NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, describing incidents dated September 7, 2020 to June 10, 2021.

Most-cited components

Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint
Service Brakes 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11543624 · Filed September 9, 2023
Multiple Episodes of vigorous Sudden Application of Active Brake Assist, sometimes with a sudden dip, occasionally without a noticeable inciting issue. Often Occurs at Hiway speeds, on a narrow bridge with car slowing to 5 mph. At low speeds break assist may turn off and able to resume driving…
ODI #11355666 · Filed September 17, 2020
WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VAN NEW FROM THE DEALER, I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE KNOWN POWER STEERING HOSE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS THAT ONE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSES IS TOO SHORT & IT WORKS ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION UNTIL IT POPS OFF & FLUID SPRAYS OUT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I KNEW…

Read all 2 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Hydraulic Power Steering Hose May Detach

NHTSA #20V663000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported October 28, 2020 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 47,667 vehicles

Repair completion: 90.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign NV3LETULPE · Owners notified December 23, 2020

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach at their connection points under certain operating conditions, causing hydraulic fluid to leak.

Safety consequence

The sudden loss of power steering assist and hydraulic steering fluid leaking onto the roadway may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the return line connections of the power steering system, correcting it as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this campaign is NV3LETULPE.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Spare Tire Label

NHTSA #20V155000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 18, 2020 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 289 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VS3BEGRESS · Owners notified May 15, 2020

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label may indicate the maximum speed at 55 kilometers per hour (kph) rather than as 34 miles per hour (mph).

Safety consequence

With only the metric speed listed on the spare tire label, the driver could misinterpret the kph as mph and operate the vehicle with the spare tire installed at higher speeds than the tire can withstand, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will replace it with the label with the correct maximum speed information indicated in miles per hour, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGRESS.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Missing Spare Tire Maximum Speed Label

NHTSA #20V156000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 18, 2020 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 332 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.56% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VS3BEGREPP · Owners notified May 15, 2020

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The spare tire label indicating the maximum speed may have not been affixed to the spare tire.

Safety consequence

Without the label, an operator may be unaware of the maximum speed limit of the spare tire and operate the vehicle at a excessive speed, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will attach the speed limitation label on the spare wheel, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BEGREPP.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Airbag System may be Deactivated

NHTSA #19V695000 · Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 2, 2019 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 1,232 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VS3AIRIGEL · Owners notified February 10, 2020 · Vehicles built August 31, 2018 – July 11, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The airbag systems may not have been activated after vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety consequence

An inactive airbag system can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the airbag systems have been activated, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on November 22, 2019. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3AIRIGEL.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Hood may Open While Driving

NHTSA #19V665000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported September 18, 2019 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 5,626 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.46% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VS3HAUBOSS · Owners notified November 1, 2019 · Vehicles built December 17, 2017 – June 12, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles. The screw connection on the upper hood catch may have been improperly tightened. As a result, factors such as the vehicle's speed, wind resistance and road conditions may cause the hood to open while the vehicle is being driven.

Safety consequence

A hood that opens while driving can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the screw connection, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3HAUBOSS.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Rear Side Windows Installed

NHTSA #19V507000 · Visibility — Glass, Side/Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2019 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 1,079 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VS3VERGLAS · Owners notified January 21, 2020 · Vehicles built August 31, 2018 – May 29, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vehicles. The rear side windows may be single-pane safety glass instead of laminated safety glass.

Safety consequence

In the event of a side impact crash or vehicle rollover, the fitted side windows may not adequately protect the rear occupants from being ejected, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealers will replace the single-pane safety glass with laminated safety glass., free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on August 16, 2019. The recall began January 21, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VERGLAS.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Door Lever Prevents Door From Opening

NHTSA #18V743000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 24, 2018 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 76 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified January 31, 2019 · Vehicles built July 4, 2018 – July 19, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The right side door latches may have been built with incorrect components. As a result, when the doors are electronically unlocked, the right-side doors may not be able to be opened from inside or outside of the vehicle.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash, if the right side doors cannot be opened, it could increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the locks if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

2 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500.

Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11543624

Incident: June 10, 2021 · Filed: September 9, 2023

Multiple Episodes of vigorous Sudden Application of Active Brake Assist, sometimes with a sudden dip, occasionally without a noticeable inciting issue. Often Occurs at Hiway speeds, on a narrow bridge with car slowing to 5 mph. At low speeds break assist may turn off and able to resume driving, sometimes requires restart of engine to clear brake assist. Drivers following behind are not happy when this unexpectedly happens, very unsafe. Atteeempts to deal with it through dealer have been unsuccessful or dis,issued.

Steering

ODI #11355666

Incident: September 7, 2020 · Filed: September 17, 2020

WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VAN NEW FROM THE DEALER, I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE KNOWN POWER STEERING HOSE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS THAT ONE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSES IS TOO SHORT & IT WORKS ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION UNTIL IT POPS OFF & FLUID SPRAYS OUT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I KNEW ABOUT IT BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ON THE INTERNET OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. I WENT BACK FOR SERVICE A YEAR LATER & SHOWED THEM THE HOSE SLIPPING OFF, THEY DID NOT CARE & DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. DESPITE ME DILIGENTLY CHECKING & REPOSITIONING THE HOSE WHENEVER IT STARTED TO SLIP OUT OF PLACE, WHICH WAS VERY FREQUENTLY, IT FINALLY POPPED OFF ON US WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON A NARROW TWISTY HIGHWAY & WE LOST STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, TAKEN AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, YOU CAN SEE THE LOWER HOSE OUT OF POSITION, IT SHOULD BE WHERE THE UPPER HOSE IS RELATIVE TO THE METAL PIPE.

Other Freightliner Sprinter 2500 model years

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