2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 is a popular van known for its versatility and spaciousness, often used for commercial purposes, camper van conversions, and passenger transport. Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L turbo diesel V6 engine that produces 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sprinter’s high roof option, allowing for stand-up headroom, its customizable cargo area, and the availability of advanced safety features. Common complaints include higher maintenance costs compared to other vans and occasional issues with the electronic systems.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engine

• No Issues Found

3.0L Turbo Diesel V6 Engine

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations on the engine, including the oil cooler seals, valve cover gaskets, and the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: The specific solution depends on the source of the leak. Replacing the leaking seals or gaskets is typically required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold. This can manifest as harsh gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, or difficulty finding the correct gear.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission rebuild).

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as the oxygen sensor (O2 sensor), mass airflow (MAF) sensor, and wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to check engine lights, poor engine performance, or issues with the ABS or traction control systems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per sensor.
• Multimedia System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the MBUX infotainment system, including freezing, glitching, and unresponsive touchscreens, have been reported.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (head unit replacement).
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of door lock actuators, causing the doors to not lock or unlock properly with the key fob.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400 per door.

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the sliding door mechanism, including difficulty opening or closing the door, unusual noises, or the door not latching properly.
  • Solution: Adjusting the door alignment, lubricating the tracks and rollers, or replacing worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Interior

• No Issues Found

Recalls

• NHTSA Recall Number: 20V085
  • Description: Certain 2019-2020 Sprinter and Metris vehicles may have a software issue that can cause the electronic stability program (ESP) to not function properly.
  • Remedy: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020.
• NHTSA Recall Number: 20V682
  • Description: Certain 2019-2020 Sprinter vehicles may have been assembled with a missing or incorrectly installed ground connection on the rear axle wiring harness. This can result in the vehicle not starting or stalling.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ground connection on the rear axle wiring harness and install a ground connection if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2020.
• NHTSA Recall Number: 21V972
  • Description: Certain 2019-2021 Sprinter vehicles may have a software error in the instrument cluster that can cause the speedometer to display an incorrect speed.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2022.

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, while praised for its versatility and spaciousness, does have some common issues. The diesel engine is prone to oil leaks, while the 9-speed transmission can experience rough shifting. Electrical problems, such as malfunctioning sensors and infotainment system glitches, are also reported. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission rebuilds, can be quite costly. Owners should be aware of these potential issues and ensure regular maintenance to mitigate problems.