NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 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 15 Passenger Van presents a notable concern regarding occupant safety, evidenced by a 1-star rollover rating from NHTSA. This result, combined with the complete absence of published federal crash-test scores for frontal and side impact categories, leaves a significant gap in the public's understanding of its protective capabilities. The vehicle earns a 39/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it firmly in the Weak performance band. Buyers prioritizing crashworthiness must weigh this data carefully.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van earned a 1-out-of-5-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 39 out of 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 15 ranks 4 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 | 4 of 4 Vans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15?
The 2021 model year represents a modest but measurable improvement over 2020 for this van, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising 5 points from 34 to 39, though both years remain in the Weak band. The gain is largely explained by the defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20, which reflects the clean zero-recall outcome for this specific model year. Where the 2021 Sprinter 2500 15 struggles is crash protection: NHTSA has not tested it for frontal or side impacts, leaving the crash protection sub-score at just 14 out of 70. The sole crash-test data point, a 1-star rollover rating with a 99 percent risk figure, is the single most alarming number on this page and is specific to this body configuration. The avoidance tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this year, while electronic stability control does come standard. The 45 owner complaints, with electrical and forward collision avoidance systems each drawing 9 unverified reports, round out a safety picture that is defined more by what is unknown than by what is confirmed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van returned a troubling 1 out of 5 stars in rollover protection from NHTSA, with a 99 percent rollover risk noted. Despite this, the vehicle did achieve a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. NHTSA did not publish ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15861
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisories are associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as the recall record can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15?
Owners have filed 45 unverified complaints with NHTSA against this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance, each with 9 reported cases, followed by Service Brakes and Lane Departure at 7 each. Two complaints allege a crash and one alleges an injury. All are unverified allegations.
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 15?
Even with zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 model year, any shopper considering this 5-year-old van should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Prior-owner remedy completion and any newly opened campaigns tied to the individual vehicle are worth verifying independently.
- The 2021 Sprinter 2500 15 carries a 1-star NHTSA rollover rating with a 99 percent rollover risk, the only crash-test score available for this model year, making rollover the defining safety data point for this specific vehicle.
- NHTSA has not conducted frontal or side crash tests on this model year, so the crash protection sub-score of 14 out of 70 reflects the absence of tested protection data, not a tested-and-failed result.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this 2021 model year, which contributed to a strong defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 and helped push the Safety Index 5 points above the 2020 figure of 34.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional, not standard, for this model year, meaning individual vehicles may or may not be equipped with these avoidance technologies, a factor worth confirming on any specific used unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 places
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15, 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 15 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 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 15 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 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 15?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 45 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15. 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 15 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 12 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15861), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 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 4 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.