NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 Recalls & Complaints
The 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, describing incidents dated September 15, 2019.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 1 complaint
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
- Vehicle Speed Control 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11398562 · Filed
WHILE DRIVING USING CRUISE CONTROL, THE SPEED WAS INCREASING 15 MPH PAST THE SETTING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP BY USING THE BRAKE. THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. AFTER THAT IT WOULDN'T SHIFT RIGHT, IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO A HIGH GEAR AND IT WOULD BE HARD TO GET MOVING FROM A STOP. I HAD TO DRIVE TO A…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 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
Electronic Stability Control Unit Malfunction
NHTSA #21V042000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — Control Module · NHTSA notice
Reported February 3, 2021 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 48,667 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign NC3DREZAHA · Owners notified August 20, 2021 · Vehicles built January 4, 2012 – October 25, 2018 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit may become disabled on these vehicles.
Safety consequence
If ESC becomes disabled, vehicle driving stability may be impacted under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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. DVUSA's number for this recall is NC3DREZAHA.
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.
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.
Wheelchair Lift may Raise too High/FMVSS 403
NHTSA #19V140000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice
Reported February 27, 2019 · Midway Specialty Vehicles
Potentially affected: 1 vehicle
Owners notified February 27, 2019 · Vehicles built July 12, 2016 – July 20, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Midway Specialty Vehicles (Midway) is recalling one 2016 Freightliner Sprinter vehicle modified to be equipped with a Ricon Titanium Wheelchair Lift. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
Safety consequence
If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards towards the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Midway has notified the affected owner and a Ricon dealer will replace the lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began February 27, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or Midway customer service at 1-574-264-2530.
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.
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #19V003000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 8, 2019 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 71,301 vehicles
Repair completion: 77.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified March 15, 2019 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #19V004000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 8, 2019 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 88,388 vehicles
Repair completion: 61.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified March 15, 2019 · Vehicles built February 27, 2013 – April 5, 2017 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Bracket Not Welded Correctly
NHTSA #17V149000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice
Reported March 7, 2017 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 892 vehicles
Repair completion: 53.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified July 7, 2017 · Vehicles built August 2, 2016 – November 14, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded.
Safety consequence
If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners and dealers will install three additional rivets to secure the bracket, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 5, 2017. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Air Bag Control Unit may be Damaged in a Crash
NHTSA #17V093000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported February 10, 2017 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 15,338 vehicles
Repair completion: 69.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified May 26, 2017 · Vehicles built April 1, 2013 – November 8, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans. These vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may not remain functional after the initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact.
Safety consequence
If additional air bags do not deploy as intended, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Seat Belt Anchorage Bolts may be Loose
NHTSA #16V670000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other · NHTSA notice
Reported September 15, 2016 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 271 vehicles
Repair completion: 74.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 18, 2016 · Vehicles built March 1, 2016 – May 31, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2016, to May 31, 2016. The bolts connecting the lower seat belt connection to the rear bench seat may not have been properly tightened.
Safety consequence
If the bolts were not properly tightened, the seat belt may fail to secure the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Sprinter dealers will inspect the connecting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Super High Roof Vehicles Missing Crash Pads
NHTSA #16V351000 · Structure — Body — Roof and Pillars · NHTSA notice
Reported May 24, 2016 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 3 vehicles
Repair completion: 66.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified August 11, 2016 · Vehicles built May 1, 2015 – April 30, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2015, to April 30, 2016, and 2015-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are configured to have super-high roofs, but may not be equipped with the required crash pads.
Safety consequence
If the required crash pads are missing, it can increase the risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant if they are unbelted.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the required crash-pads, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Windows may Separate from Vehicle in a Crash
NHTSA #16V261000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice
Reported April 29, 2016 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 55 vehicles
Repair completion: 23.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified September 2, 2016 · Vehicles built April 1, 2015 – October 31, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
Safety consequence
If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 4, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
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 Load Capacity Information on Labels
NHTSA #16V093000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported February 18, 2016 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Potentially affected: 2,278 vehicles
Repair completion: 62.29% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified April 12, 2016 · Vehicles built April 29, 2015 – December 15, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured April 29, 2015, to December 15, 2015. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure label that incorrectly states a higher maximum load capacity than the vehicle is designed for.
Safety consequence
The vehicle may be overloaded if loaded to the incorrect weight shown on the label, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will replace the incorrect tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service 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.
Other Freightliner Sprinter 3500 model years
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