miles“The air condition shuts down after a couple of hours. It just comes from the vents hot air and staunchy (bad odors) odors. Contact mercedes benz and they say that they aware of the problem but are not willing to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11052317, filed 2017-12, 3,021 miles“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine/internal engine components and fuel injection system failed. was stated in video that fuel injector looked fine. cylinder #2, including a burnt valve and damage to the top of the piston. The Mercedes-Benz dealership also stated that it was highly likely that the cylinder #2 potentially by becoming stuck wide open or developing a severely abnormal spray pattern. …”
NHTSA complaint #11761821, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11031943Apr 18, 2026Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is…
- 11028113Jan 16, 2026EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more…
- 11018920May 9, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11017565Apr 25, 2025EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and…
- 11011223Nov 28, 2024SMOG/Emissions Test fail due to one or more Readiness Monitors not set Complaint: The vehicle has failed the State Emissions Certification because one or more of the OBDII…
- 11001114May 24, 2024Complaint 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, with…
- 10158146Jul 11, 2017Coolant / Vacuum / Temperature fault codes - Check Engine Light with DTCs P003313, P0299FA, P0299FB, P226100, P261F71, P012800, and P012809
- 10135712May 27, 2016Traces of oil in area of oil cooler (inner V) on engine 642
- 10135613Oct 6, 2014Engine power insufficient, engine diagnosis indicator lamp lights up and differential pressure sensor fault codes current and/or stored in CDI control unit
- 10128812Jul 29, 201414TL2 DD Platform Engine Stand Adapter W060589023100
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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