2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a popular cargo and passenger van known for its versatility and spaciousness. This model year offered several engine and transmission choices, including a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 154 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque was also an option. The gasoline engine came paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while both diesels were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sprinter for its high roof, cargo capacity, and fuel efficiency (especially with the diesel engines). However, some common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some electrical issues.

Engine

2.1L Four-Cylinder Diesel

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the DPF, leading to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and the DPF warning light illuminating. Can also lead to the vehicle entering limp mode.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF, cleaning the DPF, or replacement of the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging or failure of the EGR valve, leading to rough idling, reduced engine power, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Diesel

• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the oil cooler, often dripping onto other engine components. Can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, excessive black smoke, whistling noises from the turbocharger, and potential turbocharger failure.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Four-Cylinder Gasoline No Issues Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (Diesels)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, difficulty shifting, and potential torque converter failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (Gasoline) No Issues Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sagging, reduced load-carrying capacity, and potential breaking of the leaf springs. Especially common in vehicles that are frequently loaded heavily.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ per spring.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Failure (Diesel)
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult starting in cold weather, rough idling, and the glow plug warning light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty glow plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, sensors, or other electronic components. Often caused by chafing or corrosion of the wiring harness.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of the damaged wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, binding, and/or latching problems.
  • Solution: Adjustment of the door, lubrication of the tracks and rollers, or replacement of the door latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in no air blowing from the vents.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can be a reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. The most frequently reported problems involve the engine (especially the diesel models) and the transmission. Electrical gremlins and suspension issues also occur. The cost to repair these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major repairs like turbocharger or torque converter replacement. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs can help prevent or mitigate these problems.