Mercedes-Benz

Sprinter 3500 (2012)

2012 · Van ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.1)
20 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

MG5+MH1

โŒ Avoid (1.1)
18 complaints 16.0 per year Diesel
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
8
other
4
transmission
3
fuel system
3
safety systems
2

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
Transmission Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)

Same engine used in

2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
electrical critical

Alternatives in Van

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 problems?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has accumulated 20 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 a good used car?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 20 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 have?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sprinter 3500?

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: N/A stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 20 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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