NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Safety Record
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 16 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 enters the market with a significant recall burden, showing 16 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. Owner complaints are also notable, with 9 reports submitted to the federal agency. This heavy recall and complaint burden band suggests potential safety issues that consumers should carefully consider. However, NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 Sprinter 3500, meaning it carries no federal star ratings and thus no computed Safety Index. The absence of this data precludes an assessment of crashworthiness based on federal testing.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA and carries a Heavy recall and complaint burden band with 16 recall campaigns on record, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Heavy |
| Recalls on file | 16 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 carries a Heavy recall and complaint burden, the most significant tier in the MotorCaliber framework. Sixteen recall campaigns span structural fasteners at the longitudinal frame and partition, body topcoat, and instrument cluster illumination across multiple model-year ranges that include this vehicle. The structural fastener recalls are particularly notable because they involve components that are critical to the vehicle's body architecture. The instrument cluster campaigns are relevant because a driver who cannot read warning illumination clearly may miss safety-critical alerts. Nine owner-reported complaints, while relatively modest in absolute number, include allegations touching brakes and suspension, two systems directly involved in collision avoidance. No NHTSA-tested sibling years exist for navigational comparison. The Heavy band here is driven primarily by recall depth, not complaint volume.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
The 16 recall campaigns for this model year touch several meaningful areas. Structural recalls address longitudinal frame fasteners and partition fasteners, which are critical to body integrity. A separate structural recall covers topcoat paint on the body. Two electrical system recalls involve the instrument cluster illumination, which affects driver visibility of warnings and gauges. NHTSA recall notices should be reviewed individually for any park-outside or do-not-drive guidance specific to each campaign.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V930000
Risk: A display that is too bright can make it difficult for the driver to see critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BELKOM.
Reported 2024-12-13
STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS23V875000
Risk: Reduced stability increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the third-row seat mountings can fail, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the frame members as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3ROHRAH.
Reported 2023-12-21
STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS23V876000
Risk: A detached partition wall can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the partition wall as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3TREWAN.
Reported 2023-12-21
STRUCTURE:BODY23V806000
Risk: An insufficiently bonded window can detach during a crash, and objects secured to an insufficiently bonded interior lashing rail can detach, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the paint adhesion and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any damage, DVUSA may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 5, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for
Reported 2023-12-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V204000
Risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed, fuel gauge, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMBAUS.
Reported 2023-03-24
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL22V796000
Risk: Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software of the electronic stability, transmission control, direct select module, and electronic ignition switch control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's numbers for this recall are 22V2790611, 22V2790612, and 22V2790613.
Reported 2022-10-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE22V360000
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SIMKOM/VS3SIMKOM.
Reported 2022-05-20
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V281000
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3KOMRUE.
Reported 2022-04-27
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR22V131000
Risk: An incorrectly assembled torsion bar may fail at the connection between the torsion bar and linkage, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the position of the shim and replace the torsion bar linkages, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VADREH.
Reported 2022-03-08
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V073000
Risk: The operator may overload the vehicle, resulting in excessive tire wear and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the tire and loading information label. Additionally, tires will be inspected for excessive wear and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed to owners on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8
Reported 2022-02-09
STRUCTURE21V934000
Risk: Loose bolt fasteners may allow the rear step to separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the bolt fasteners and replace the console and attaching hardware, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HECKTRI.
Reported 2021-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V933000
Risk: A damaged brake hose may leak brake fluid, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the condition and clearance of the brake hose, modify the fender liner trim, and replace the brake hose as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BAURAVE.
Reported 2021-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
Nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Sprinter 3500. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes and Suspension, each cited in 3 reports, followed by Unknown or Other in 2 reports, with single allegations touching the Engine, Fuel or Propulsion System, and Air Bags.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
Prospective owners of a 2021 Sprinter 3500 should be aware of a significant recall burden: 16 campaigns have been issued for this model year. Before purchase, it is imperative to check the specific vehicle's VIN via nhtsa.gov to confirm all outstanding recalls have been addressed. An open recall is a safety concern, not a negotiable item.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 Sprinter 3500, meaning no federal star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
- Two separate structural recalls address critical fasteners at the longitudinal frame and partition on 2019-2021 and 2019-2023 Sprinter vehicles, making a VIN-specific open-recall check essential for this year.
- Two instrument cluster illumination recalls affecting 2019-2022 and 2019-2021 model ranges include this vehicle, raising the possibility that warning displays may not function as intended on unrepaired units.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA, while unverified allegations, most frequently cite Service Brakes and Suspension, each appearing in 3 of the 9 filed reports for this model year.
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 16 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 16 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. 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 3500 years
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- 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.