Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 12,416 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2026.
In a sample of 388 cars, 81.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (23.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 32.2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
4.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 23.7% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 18% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 15.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 14.2% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 11.3% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 11.1% |
| Parking brake deceleration/effect insufficient | 10.3% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 9.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 9% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 8% |
Share of 388 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 48.5% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 18% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.9% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.5% |
| Rust damage, thickness reduced by more than 15% | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 12,416 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 32.2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 4.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 41% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz Sprinter passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-22 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2024-09-16 | steering | – | 1 |
| 2024-09-09 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 4 |
| 2024-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 5,866 |
| 2024-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 45 |
| 2024-05-24 | bodywork | – | 190 |
| 2023-12-13 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 26 |
| 2023-06-15 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2,518 |
| 2023-06-09 | electrical system | serious | 13,522 |
| 2023-04-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 6,526 |
| 2023-01-23 | other | – | 2,292 |
| 2023-01-19 | other | – | 9,625 |
| 2022-11-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 8,416 |
| 2022-11-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 43,895 |
| 2022-10-11 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 801 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fail the APK?
In a sample of 388 cars first registered 2012–2021, 81.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (23.7%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (18%), tyre pressure incorrect (15.5%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 32.2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.