2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Safety Report
2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter shows low severe incident reports but recurring powertrain and electrical issues.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Reliability Score
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Speed Sensor Failure Multiple reports of wheel speed sensor failures leading to ABS, ESP, and check engine warning lights, erratic acceleration, loss of cruise control, and affecting brake performance. Some owners report multiple sensor replacements. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Hesitation Vehicle hesitates or loses motive power while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with check engine lights illuminating. Some instances involve the vehicle entering 'limp mode'. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Fluid Hose/Clamp Failure Power steering fluid lines blowing or clamps failing, leading to loss of power steering assist. One complaint mentions this occurring after a recall repair. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Def) System Malfunctions DEF warning lights illuminating, requiring diagnosis and repair, with some owners reporting issues despite existing recalls for the DEF system not covering their specific vehicle. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Erratic Acceleration/Vehicle Speed Control Issues Vehicle accelerating without driver input, particularly after warning lights appear, creating dangerous situations. Often linked to wheel speed sensor issues. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Driver'S Side Seat Belt Retraction Failure Driver's side seat belt slow to retract or not retracting at all, sometimes occurring shortly after warranty expiration. |
Medium | Occasional | under 20000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter:
Issues related to unintended acceleration, loss of motive power, and cruise control malfunctions, often linked to sensor failures.
Problems with power steering fluid leaks, hose failures, and the steering wheel becoming excessively hot.
Reports of abnormal engine sounds, loss of power, and issues related to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system.
Complaints including burning odors from the steering wheel and general electrical malfunctions affecting various systems.
Issues such as the vehicle shifting into limp mode, erratic transmission shifting, and vibrations at highway speeds.
Driver's side seat belt retraction failures and issues with seat belt buckle receivers breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a low number of total complaints (24) and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, so its performance in collisions is unassessed. Recurring issues with wheel speed sensors, loss of motive power, and steering components are noted in owner complaints, which could pose safety risks.
What are common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter include problems with Vehicle Speed Control (20.8% of complaints), often related to unintended acceleration and wheel speed sensor failures. Steering issues (12.5%), such as power steering fluid leaks and hot steering wheels, are also common. Engine and Electrical System complaints each account for 8.3% of reports, covering issues like DEF system malfunctions and electrical burning odors.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
While there are no open recalls specifically listed for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the provided data, some owner complaints reference recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Numbers 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control). Owners should check with Mercedes-Benz or NHTSA for the most current recall information applicable to their specific VIN.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have good crash test ratings?
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has not been rated by NHTSA for crash safety. It has N/A ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover safety, meaning there is no government crash test data available to assess its performance in collisions.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
When considering a used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, pay close attention to the vehicle's service history for repairs related to wheel speed sensors, power steering components, and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. Test drive the vehicle thoroughly to check for any hesitation, unintended acceleration, or warning lights, and inspect the steering for any abnormalities.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given recurring issues with critical components like wheel speed sensors and steering, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on powertrain and electrical systems, and verifying any applicable recall repairs have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.