Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 reliable?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 has 17 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500?

Top problems: BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): UNKNOWN OR OTHER, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, 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 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 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 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 has 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is brakes problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 mercedes-benz sprinter 3500. the contact stated that the brakes failed and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed. the contact had to pump the brake pedal to stop the vehicle harder than usual. the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard quicker than usu. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

3 complaints

18%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USU
• WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITIO
• We have a 2019 motorhome on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We are concerned about the wheel speed sensor failing. Three out of 4 sensors have already failed and been replaced on ours and Mercedes will not replace the 4th sensor until it fails. When this sensor fails it affects the ABS brakes and

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USU”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (10)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER02/10/2019

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Sprinter and Metris vehicles. The vehicles left the reassembly plant without the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts or bolt connections, resulting in possible unknown safety risks.

Risk: Failure to identify loose safety related parts can increase the risk of crash and injury.

Fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and vehicles will be returned to the reassembly plant for comprehensive inspection and, if necessary, corrective action, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSX566ZP25.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500

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 3500 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 3500, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~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 17 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE HARDER THAN USUAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD QUICKER THAN USU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: WHEN TURNING A CORNER,ENGINE RACED TO 45 MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE.ALMOST LOST CONTROL.HAD TO PUT VEHICLE,MEREDES SPRINTER 3500,INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT.HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE DEALER REPAIR SPEED SENSORS THREE OTHER TIMES.WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOOSE CRUISE CONTROL.DANGEROUS CONDITIO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V663000 (Steering) and 21V042000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contac
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal sulfur odor coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. As the odor persisted, the contact’s eyes started burning and the contact also started having a
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)