Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 reliable?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (5 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500?

Yes, there are 22 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS, STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 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.

2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER 3500 has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is electrical problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: 2020 mercedes benz sprinter 3500. consumer writes regarding a defective backup camera and lane watch. *ld the consumer stated the back up camera/lane watch was unable to be seen in the daylight, the upper door lock was inoperative, the kitchen faucet leaked. the tv needs to be replaced. the mirr. There are 22 recalls issued for this model year.

3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

5 complaints

23%

• 2020 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECTIVE BACKUP CAMERA AND LANE WATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK UP CAMERA/LANE WATCH WAS UNABLE TO BE SEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, THE UPPER DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE KITCHEN FAUCET LEAKED. THE TV NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MIRR
• The contact owns a 2022 Midwest Automotive Passage MD4 RV built on the chassis of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that
• The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V360000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of

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

“2020 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECTIVE BACKUP CAMERA AND LANE WATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK UP CAMERA/LANE WATCH WAS UNABLE TO BE SEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, THE UPPER DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE KITCHEN FAUCET LEAKED. THE TV NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MIRR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (22)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER21/12/2020

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes. The rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the housing of the electric parking brake connected to the rear axle service brake system, allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake system.

Risk: Air in the brake system can result in extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DVUSA will replace the rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3BREPB.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 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 2020 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: 2020 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECTIVE BACKUP CAMERA AND LANE WATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK UP CAMERA/LANE WATCH WAS UNABLE TO BE SEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, THE UPPER DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE KITCHEN FAUCET LEAKED. THE TV NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MIRR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: This vehicle suspends cruise control and breaking assist without notice. These systems become unavailable sometimes for days. While driving downhill, you suddenly lose speed control requiring excessive manual breaking. The problem is dangerous because you suddenly lose the ability to maintain cruise
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: 2020 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECTIVE BACKUP CAMERA AND LANE WATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK UP CAMERA/LANE WATCH WAS UNABLE TO BE SEEN IN THE DAYLIGHT, THE UPPER DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE KITCHEN FAUCET LEAKED. THE TV NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MIRR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: The contact owns a 2022 Midwest Automotive Passage MD4 RV built on the chassis of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V410000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 21V411000 (Electrical System, Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 22 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)