2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a popular choice for commercial use and conversion vans, appreciated for its spaciousness, versatility, and payload capacity. The 2016 model year offered several engine options: a 2.1L four-cylinder diesel (OM651) producing 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 diesel (OM642) generating 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A 188 horsepower 258 lb-ft of torque 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine was also available. The diesel engines were typically paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-Tronic Plus), while the gasoline engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. While owners praise its durability and cargo capacity, common complaints include the cost of maintenance, diesel emissions system issues, and some electrical gremlins.

Engine

2.1L Four-Cylinder Diesel (OM651)

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent DPF regeneration cycles, illuminated check engine light, reduced engine power, potential for clogging if regeneration is unsuccessful.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration by a mechanic, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, black smoke from exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: EGR valve cleaning or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Diesel (OM642)

• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the oil cooler area, oil consumption, potential for overheating if oil level drops too low.
  • Solution: Oil cooler replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, black smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Four-Cylinder Gasoline

• No Issues Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic Plus) (Diesel Engines)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, rough shifting, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (Gasoline Engine)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sits lower than the front, reduced load carrying capacity, poor ride quality. More common with heavily loaded vans.
  • Solution: Leaf spring replacement or installation of auxiliary springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Module Failure (Diesel Engines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult starting in cold weather, check engine light.
  • Solution: Glow plug module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Various)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, related to various sensors such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, etc.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per sensor, depending on location and type.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock does not function, may lock or unlock erratically
  • Solution: Door lock actuator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, rollers wearing out, alignment problems.
  • Solution: Roller replacement, door alignment adjustment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the extent of the problem.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor stops working, no air flow from vents.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, while generally reliable, does experience some common issues. The diesel engines are prone to emission control system problems (DPF, EGR) and oil leaks, which can be costly to repair. The transmission can also have issues with the torque converter. Electrical problems such as sensor failures and door lock actuators are reported. The sliding door and HVAC blower motor also present common problems. Overall, while no widespread catastrophic failures plague the 2016 Sprinter, potential repair costs can be high, especially with diesel engine-related issues, which should be carefully considered when purchasing a used model.