What are the most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 6,900+ owner reports, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Diesel Injector Failure and Black Death (OM651/OM654), DEF/AdBlue SCR System Faults and Derate, OM642 V6 Oil Cooler Seal Leak (Oil in the Engine Valley). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 8 known issues documented across 6,900+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Diesel Injector Failure and Black Death (OM651/OM654) and DEF/AdBlue SCR System Faults and Derate and OM642 V6 Oil Cooler Seal Leak (Oil in the Engine Valley) and Turbocharger VNT Actuator Failure (Boost Faults, Limp Mode). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter problems?
Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz Sprinter issues range from $200 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Diesel Injector Failure and Black Death (OM651/OM654), typically costs $300-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2010-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Diesel Injector Failure and Black Death (OM651/OM654)?
Sprinter diesel injectors develop seal failures leading to the "Black Death" condition where combustion gases leak past the injector copper washers, carbonizing and creating hard tar deposits around the injector bore. This is the most common and feared Sprinter repair, as advance… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter DEF/AdBlue SCR System Faults and Derate?
The Sprinter diesel exhaust fluid (DEF/AdBlue) selective catalytic reduction system is plagued by faults in the dosing module, NOx sensors, DEF heater, and SCR catalyst. Failures trigger the dreaded "engine derate" countdown that limits vehicle speed to 5 mph if not resolved, str… Repairs typically run $500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter OM642 V6 Oil Cooler Seal Leak (Oil in the Engine Valley)?
On 3.0L V6 OM642 diesel Sprinters the engine oil cooler sits deep in the valley of the V, sealed to the block by O-rings. The early orange seals harden and shrink from constant heat and weep engine oil, which collects in the valley and runs down the back of the block, often mista… Repairs typically run $900-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Turbocharger VNT Actuator Failure (Boost Faults, Limp Mode)?
Sprinter diesels use a variable-geometry turbo whose vane position is controlled by an electronic actuator (PWM-driven on the OM642; vacuum/wastegate-controlled on some OM651). The actuator's electronics or worm-drive wear out, so the ECU can no longer command correct boost. The… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Glow Plug Failure and Cold Start Issues?
Sprinter glow plugs fail with age, causing hard starting in cold weather, rough idle when cold, and white smoke on startup. The OM642 V6 is particularly prone to glow plug seizure in the cylinder head, making removal difficult and risking broken glow plugs that require cylinder h… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter OM642 Harmonic Balancer / Crankshaft Pulley Rubber Failure?
The OM642 crankshaft pulley is a harmonic balancer with a bonded rubber ring between an inner hub and outer pulley. With age the rubber degrades and the outer ring separates or wobbles, causing belt-drive vibration, accessory misalignment and squeal. If left unchecked, uncontroll… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging from Short-Trip / Urban Use?
Sprinters used for city delivery — frequent stops, short trips and long idles — rarely reach the exhaust temperatures needed to complete a DPF regeneration. Soot accumulates until the filter is restricted, lighting the DPF warning, reducing power and eventually forcing limp mode… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sliding Door Roller and Track Wear?
The Sprinter sliding door rollers and track wear out from the heavy door weight and frequent commercial use. The upper and center rollers are most commonly affected, causing the door to become difficult to open or close, bind in the track, or hang crooked. In commercial fleet use… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: low.
