NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 scores 39 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Weak), 0 recalls, and 45 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van AWD presents significant safety concerns. Its 1-star rollover rating from NHTSA is particularly notable. Further, the agency did not conduct crash tests for most categories on this model year. These factors contribute to its Weak band placement, with a NHTSA Safety Index score of 39/100.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van AWD received a 1-out-of-5-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 39/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Vans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 39 / 100 (Weak) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 1 stars |
| Rollover risk | 99% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 45 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 4 Vans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12?
A 1-star rollover rating, combined with a 99 percent rollover risk, defines the 2021 Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van AWD's safety profile. This single crash-test result is the most consequential data point for the vehicle. The overall Safety Index of 39/100 places it firmly in the Weak band, a modest five-point improvement over the 2020 model's 34/100, but without altering its fundamental safety posture. The crash-protection sub-score stands at a low 14 out of a possible 70. This reflects the near-total absence of NHTSA NCAP coverage; frontal, side, and overall ratings are all not rated for this model year. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 indicates that while electronic stability control is standard, both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are listed as optional equipment. This means not all units on the road are equipped with these safety features. The defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 is the strongest component of the index, supported by zero active recall campaigns for this model year. However, 45 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA. Of particular note are nine alleged issues each in the Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance categories; these remain unverified allegations but warrant monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van AWD has a 99 percent rollover risk, according to NHTSA. This poor performance in rollover protection earned it a 1-out-of-5-star rating in that category. NHTSA's dynamic tip test, however, did not result in a tip. No overall, frontal, or side crash protection ratings are available for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15883
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 have any recalls?
NHTSA records show zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 Passenger Van AWD. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive notices associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12?
Owners have filed 45 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance, each with 9 reported complaints, followed by Service Brakes and Lane Departure at 7 each. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
45 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12?
Shoppers of this 5-year-old van should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. No recalls are currently on file for this model year; however, recall status can change, and verifying that any future remedy has been completed remains a critical step.
- The 2021 model year carries a 1-star NHTSA rollover rating with a 99 percent rollover risk, the only crash-test result on file for this specific configuration.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on this 2021 variant, so protection in those scenarios cannot be evaluated from federal test data.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, contributing to a defect-record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20, the strongest element of its 39/100 Safety Index.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional on this 2021 model year, meaning used-market units may not be equipped with either system.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 39 out of 100, placing it in the Weak band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 earned 1 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 99%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 45 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sprinter 2500 12 years
Rivals in Van (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Savana | 62/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Express | 62/100 | not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15883), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 3 of 4 in the Van class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.