RoadVitals

2004 Dodge Sprinter

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.
39
Latest Feb 4, 2020
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.
0
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.
1
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Dodge Sprinter, most frequently naming the engine, tires & wheels and electrical categories. 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 34 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

  • Engine1023.3%
  • Electrical49.3%
  • Transmission49.3%
  • Fuel system37.0%
  • Body & structure37.0%
  • Brakes37.0%
  • Visibility24.7%

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

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE04066ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TIRE VALVE FAILURE

Opened Sep 21, 2004
Closed Feb 2, 2005

ODI OPENED PE04-066 TO INVESTIGATE FIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING TIRE VALVE FAILURE IN MY 2003-04 SUBJECT VEHICLES.SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED MULTIPLE TIRE VALVE FAILURES FOR A SINGLE VEHICLE.ON DECEMBER 16, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (DCMI) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MY 2002-05 SPRINTER 2500 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TR-600 TIRE VALVES PRODUCED BY ALLIGATOR VENTILFABRICK GMBH (RECALL 04V-600).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THE CHEMICAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER COMPONENTS AND AN UNSTABLE SUPPLIER PRODUCTION PROCESS, WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE MIXING OF THE RUBBER COMPONENTS, AS THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.AS A RESULT OF THESE FACTORS, CRACKS CAN DEVELOP WITHIN THE RUBBER PART OR BETWEEN THE METAL AND THE RUBBER PARTS OF THE VALVE STEM, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AT THE VALVE STEM AND MAY POSE A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ALTHOUGH THE TR-600 TIRE VALVE IS USED ONLY ON THE 2500 SERIES SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH 16 INCH TIRES, DCMI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL FOR ALL SPRINTER 2500 VEHICLES SOLD IN THE U.S. TO REPLACE THE CURRENT TIRE VALVES WITH A TR-600 VALVE, WHICH USES A SINGLE RUBBER COMPONENT FOR THE VALVES.ALL 24 COMPLAINTS AND ALL 43 WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED IN THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVED MY 2002-04 SPRINTER 2500 VEHICLES, WHICH COMPRISE APPROXIMATELY 84 PERCENT OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.

TIRESLed to recall 04V600000

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Feb 4, 2020

UPON COMPLETION OF THE T21 RECALL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (ERROR CODE U0423) CAME ON. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WAS OFF, DRAINING THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ID
11306976
Incident
Dec 12, 2019
Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY MISFIRED. THE DODGE MANUFACTURER INCLUDED THE VEHICLE IN ITS T21 EMISSIONS RECALL FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT; HOWEVER, THE TOOLS, AN AVAILABLE TECHNICIAN, AND THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE FOLLOWING DEALERS WERE CONTACTED: ED VOYLES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (789 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (844) 715-5921), SHOTTENKIRK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (200 LIBERTY BLVD, CANTON, GA 30114, (678) 535-3417), LANDMARK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (6850 MT ZION BLVD, MORROW, GA 30260, (770) 968-4900), DON JACKSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (3950 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 969-7229), AND MALL OF GEORGIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (4345 BUFORD DR, BUFORD, GA 30518, (888) 522-5112). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER WHO WAS TO RESPOND WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED TODAY IS AUGUST 10,2018 AND WE ARE STILL ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE OUR RECALL T-21 OF SPRINTER 2004. ALTHOUGH IT HAS TAKEN 3 MONTH TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO GET THIS RECALL RESOLVED. WE WENT TI HAVE THE SITUATION SOLVED ON AUG 7. NOW AFTER A SERVICE MANAGER ASKED HIS OWN PERSONAL COMPUTER TO DO THE UPDATE... WE NOW HAVE A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON- STILL NOT RESOLVED MANY POOR EXCUSES FROM CIA- CASE# 3646736668. UPDATED 10/9/18*JB

NHTSA ID
11109603
Incident
Jun 12, 2018
Filed Nov 29, 2017

I USED YOUR ONLINE VIN CHECKER TO SEE IF MY CAR HAS A RECALL AND IT SAID NO RECALLS, AND REQUEST INVALID BUT I KNOW I ENTERED THE CORRECT VIN AND YOU GAVE ME MY VEHICLE YEAR AND MODEL INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID
11051206
Incident
Nov 29, 2017
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 2, 2015

FOUR P225/75R15XL SCORPION STR TIRES PURCHASED & INSTALLED 8-5-10 AT EVANS TIRE &SERVICE CENTER 1530 GARNET AVE. SAN DIEGO CA 92109 ONTO 2004 DODGE SPRINTER 2500, MILEAGE 28274. ON 2-28-2015 MILEAGE APPROX.43125MI. : PASSERBY REPORTED LEFT REAR TIRE APPEARED VERY LOW ON AIR; DRIVER IMMEDIATELY PRESENTEDVAN TO SAME SHOP WHERE EMPLOYEE REFUSED TO FILL ADJUST AIR PRESSURE DUE TO HIS REPORTING EVIDENT SIDEWALL CRACKS & HIS FEAR OF TIRE EXPLODING. HE OFFERED TO SELL NEW TIRES. CALLING SAME SHOP TODAY FOR TIRE OPTIONS & PRICE QUOTES ANOTHER EMPLOYEE REFERRED/ CONNECTED CALL TO THEIR EVANS TIRE CENTER FOR TIRE OPTIONS & PRICES, WHERE YET ANOTHER EMPLOYEE OFFERED TO SELL NEW CAPITAL ( SP. CAPITOL?)TIRES, QUOTING PRICE DESCRIBED AS"....AT THEIR (EVANS' )COST..." PLEASE RESPOND AND RELAY A COPY OF THIS COMPLAINT TO ALL APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA STATE CONSUMER AND AUTO REPAIR, TIRE SALE REGULATORY &LICENSING AGENCIES . THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID
10691688
Incident
Feb 28, 2015
Mileage
43,125 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 13, 2014

THE SLIDING DOOR WHICH IS THE ONLY EGRESS FOR PASSENGERS IN THE BACK OF THE VAN WILL NOT OPEN. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED 4 TIMES AND IT CONTINUOUSLY FAILS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER SPRINTER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SHOULD THERE BE AN INCIDENT THAT REQUIRED THE QUICK EVACUATION OF THE VAN BY PASSENGERS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN THEY COULD BE VERY SERIOUSLY HARMED. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT THAT CHRYSLER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10610216
Incident
Oct 2, 2006
Mileage
11,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2012

DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND THE SPEED DECREASES TO ABOUT 40 MPH. I CAN PULL OVER AND TURN OF THE MOTOR FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND START UP AND THE VEHICLE WILL RESET AND RUN FINE UNTIL IT DOES IT AGAIN RANDOMLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE LEFT HAND LANE AND YOU ARE TRYING TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE REPLACED THE TURBO RESONATOR 3 TIME ON THIS TRUCK. THIS IS A PLASTIC PART AND THE BODY CRACKS FROM THE VIBRATION AND PRESSURE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10483797
Incident
Apr 2, 2012
Mileage
110,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 25, 2010

2004 DODGE SPRINTER - THE BRAKING SYSTEM STIFFENS UP (POWER BRAKE) IF I PUSH THE PEDAL HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I BACK UP THE VEHICLE. IT'S LIKE THE BOOSTER HAS FROZEN SOLID AND THE BRAKE PEDAL CAN'T TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN. IF I LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A WHILE (1 HR) IT WILL GET BACK TO NORMAL. THIS IS A REPEAT INCIDENT AND STARTED IN THE FIRST YEAR BUT I DID NOT PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION SINCE I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED AND THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR A WHILE. BUT LATELY IS REAPPEARING MORE FREQUENTLY. NO ACCIDENT YET. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY NOW 66,000 MILES. I WONDER IF THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10314055
Incident
Feb 25, 2010
Mileage
66,000 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedTransmission
Filed Oct 22, 2009

IN MAY OF 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW DODGE (MERCEDES BENZ) SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VAN. WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AND 7,500 MILES OF DATE OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF PREMATURE RUSTING AND LEAKAGE OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I PURSUED REMEDY THRU ALL AUTHORIZED SPRINTER DEALERSHIPS ADHERING TO CHRYSLER PROTOCOLS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. NO REMEDY WAS EVER FORTHCOMING, I REPEATEDLY AND CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE CHRYSLER, THEIR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE IS DOCUMENTED AND TOO EXTENSIVE TO PROVIDE HERE. I HAVE FILED BBB COMPLAINTS IN DENVER CO. I HAVE SPOKEN TO EXECUTIVE LEVEL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. AND NONE HAVE OFFERED A VIABLE SOLUTION. THEY HAVE ESSENTIALLY WASHED THEIR HANDS OF A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN PURSUING FOR 4 YEARS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF SO MANY CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THEY NOW AVOID MY EMAILS AND INQUIRIES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE AS I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES ON THE NET TO SIMILAR ISSUES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALL SHOW SIGN OF PREMATURE RUST ,LEAKAGE OF ROOF SEAMS AND RUST PENETRATION AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. I HAVE SOUGHT REPAIRS WELL WITHIN THE RUST THRU WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAVE MET WITH NOTHING BUT LIP SERVICE. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND HAS DELAYED OFFERING A REMEDY UNTIL NOW THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. I CAN PROVIDE EXPLICIT WORK ORDERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REF NO, WITHIN CHRYSLERS SYSTEM. I AM NOW CONSIDERING PURSUING LEGAL OPTIONS BUT LITTLE RESOLUTION IS AVAILABLE. BODY SHOPS REFUSE TO PERFORM REPAIR WORK BECAUSE THEY UNIVERSALLY STATE THAT RUST IS A NONFIXABLE ISSUE. ON ONLY ONE OCCASION DID CHRYSLER AUTHORIZE A SUPERFICIAL ATTEMPT TO PAINT OVER PROBLEM, THEY THEN REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR RUST THRU PERFORATION WARRANTY WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED WITH 35,000 MILES. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS RUSTING EXTENSIVELY IN AREAS WHERE I ORIGINALLY DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10289347
Incident
Jul 10, 2005
Mileage
7,500 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

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

T21 Rev3

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

Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2007475052.9
2006070
2005020
2004Viewing390134.4
2003150131.6

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.