2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 power train problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“trucks cut speed limit 65 to 10 normal highway i do understood %35 degrees slow down but its only %2 degrees uprise there is no power at engine rpm is shows less then 1 rpm and even if press the gas pedal all the way the truck does not accelerate like truck is lock right there very dangers any one…”
filed Nov 19, 2021
“On september 30, 2019, I was driving downhill on a mountain road when our rv, a 25' ltv unity on a mercedes sprinter 3500 chassis, suddenly lurched and felt out of control. The breaks and steering were unresponsive, and I was pumping the breaks, hard! After about 10 minutes of struggling to control…”
filed Feb 5, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Affected vehicles were manufactured without a driveshaft catch strap, allowing a loose…Campaign 17V592000 · Sep 22, 2017
- Bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly…Campaign 17V149000 · Mar 7, 2017
Related service bulletins
Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review…
LI14.20-N-073867 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026Clunking noise on load change or gear engagement Complaint Clunking noise can be heard on some load changes or when changing from N->R or N->D Cause Movement of transfer case splines Remedy Apply bearing retainer…
LI28.00-N-063339 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For…
LI27.19-N-079793 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 16, 2025
Power Train problems in other Sprinter 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Sprinter 3500 | 6 | 22% |
| 2017 Sprinter 3500 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 Sprinter 3500 | 4 | 11% |
| 2013 Sprinter 3500 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 Sprinter 3500 | 3 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.