RoadVitals

2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 17, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500, most frequently naming the engine, exterior lighting and other / unspecified categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1041.7%
  • Exterior lighting28.3%
  • Other / unspecified28.3%
  • Body & structure28.3%
  • Fuel system28.3%
  • Electrical28.3%
  • Tires & wheels14.2%
  • Brakes14.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V833000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Nov 17, 2016
17,501 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Vans USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
08V339000

STEERING:COLUMN

Jul 24, 2008
10 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE OPERATOR MAY LOSE STEERING ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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.
SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPORManufacturer number H25View on NHTSA.gov
07V299000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Jul 13, 2007
4,433 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE SWITCHING CONTACTS OF THE LAMP MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE REAR LAMP INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MANUFACTURING INTLView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 20
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2026

I own a 2005 Dodge Sprinter with open emissions recall T21. I have contacted three authorized Dodge/Chrysler dealerships to have recall T21 completed. All three dealerships refused to perform the recall because they stated they do not have the required equipment to complete the ECU reprogramming. As a result, I am unable to have the open recall completed despite multiple attempts. The manufacturer is failing to provide a reasonable means to complete the recall. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Stellantis to ensure that authorized dealerships have the necessary equipment to perform recall T21.

NHTSA ID
11754104
Incident
Jul 31, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11688200
Incident
Aug 22, 2025
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he watched a YouTube video and changed the fuel pressure sensor, but the failure recurred. The contact checked the wire harness, which was fine and pristine. There was a perturbing section on the manifold, and the two wires were cut. The wire webbing was frayed due to rubbing. The local dealer was contacted, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 252,858.

NHTSA ID
11625514
Incident
May 1, 2024
Mileage
252,858 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 5, 2021
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS HAD FAILED UPON ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED YET AGAIN. THE CONTACT THEN DECIDED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS HIMSELF AND DISCOVERED BURNT WIRING IN BOTH HEADLIGHT MANIFOLDS WHICH HE LINKED TO THE REPEATED FAILURE. AFTER THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHTS, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAD FAILED YET AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHERE THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11415253
Incident
Apr 19, 2021
Mileage
200,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 20, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, MERCEDES-BENZ OF MIAMI (1200 NW 167TH STREET, MIAMI, FL 33169, (305)707-0147) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A CALLBACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,976. INVALID VIN.

NHTSA ID
11350377
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
Mileage
228,976 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2017

WE LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE IS THE FAILING OF THE TURBO RESONATOR. MERCEDES RECOMMENDS A PLASTIC REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE TURBO RESONATOR. WE HAVE REPLACED THREE OF THESE. THE PART IS TWO-PIECE AND THE SEAM FAILS. IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE ENGINE. IT'S HOT THERE. THERE IS AN ALUMINUM PART AVAILABLE THAT SEEMS TO FUNCTION WITHOUT PROBLEMS. I'VE CALLED MB AND THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME UNLESS I TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERS. I'VE NOT HEARD GOOD NEWS ABOUT OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND DO HAVE A GREAT MECHANIC. I'D LIKE MB TO AT LEAST CONFIRM MY PROBLEM AND MANY OTHERS AS I READ THAT THIS PLASTIC PART HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS IN THE 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007'S. IF THE PART FAILS, WE LOOSE POWER AND COULD BE REAR ENDED. ALSOWHAT MATERIAL ARE THEY USING IN THE 2008'S?? WOULD YOU PLEASE CHECK THE INTERNET ABOUT THE "TURBO RESONATOR" AND THINK OF A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES?

NHTSA ID
11019587
Incident
Aug 18, 2017
Mileage
61,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 7, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (HUNTINGTON BEACH CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM LOCATED ON 16701 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT TO REACH OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER TO FILE A CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 31763746 AND FORMS FOR THE CONTACT TO FILL OUT AND SUBMIT PICTURES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.

NHTSA ID
10993697
Incident
Jun 6, 2017
Mileage
15,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jun 29, 2014

THE PASSENGER PULLED THE SEAT BELT ACROSS HER AND CLICKED INTO THE END MOUNT PIECE. THE END MOUNT PIECE CAME BACK WITH THE SEAT BELT EXPOSING 2 CABLE PIECES THAT HAD BROKEN OFF THE MOUNTING PLATE. THIS SHOWED THAT THE 2 CABLES MUST HAVE BROKEN FROM FATIGUE OVER SOME TIME AND WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER?S SIDE MOUNT WAS INSPECTED AND SHOWED NO FATIGUE OR FRAYING OF THE CABLES. I BROUGHT THE BROKEN END MOUNT PIECE TO THE ST CLAIR SHORES MI MERCEDES DEALER PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THE MOUNT PIECE DID NOT MATCH THE FACTORY INFORMATION. THE BROKEN END MOUNT COULD NOT BE LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES AND HAD TO BE ORDERED FROM GERMANY. THIS VAN WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT IN GERMANY AS A DODGE SPRINTER AND MODIFIED BY ROADTREK CANADA INTO AN RV. HOWEVER THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY MODIFICATION TO THE FRONT 2 SEATS OR SEAT BELTS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT HAVE MERCEDES PART NUMBER MARKINGS ON THEM.

NHTSA ID
10614432
Incident
Jun 27, 2014
Mileage
133,806 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit

T21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit

T21 Rev3

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Sprinter 2500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014000—
2013200—
2012000—
2011000—
2010000—
2009341—
2008535153.5
2007245152.3
2006345151.6
2005Viewing203062.9
2004123038.5
2003550—
2002040—
2001120—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.