Known APK problem
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: engine and drivetrain
On the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the APK inspector finds engine and drivetrain problems 80% more often than on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 0.7%, against about 0.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Defects in the engine, gearbox or engine mounts.
How to check it at the viewing
Start cold and listen for ticking, watch for smoke and jerks when shifting.
Ask the seller: When was the timing belt or chain last replaced, and have there been engine or gearbox problems?
By age
Share of inspected Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Sprinter | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6 years | B | 0.3% | 0.1% | 2.6× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 0.4% | 0.2% | 1.8× |
| 11 – 12 years | B | 0.7% | 0.3% | 2.2× |
| 13 – 15 years | B | 0.7% | 0.4% | 1.8× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 13–15 years
| Model | Engine and drivetrain | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 0.7% | 1.8× |
| Dacia Logan | 1.0% | 2.6× |
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mercedes-Benz Sprinters of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter · Engine and drivetrain: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter often have engine and drivetrain problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a engine and drivetrain defect on 0.7% of inspected Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (1.8×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the engine and drivetrain on a used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Start cold and listen for ticking, watch for smoke and jerks when shifting.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know