2019 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 2500 Power Train Problems

My EIS module rendered my vehicle inoperable and left me stranded in the winter and left me stranded 54 miles away from the closest repair shop. Only because this is a know issue (see below) AND I had cell phone service enough to research this problem AND I had an air compressor to blow the wet/corroded connector out AND I was lucky enough it worked was I not left in a potentially life threatening situation. The weather was below freezing and this situation could have ended up requiring rescue, or worse. The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect.

When switching gears from park into drive or reverse. There is a large knock coming from the Differential area. The knock was getting louder, and the vehicle did not drive as smooth kept getting worse with time. I took it to differential specialist. He diagnosed the problem as loose axle shafts and replace left and right side costing me close to $3000.

Park feature on automatic transmission. Unit is available for inspection upon request. Unit was idling on the street for approximately 10 minutes, vehicle was in park. Vehicle began rolling down the incline while in park. Crew was in vehicle applied the brakes to stop the vehicle from rolling. Vehicle was sent to dealer. Dealer advised that a vehicle parked with the transmission in park position and the parking brake not engaged, The vehicle may roll away. They attached pages from the owners manual stating if you park the vehicle with the transmission in park position and the parking brake is not engaged the vehicle may roll away. Engaging park position is not a fully adequate replacement for the parking brake. No warning lights were on inthe vehicle.

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while an employee was moving the vehicle out of the garage into the parking lot, the employee shifted the vehicle into PARK with the engine running. The contact exited the vehicle and while walking to the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into REVERSE and started rolling backward almost pinning the employee up against the front wall of the garage. The contact stated that the vehicle was reversing at approximately 2 MPH. The vehicle rolled backward into the front wall of the garage. There was damage to the driver’s side door and front fender. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V972000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the issue was not a defect but an operator’s error. The failure mileage was approximately 50,925.

Mileage: 50,925

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact state that while in PARK, the vehicle moved and rolled away. Additionally, while in park the vehicle moved when the seat belt was released. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

The contact's client was utilizing a 2019 Mercedes- Benz Sprinter 2500 for work. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, the driver exited the vehicle however, it rolled backward, flipped over, and crushed the driver's legs. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained road and chemical burns and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no report of a fire or airbag deployment. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and inspected the vehicle where the black box was retrieved. The contact mentioned referenced NHTSA Action Number PE21019 (Power train). The failure mileage was 965.

Mileage: 965

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started rolling backward without warning. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Mileage: 24,000

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. THIS UNIT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE IS A LINK TO A VIDEO SHOWING THE ISSUE IN QUESTION. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZTDGXOKP-N8 AND HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/Y7CY8CMFMCC

Mileage: 39,610

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. WE HAVE A SECOND UNIT AT THE DEALER THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THIS UNIT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE DOWN TIME THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. WE HAVE PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH ALL OF THE VINS THAT ARE IN QUESTION AND VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE ARE A COUPLE MORE VIDEOS SHOWING THE ISSUE ACROSS THE 4 UNITS. 1) HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=NLPPZSZ7G20 2) HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/HWPCJ4BEJE8 3) HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LY7WQLXBHFE

Mileage: 28,873

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2019 MERCEDES SPRINTERS FREELY ROLLING IN PARK AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME. WE HAVE 20 SPRINTERS AND OUT OF THE 20 WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE ON 4 SO FAR. ONE UNIT SPENT ABOUT TWO MONTHS AT THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON IT. THAT SEEMED TO HAVE FIX THE ISSUE. WE HAVE A SECOND UNIT AT THE DEALER THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT AS OF THIS WRITING. THEY HAVE ADVISED US THAT MERCEDES IS INVESTIGATING AND WORKING ON A SOLUTION. THIS UNIT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE DOWN TIME THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. WE HAVE PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH ALL OF THE VINS THAT ARE IN QUESTION AND VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH TRUCKS THAT KEEP ROLLING AWAY. IN OUR OPINION MERCEDES HASN'T PUT ENOUGH EMPHASIS ON HELPING THE DEALER DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THE DURATION THAT THESE TRUCKS ARE OUT OF SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE CUSTOMER THAT USES THE VEHICLE AS A TOOL TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS. HERE ARE A COUPLE MORE VIDEOS SHOWING THE ISSUE ACROSS THE 4 UNITS. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LY7WQLXBHFE HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/D-SRVHCCFM0 HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/K9BOWLIAM94

Mileage: 42,935

ROLLAWAY FROM PARK. IMPACT AT RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE.*DT Consumer stated delivery driver had the vehicle on park and left the vehicle to deliver a package. While outside the vehicle, he heard a noise and vehicle began rolling downhill. As it rolled he heard a clicking noise (believed to be the parking pawl attempting to engage). We performed a joint inspection of the vehicle (VIN XXXXXX) with Mercedes. During the inspection, download of the ACM showed the engine was running at idle the whole time to the point of impact; operation of the transmission software to continuously shift to park when the driver’s door is opened was visually verified at the transmission inner manual lever; and the transmission was removed and disassembled to view the park pawl and ring gear. The ring gear had wear on the leading edge of the teeth consistent with contact with the parking pawl as it was attempting to engage. There was no injury or damage to the vehicle. It was taken to local dealer, who could find no reason for the roll away that had occurred. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

Mileage: 37,798

WE RUN A FLEET OF MERCEDES SPRINTERS AND WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED AN ISSUE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION MAY ROLL FREELY AFTER BEING PLACED INTO PARK. THE INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME SOME VEHICLES WILL RELEASE FROM THE PARKING POSITION AND ROLL FREELY. WE HAVE MULTIPLIED THIS ISSUE ON 4 UNITS SO FAR. MERCEDES HAS REPLACED A TRANSMISSION ON THIS UNIT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT SEEMS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. THE SEQUENCE THAT IS REQUIRED TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE IS AS FOLLOW- THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP AND IS PLACED INTO PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE DRIVER HAS TO REMAIN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH THE SEAT BELT ON FOR A PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES. AFTER THE 10-MINUTE TIMEOUT THE BRAKE HOLD WILL RELEASE AND SLOWLY ROLL THE TRUCK PAST THE PARKING PAWL (AS IT APPEARS THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING) WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE MAY FREELY ROLL ANYWHERE BETWEEN 2FT AND CONTINUOUSLY IF NOT STOPPED BY PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE ISSUE IS NOT 100% REPRODUCIBLE EVERY SINGLE TIME SO IT MAY TAKE 2 TO 8 ATTEMPTS TO GET THE SAID OUTCOME. WE ARE NOT SURE IF THIS SYMPTOM CAN BE DUPLICATED IN ANY OTHER WAY AS OF THE TIME OF WRITING THIS. MERCEDES WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH AN ANSWER TO WHY SOMETHING LIKE THIS CAN HAPPEN. WE ALSO HAVE MULTIPLE VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWING THE ISSUE IN QUESTION. WE WENT AS FAR AS TO RECORD THE LIVE DATA ON A MERCEDES DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLES VALUES SHOW THAT IT THINKS IT'S IN PARK. WE HAVE 20 VEHICLES IN THIS CATEGORY AND WE SEEM TO HAVE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE VINS ASSOCIATED TO DUSSELDORF, GERMANY PLANT WITH VEHICLE PRODUCTION DATES OF APRIL -2019. OUT OF THE 20 TRUCKS IN OUR FLEET 11 OF THOSE MEET THE CRITERIA AND WE WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON 4 OF THOSE UNITS SO FAR.

Mileage: 20,900

IT IS BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING A STRANGE SOUND IS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, I WENT BACK TO DEALER AND I WAS TOLD IT IS AN MANUFACTURING DEFECT ON DRIVER SHAFT AND BEARINGS. NO PARTS AVAILABLE SO FAR AND THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE, THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE LOAN VEHICLE EITHER. I AM STUCK AND CAN DO NOTHING INSTEAD MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR NO VEHICLE!

Mileage: 120