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2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Compare all Sprinter 2500 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 18 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports2 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

21 reports
85,044 miles · May 31, 2011
Wheels

2005 DODGE SPRINTER (84857 MILES) HAD EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKED ON AT DEALER. APPROXIMATELY 187 MILES AND ROUGHLY 45-50 HOURS LATER THE REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE FELL OFF. FOUR OF FIVE LUG BOLTS WERE MISSING. THE FIFTH LUG NUT WAS STILL ATTACHED, BUT BADLY BENT. HEAD OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS COMMON KNOWLED…

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2005 DODGE SPRINTER (84857 MILES) HAD EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKED ON AT DEALER. APPROXIMATELY 187 MILES AND ROUGHLY 45-50 HOURS LATER THE REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE FELL OFF. FOUR OF FIVE LUG BOLTS WERE MISSING. THE FIFTH LUG NUT WAS STILL ATTACHED, BUT BADLY BENT. HEAD OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT ALUMINUM RIMS AND STEEL WHEELS WERE INCOMPATIBLE AND THIS WAS THE REASON FOR THE TIRE FALLING OFF. THE SPRINTER HAD BEEN MAINTAINED SOLELY BY THE DEALER FOR NINETY PERCENT OF IT'S HISTORY COVERING FOUR YEARS AND APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. DEALER DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMING ME OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL. I PAID TO HAVE STEEL RIMS REPLACE THE ALUMINUM ONES. THE ALUMINUM RIMS, AND REMAINING LUG BOLTS ARE IN MY POSSESSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10403880

28,000 miles · Jul 17, 2010
TiresWheels

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2005 DODGE SPRINTER FOR OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD 4 FLAT TIRES DUE TO VALVE STEM FAILURES (IT IS SITTING IN MY PARKING LOT RIGHT NOW WITH A FLAT FRONT DRIVERS TIRE) THE VALVE STEM BULGES AND SPITS OUT AIR AS SOON AS I FILL IT. I CAN FEEL THE LEAK AND SEE THE STEM BULGE WHEN TRY TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE . I HAVE S…

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I HAVE OWNED THIS 2005 DODGE SPRINTER FOR OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD 4 FLAT TIRES DUE TO VALVE STEM FAILURES (IT IS SITTING IN MY PARKING LOT RIGHT NOW WITH A FLAT FRONT DRIVERS TIRE) THE VALVE STEM BULGES AND SPITS OUT AIR AS SOON AS I FILL IT. I CAN FEEL THE LEAK AND SEE THE STEM BULGE WHEN TRY TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE . I HAVE SEEN OTHER SPRINTERS WITH THIS PROBLEM MERCEDES RECALLED 2004 SPRINTER FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MORE VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THEY WERE TO FAIL ON A LOADED VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343745

45,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

SPRINTER VAN STALLS DURING DECELERATION 2005 SPRINTER VAN WITH DUAL A/C STALLS WHEN BOTH A/C ARE ON AND DECELERATING. HAPPENS DURING SUMMER MONTHS DODGE HAS A FIX WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT ONLY IF UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335098

12,600 miles · Jul 20, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TURBO RESONATOR CHAMBER FAILURE. RESULTING IN LOSS OF BOOST AND POWER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277398

120,000 miles · May 5, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 61 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCED BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED; THEREFO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 61 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCED BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE BOLT AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. HE HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10267734

2,336 miles · Apr 24, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE TURBO RESONATOR CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS WHICH AS A CONSEQUENCE INCREASED THE RISK OF A SERIOUS CRASH AND INJURY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TURBO RESONATOR FOUR TIMES. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE FAIL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE TURBO RESONATOR CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS WHICH AS A CONSEQUENCE INCREASED THE RISK OF A SERIOUS CRASH AND INJURY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TURBO RESONATOR FOUR TIMES. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE FAILURE HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. A TECHNICIAN SPECULATED THT POOR QUALITY AND EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPOSURE CAUSED THE COMPONENT TO FAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,336 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.UPDATED 5/6/09 *CN UPDATED 05/08/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10266606

12,000 miles · Jan 28, 2009
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 3500 SC. THE CONTACT NOTICED ISSUES WITH THE TURN SIGNALS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLLED THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONED CORRECTLY, BUT THE TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE. HE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 3500 SC. THE CONTACT NOTICED ISSUES WITH THE TURN SIGNALS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLLED THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONED CORRECTLY, BUT THE TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE SECOND TIME, IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR THE ISSUE. THE MOST RECENT VISIT, IN APRIL OF 2007, AN OUTSIDE SOURCE BOUGHT AND REPLACED THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH THE RECEIPT AND THEY PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT. IN NOVEMBER OF 2007, THE SWITCH FAILED AGAIN. THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND THE CONTACT WAITED MORE THAN 11 MONTHS FOR IT TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD COST $204. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10256561

15,000 miles · Aug 21, 2008
Electrical SystemFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE SMOKE INSIDE THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE SMOKE INSIDE THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INSPECTED. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V299000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 15,000.UPDATE 10/01/08 *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE SWITCH MECHANISM USED IN THE REAR LIGHTS WAS POORLY DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. UPDATED 10/03/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10239151

120,000 miles · Apr 4, 2007
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicInjury

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR COMING FROM THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE INJECTOR WASHERS WERE LEAKING EXHAUST GASSES. THE CONTACT INSTALLED NEW WASHERS. THE CONTACT STATE…

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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR COMING FROM THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE INJECTOR WASHERS WERE LEAKING EXHAUST GASSES. THE CONTACT INSTALLED NEW WASHERS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUMES IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE BREATHING PROBLEMS, WATERING OF THE EYES AND HEADACHES. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDALWAS DEPRESSED IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. THE DEALER STATED THISWAS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 120000 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10186990

13,120 miles · Jan 10, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE ON 05/22/06. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A CLEAR DAY AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ANDTHE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING SPEED. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WENT DOWN TO 30-35 MPH, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTA…

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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE ON 05/22/06. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A CLEAR DAY AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ANDTHE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING SPEED. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WENT DOWN TO 30-35 MPH, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT S PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND STARTED IT BACK UP. THE VEHICLE WENT BACK TO 70-75 MPH FOR ABOUT 3 MILES AND STARTED LOSING POWER AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 100 MILES, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE SPEED, HE' PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD GO 70 MPH AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR ORDER SITED THE TURBO RESONATOR AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE.*AK UPDATED 1/29/2007 - (TURBO RESONATOR # 05137154AA) *NM

NHTSA ODI #10178294

Official recalls

3

16V833000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Nov 17, 2016

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.

08V339000 · Steering:column

Jul 24, 2008

SPRINTER IS RECALLING 10 MY 2001-2006 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER 2500 AND 3500 VEHICLES. THE WELDING SEAM BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND STEERING COLUMN OF AFFECTED SPARE PARTS DOES NOT MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RESULT OF AN OUT OF SPECIFICATION WELDING SEAM IS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MAY DETACH FROM ITS INTERIOR VEHICLE MOUNTING BRACKET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE OPERATOR MAY LOSE STEERING ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMNS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 843-695-5057.

07V299000 · Interior Lighting

Jul 13, 2007

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH REAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, THE INTERIOR LAMP IS EQUIPPED WITH AN 18W LAMP AND A SCATTERING LENS. IN EXTREMELY HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS, THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY, AND THE HEAT FROM THE LAMP DUE TO EXTREME LONG TERM OPERATION, CAN DISTORT THE SCATTERING LENS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SWITCHING CONTACTS OF THE LAMP MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE REAR LAMP INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR INTERIOR LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION WHICH IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE IMPACTS OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL AT 1-843-695-5041.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.