2019 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 60

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, also known as the “Boxer 60” in some markets, is a popular choice for commercial and recreational use, valued for its spacious cargo area, versatility, and Mercedes-Benz engineering. Engine options include a 2.0L 4 cylinder diesel (161 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.0L V6 diesel (188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque). Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sprinter’s fuel efficiency (for its class), comfortable ride, and available technology. However, some common complaints include the higher upfront cost compared to competitors, potential for expensive repairs, and occasional issues with the emissions system.

Engine

2.0L 4-Cylinder Diesel

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent DPF regeneration cycles, DPF clogging, engine warning lights, reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration by a mechanic, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, black smoke from exhaust, engine warning light.
  • Solution: EGR valve cleaning or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Diesel

• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, coolant loss (as the oil cooler is often integrated with the cooling system), engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and associated gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine, loss of power, engine warning light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger inspection, repair, or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500-$4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, transmission warning light.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or repair, transmission fluid flush and fill.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200-$3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging (Especially with Heavy Loads)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sitting lower than the front, poor handling, bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear leaf springs or installation of air suspension assist.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Malfunctions (Various Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine warning lights, ABS warning lights, ESP warning lights, inaccurate sensor readings. Can be caused by faulty sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis with a scan tool, replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$800+ (depending on the sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Issues (Diesel Engines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, rough idling, excessive smoke at startup.
  • Solution: Glow plug replacement, glow plug control module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to open or close, binding, rollers wearing out.
  • Solution: Lubrication of rollers and tracks, replacement of rollers or complete sliding door mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around body panels. Common areas include around wheel wells, rocker panels, and underbody.
  • Solution: Removal of rust and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, noisy blower motor.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, while a capable and versatile vehicle, can suffer from a range of issues. Diesel engines can experience issues with DPF filters and EGR valves with oil cooler leaks and turbocharger issues. Transmission problems with the 7-speed automatic include valve body and torque converter failures. Other common concerns include sagging rear suspension, electrical sensor malfunctions, problematic sliding doors, rust formation, HVAC blower motor failure, and infotainment system glitches. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly, but some repairs, such as turbocharger replacement or transmission work, can be quite expensive. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle, review its maintenance history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.