Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

○ Not enough data

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:03:54.509Z

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 21
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 21 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	0
2008	1
2009	1
2010	4
2011	8
2012	21
2013	27
2014	54
2015	21
2016	62
2017	28
2018	9
2019	27
2020	14
2021	9
2022	9
2023	17
2024	3

Known problem areas

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

5 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Electronic stability control (esc)

5 of 21 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).

Air bags

4 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-09

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-28

Power train

3 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

Electrical system

3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle completely turned off while going 70MPH on I95 in jacksonville fl.lost all power for steering, brakes and all indicator lights came on. No power for radio/a/c or anything.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-26

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-01-13Equipment adaptive/mobility14V706000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-03-31Air bags16V077000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-01-12Air bags17V480000 Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012 Freightliner and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2020-09-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-03-30 Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
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2021-08-20Electronic stability control (esc)21V042000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
Electronic stability control (esc): 5 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V706000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility
Recall 16V077000 · Air bags
Recall 17V480000 · Air bags
Recall 21V042000 · Electronic stability control (esc)

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?: The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.