California RV Lemon Law and Dealer Fraud

RV

Sprinter RV Problems? Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

Sprinter

Owning a Sprinter RV Should Be a Dream — Not a Headache

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are a popular platform for Class B and Class C motorhomes. From luxury touring coaches to rugged off-grid rigs, RV manufacturers rely on the Sprinter chassis for its performance, fuel efficiency, and versatility. But for many owners of 2010–2024 Sprinter-based RVs, repeated mechanical problems and long repair times are making the dream of van life a nightmare.

If your Sprinter RV has been in the shop too often or too long, you may qualify for compensation under California’s Lemon Law.

Common RV Brands That Use the Sprinter Chassis

If you own an RV built by any of these manufacturers, there’s a good chance your rig rides on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform:

Popular Sprinter-Based RV Builders:

  • Winnebago (e.g., Revel, View, Navion, Era)
  • Thor Motor Coach (e.g., Gemini, Delano, Tiburon)
  • Airstream (e.g., Interstate 19, Interstate 24X, Atlas)
  • Tiffin Motorhomes (e.g., Wayfarer)
  • Coachmen (e.g., Galleria, Prism)
  • Pleasure-Way (e.g., Plateau, Ascent)
  • Roadtrek (e.g., SS Agile, Zion Slumber)
  • Entegra Coach (e.g., Qwest)
  • Jayco (e.g., Melbourne, Terrain)
  • Leisure Travel Vans (e.g., Unity, Wonder)
  • Regency RV, Midwest Automotive Designs, Grech RV, and more

Your RV will have a warranty from the end manufacturer that covers defects in material or workmanship. However, Mercedes-Benz provides a separate warranty that protects against defects in material and workmanship on the chassis or propulsion side of your motorhome.

EACH WARRANTY CAN PROVIDE A BASIS TO BRING A LEMON LAW CLAIM IN CALIFORNIA!

Top Sprinter RV Van Defects Affecting Motorhome Owners

DEF System & Emissions Problems

  • “10 starts remaining” message
  • Limp mode activation
  • Faulty NOx sensors and SCR systems

Transmission & Drivetrain Issues

  • Slipping or delayed shifts
  • Transmission fluid leaks
  • Driveshaft and differential problems

Electrical Failures

  • Dash warning lights
  • Battery drain or charging issues
  • Faulty glow plugs or sensors

Turbo/Intake Malfunctions

  • Loss of power on hills
  • Turbo resonator cracks
  • Boost pressure leaks

California Lemon Law: What You Need to Know

You may be protected under California’s Lemon Law if:

  • Your Sprinter RV has had 2–4+ repair attempts for the same issue
  • It has been in the shop for 30+ cumulative days
  • The defect affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
  • The problem started while under Mercedes-Benz warranty, AND
  • A Mercedes-Benz authorized repair facility attempted to repair the motorhome.
Sprinter RV

Even if your Sprinter RV’s living quarters are made by another brand, the powertrain, emissions system, electrical, brakes, etc., fall under the chassis manufacturer’s warranty — which is Mercedes-Benz.

You will need an attorney with experience navigating the different warranties in order to bring a successful lemon law claim on your behalf.

Bottom Line
Sprinter-based RVs promise comfort and capability, but constant downtime or expensive repairs shouldn’t come with the package. If you’re a California owner of a Sprinter RV from brands like Winnebago, Thor, or Airstream, and your van keeps breaking down, you may qualify for relief under the California Lemon Law.

Get a FREE Consultation Today

Don’t settle for repeated repairs or road trip delays—get the legal protection you’re entitled to. If your motorhome has unrepair defects, recalls and lengthy delays in the shop, contact the Attorneys at the RV Auto Legal Team for a FREE CONSULTATION and personalized assistance with your lemon law claim.

Serving All of California: Call 1-858-544-2292



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