Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500 reliable?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500 has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: while driving vehicle started to accelerate without foot on gas pedal after the abs ,esp and check engine warning lights appeared on dash. extremely dangerous situation. i responded to mercedes dealer and vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty rear wheel speed sensor. service advisor stated that 'se. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ENGINE

2 complaints

33%

• WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SE
• Seems that the DEF system is out. 16 remaining to start the engine. Called dealership, got told the the extended warranty doesn’t cover my vehicle. There’s a recall and the DEF system, but for some reason it doesn’t cover my vehicle. It’s only 125K mi, already replaced the EGR and now I have to deal

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (7)

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE02/10/2019

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."

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

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 1500 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2018 SPRINTER 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AFTER THE ABS ,ESP AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I RESPONDED TO MERCEDES DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT 'SE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Seems that the DEF system is out. 16 remaining to start the engine. Called dealership, got told the the extended warranty doesn’t cover my vehicle. There’s a recall and the DEF system, but for some reason it doesn’t cover my vehicle. It’s only 125K mi, already replaced the EGR and now I have to deal
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)