RoadVitals

2005 Sprinter 3500

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.
14
Latest Nov 14, 2008
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.
2
Latest Aug 6, 2008
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Sprinter 3500, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 63 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

  • Engine741.2%
  • Brakes211.8%
  • Fuel system211.8%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%
  • Transmission15.9%
  • Airbags15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Body & structure15.9%

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

2 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
08V387000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 6, 2008
465 units potentially affected
The defect: DAIMLER BUSES IS RECALLING 465 MY 2004-2008 SPRINTER 2500 AND 3500 BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: DAIMLER BUSES IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-800-322-2884 OR DAIMLER BUSES AT 1-905-403-7807.
DAIMLER BUSES NORTH CAROLINAView on NHTSA.gov
08V134000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mar 24, 2008
334 units potentially affected
The defect: DAIMLER BUSES OF NORTH CAROLINA (DBNC) IS RECALLING 334 MY 2005-2006 SPRINTER 2500 AND MY 2003, 2005-2007 SPRINTER 3500 BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: DBNC IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR DBNC AT 1-905-403-7807.
DAIMLER BUSES NORTH CAROLINAView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 14
Engine
Filed Nov 14, 2008

TURBO RESONATOR FAILURE ON AN INCLINE ON FREEWAY WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VECHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RESONATOR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10248806
Incident
Nov 7, 2008
Mileage
4,623 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 22, 2007

WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE LOW SPEED MODE. THEY WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN JUST STOP. *JB

NHTSA ID
10206496
Incident
Oct 22, 2007
Mileage
39,600 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 21, 2007

I OWN 3 SPRINTERS. ALL 3 HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE INJECTORS LEAKING. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DEALERSHIP. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO ADMIT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
10191357
Incident
Apr 28, 2007
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 8, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVE SHAFT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

NHTSA ID
10190192
Incident
Apr 19, 2007
Mileage
105,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2007

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH. NO ACCELERATION DESPITE DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO FLOOR. VEHICLE TOWED 15 MILES TO AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE TURBO RESONATOR WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10189063
Incident
Apr 21, 2007
Mileage
5,600 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2007

THE TRUCK LOST POWER SUDDENLY AND THE SPEED REDUCED FROM 62 TO 35 TOTALLY OUT OF MY CONTROL. THIS OCCURRED ON I95 IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED TURBO RESONATOR. *NM

NHTSA ID
10183054
Incident
Dec 22, 2006
Mileage
12,250 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2006

"TURBO RESONATOR" FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE CAUSING SEVERE LOSS OF POWER AND NEAR COLLISION. *JB VEHICLE IS WINNEBAGO VUW*GTB

NHTSA ID
10175891
Incident
Aug 25, 2006
Mileage
4,500 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2006

PURCHASED A NEW '06 GULFSTREAM RV YESTERDAY. (BUILT ON A '05 DODGE/FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500 CHASSIS) HAD 480 (DELIVERY) MILES ON IT. DRIVING HOME FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AT ~790 MILES ON ODOMETER, ENGINE SUDDENLY CUT MOMENTARILY, RPMS AND POWER FELL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, AND I WAS ON HWY 101 FOR ~30 MILES DOING 45 AS THE REST OF TRAFFIC MOVED AT TYPICAL 80 MPH (NO OTHER CHOICES BUT THE HIGHWAY). VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO APPARENT PROBLEM. I WILL HAVE IT SERVICED TOMORROW. I SUSPECT THE WELL KNOWN TURBO RESONATOR CRACK WHICH I HAVE NOW READ ABOUT AND RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET. *JB

NHTSA ID
10175839
Incident
Dec 10, 2006
Mileage
790 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

9004009

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.

T21 Combo Rev4

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.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

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

Sprinter 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011010—
2010300—
2009000—
2008610—
2007120—
2006214049.6
2005Viewing142037.7
2004210—
2003220—
2002000—

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.