2021 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 50
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, known as the Boxer 50 in some markets, is a versatile commercial van popular for its spacious interior, payload capacity, and customizable configurations. Engine options typically include a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel producing around 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L V6 turbo diesel producing around 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L four-cylinder gas engine producing around 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consist of a 7-speed automatic and 9-speed automatic, depending on the engine. Owners generally appreciate the van’s cargo capacity, comfortable driving experience, and available technology features. Common complaints include the higher upfront cost compared to competitors, potential for expensive repairs, and some reports of electrical issues.
Engine
2.0L Four-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and potential for the engine to stall.
- Solution: Replace faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, black smoke from exhaust, and rough idling. EGR valve may become clogged with carbon deposits.
- Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
- Oil Cooler Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the front of the engine, potential for overheating, and low oil pressure.
- Solution: Replace the oil cooler and related seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, and a check engine light. Can be caused by short trips and infrequent high-speed driving.
- Solution: Attempt a forced regeneration. If that fails, replace the DPF.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Forced regeneration: $200 - $400. DPF Replacement: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Four-Cylinder Gas
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining or hissing noises from the engine, loss of power, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, further diagnostics may be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush and filter change: $300 - $500+. More complex repairs will be significantly more.
- Recalls: None Found
9-Speed Automatic
- Hesitation/Delay in Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse.
- Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM). If that doesn’t resolve it, valve body replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $150 - $300. Valve Body Replacement: $1000 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Suspension Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the van sits lower than the front, especially when loaded. Can lead to reduced ride quality and handling.
- Solution: Replace rear shocks and check leaf springs for sagging. Upgrade to heavy-duty components if regularly carrying heavy loads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Shock replacement: $300 - $600. Leaf spring replacement: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Sensor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard, including ABS, ESP, and TPMS. Can be caused by faulty wheel speed sensors, brake pad wear sensors, or tire pressure sensors.
- Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per sensor depending on location and type.
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation errors.
- Solution: Software updates. If that fails, the head unit may need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $200. Head Unit Replacement: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity. Can be caused by parasitic drain from aftermarket accessories or a faulty module.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Test and replace the battery if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement: $200 - $400. Parasitic drain diagnosis and repair: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sliding Door Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, or unusual noises.
- Solution: Adjust the door alignment, lubricate the tracks and rollers, or replace worn components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Minor adjustments and lubrication: $100 - $300. Component replacement: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced or no airflow from the vents, unusual noises from the blower motor, and failure to change fan speed.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Boxer 50) can experience a range of issues, from engine-related problems like fuel injector failures and oil leaks, to transmission glitches and electrical malfunctions. While some issues, like EGR valve problems or blower motor failures, are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as turbocharger replacements or DPF issues, can be quite costly. The severity of these issues varies, with some affecting drivability and reliability, while others are more of an inconvenience. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a used 2021 Sprinter Van.