Daimler Vans USA has identified a problem affecting specific 2024 model-year eSprinter vehicles. The impacted electric vans feature a rear-axle drivetrain that may fail due to unreliable helical gear welds.
These affected vans were manufactured between December 23, 2022, and July 17, 2024. In the event of propulsion failure, the parking lock may also malfunction. The rear motors are supplied by ZF North America, with the German automaker assigning part numbers A907300900 and A9073401400 to these components.
ZF enhanced its production methods on September 30, 2024. Before a drivetrain failure occurs, drivers may detect rattling noises from the motor area. Dealers have been directed to replace potentially defective drive units, and owner notification letters are set to be mailed by April 11, 2025.
An estimated 689 vehicles in the U.S. market are believed to have these suspect motors. Concerned owners can check if their van is affected by entering the 17-character VIN on the automaker’s consumer website. Notably, all eSprinter vans in North America have VINs starting with “W,” a remnant from when Germany was divided into East and West.
Although Mercedes-Benz AG states that the Sprinter and eSprinter are produced in Charleston, this actually means they are assembled there from complete knock-down kits. This method allows the company to circumvent the 25% “Chicken Tax” tariff, which was introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 as a countermeasure to U.S. chicken tariffs imposed by France and West Germany.
2025 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter for the U.S. Market
At present, the zero-emission Sprinter is available solely as a panel van. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is offered with both base and high-output powertrains and comes with a choice of either a 144-inch or a 170-inch wheelbase. The high roof is an optional feature for the 144-inch version, while the 170-inch extended wheelbase automatically includes the high-roof option.
Customers can choose from seven base paint colors, ten premium hues, and four metallic premium options. A variety of optional packages are also available, including the Comfort Package, Driver Convenience Package, and Comfort Plus Package. Additional features include a heated windshield, power-folding mirrors, a trailer hitch, and electric closing assistance for the right sliding door. Every 2025 eSprinter comes with four included services.
Daimler Vans USA highlights key specifications, including up to 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower) for the rear drive unit, a cargo capacity of up to 488 cubic feet (13,819 liters), and a charging capacity of up to 115 kilowatts. The estimated driving range stands at 150 miles (241 kilometers) under the WLTP cycle with the 81-kWh battery or 206 miles (332 kilometers) with the larger 113-kWh battery.
Rather than competing primarily with the Ram ProMaster EV, the eSprinter’s biggest rival in the segment is the Ford E-Transit. In 2024, Ford Motor Company reported U.S. sales of 12,610 E-Transit units, compared to a total of 152,738 units for the entire full-size Transit lineup.
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