RoadVitals

2006 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.
21
Latest Jun 18, 2012
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.
4
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Sprinter 3500, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 65 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

  • Engine1350.0%
  • Electrical27.7%
  • Fuel system27.7%
  • Driver assistance27.7%
  • Powertrain (other)13.8%
  • Seat belts13.8%
  • Body & structure13.8%
  • Transmission13.8%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
07V095000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mar 13, 2007
29 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM IN THE LIFT MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT.
The risk: IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP BACKWARDS ONTO THE PLATFORM WHEN THE PLATFORM WAS LOWERED. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE WHEELCHAIR'S OCCUPANT. ALSO, ANYONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM COULD LOSE HIS OR HER BALANCE AND FALL, RESULTING IN INJURY.
The remedy: DAIMLERCHRYSLER IS WORKING WITH RICON TO REPAIR THESE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS (PLEASE SEE 06E101). OWNERS CAN CONTACT RICON AT 800-322-2884 OR DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-882-8054.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMERCIAL BUSES NAView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 21
ElectricalExterior lightingSeat belts
Filed Jun 18, 2012
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING SAW SMOKE FROM RIGHT SIDE OF ROOF AND PILLAR, THEN SAW FLAMES, EXTINGUISHED FLAMES, REPAIRER ADVISED THAT SHORT IN FUSE BLOCK STARTED THE FIRE, REPAIRS WERE $13000+ AND AFFECTED REAR LIGHTS AND SEAT BELTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10462110
Incident
Jan 4, 2012
Mileage
150,505 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2010

WE PURCHASED A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500 AS A 2006 WINNEBAGO VIEW CLASS C MOTORHOME WITH 5010 MILES ON NOVEMBER 2006. WE WERE TRAVELING APRIL 2007 WHILE CROSSING THE JACKSONVILLE BRIDGE ON A1A, FL.. THE MOTORHOME WOULD NOT ADVANCED. IT LOST THE POWER. WE MADE IT TO THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE AT 20MPH. WE DO NOT KNOW HOW WE MADE IT. WE HAD TO INTERRUPT THE TRIP AND GO TO A DODGE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THE RESONATOR WAS THE PROBLEM A FEW DAYS AGO JAN. 2010 ON THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS SCENIC HWY 348, BLAIRSVILLE, GA; WHEN WE GOT TO THE HIGHEST PEAK THE MOTORHOME WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. WE HAD TO BACK UP SLOWLY AT LEAST HALF A MILE TO FIND A SPOT OR SHOULDER TO TURN AROUND AND GO DOWNHILL. CAN YOU IMAGINE DRIVING BACKWARDS ON A NARROW TWO LANE ROAD ON A STEEP MOUNTAIN WITHOUT ANY KIND OF PROTECTION. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD TO US AND OTHER MOTORISTS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION . A RECALL IS NEEDED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10317924
Incident
Jan 27, 2010
Mileage
25,341 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 12, 2009

SUBJECT: TURBO RESONATOR FAILURE I TOOK DELIVERY OF A DODGE SPRINTER MODEL 3500 CHASSIS WHEN I PURCHASED A WINNEBAGO VIEW IN MARCH OF 2007. CURRENT MILEAGE: 15,422 I HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ON 8/17/09, I HAD THE RESONATOR, PART NUMBER 14070001, AND THE ASSOCIATED AIR HOSE, PART NUMBER 14089002, REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE REPAIR WAS DONE BY FARRISH DODGE IN FAIRFAX, VA. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS IN 2007, THE REPAIR WAS DONE BY DOMINION DODGE IN ROANOKE, VA. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS IN 2008, THE REPAIR WAS DONE BY FREIGHTLINER OF HAGERSTOWN IN HAGERSTOWN, MD. IN EACH CASE, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED AND BEGAN TO HAVE NO POWER. I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR IS DETECTED, THE ENGINE IS PUT INTO THE 'SAFE' MODE AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE DRIVEN AT LOW SPEED FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT FARRISH DODGE, HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS NO SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY DODGE. HE DID SAY THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON AND WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE IS AWARE THAT THERE IS AN AFTERMARKET ALL METAL RESONATOR AVAILABLE BUT COULD NOT BE SURE WHETHER THE INSTALLATION OF THIS WOULD VOID THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN DODGE INTENDS TO OFFER A SOLUTION TO THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. MY WARRANTY WILL CONTINUE TO COVER THIS REPAIR FOR TWO MORE YEARS, BUT AT THIS POINT, I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT CONTINUE TO RE-OCCUR FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE ESSENTIALLY COMES TO A NEAR STOP WITHOUT WARNING. IN ONE CASE I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR END BY A LARGE TRUCK. I HAVE APPROACHED DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NO USEFUL HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10287135
Incident
Sep 12, 2009
Mileage
15,422 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2009

MY 2006 SPRINTER MOTOR HOME (CAB BY GULFSTREAM) SUFFERED A RESONATOR FAILURE ON JUNE 26TH ON INTERSTATE 81N NEAR BRISTOL TN. IT HAS 18,500 MILES ON IT. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT LANE AND, IN "LIMP HOME" MODE FOUND A SPRINTER REPAIR GARAGE AND A NEW RESONATOR WAS INSTALLED. I INTEND TO REPLACE THIS PLASTIC RESONATOR WITH AN ALUMINUM PART. THANKS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10275421
Incident
Jun 26, 2009
Mileage
18,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 13, 2008

TURBO RESONATOR CRACKED AND PUT SPRINTER INTO LIMP MODE. 30 MPH. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF CASES ON THE INTERNET WITH THIS ITEM AND I HAD PURCHASED AN ALUMINUM ALTERNATIVE RESONATOR IN CASE IT HAPPENED TO ME. WHEN IT DID FAIL I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE RESONATOR IN 30 MINUTES. THE LIMP MODE IS VERY SCARY ON A FREEWAY WHEN IT FAILS. YOU CANNOT ACCELERATE PAST 30 MPH. I AM SURE THIS IS SO NOT TO HURT THE TURBO, BUT IN ANY CASE THE PART IS A WELL KNOW DEFECTIVE PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10248752
Incident
Oct 21, 2008
Mileage
31,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 25, 2007

2006 DODGE RAM 3500- VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP 3+ TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND LOSES POWER. DROPS TO LOWER GEAR AND CONTINUES TO LOSE SPEED. SOMETIMES AS LOW AS IDLE ONLY. ECM HAS BEEN REPLACED (2) TIMES AND ACCELERATOR MODULE (1) AND SHORT IN WIRING REPAIRED?- LAST REPAIR DONE ON 10/23/07 - DROVE 69 MILES AND SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. DEALER CLAIMS THEY CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM. HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. AND STARTED LEMON REPLACEMENT PROCEEDINGS? THIS TRUCK WAS ALSO REPAIRED PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING IT WITH ONLY 45 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. CHRYSLER HAS ASK ME TO TAKE TRUCK BACK TO DEALER FOR FURTHER REPAIR?? *JB

NHTSA ID
10206863
Incident
Feb 7, 2007
Mileage
75 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 2007

MY DODGE DURANGO (2006) ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS HAS LUNGED FORWARD WITH THE ENGINE REVVING UP AND WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON 9/4/07 I WAS APPROACHING A FOUR LANE DIVIDED ROAD, WITH TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTION I STARTED TO APPLY MY BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE JUST HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN AND WOULDN'T STOP. *JB

NHTSA ID
10205739
Incident
Sep 4, 2007
Mileage
30,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2007

THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 5 CYL DIESEL ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE A 2007 WINNEBAGO VIEW RV ON A 2006 SPRINTER. ON AUG 29 2007 I WAS TRAVELING ON I90 IN WASHINGTON STATE JUST WEST OF THE SNOQUALMIE PASS SUMMIT WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 4539 MILE ON THE ODOMETER. WE COULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND OR STRANDED IN THE MOUNTAINS AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE SUGGEST THAT ANY REPAIR MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED BY A SPRINTER DEALERSHIP. THE NEAREST ON WAS OVER 100 MILE AWAY. THE PARTS THAT FAILED WERE THE 'TEMPERATURE SENSOR (PART # 486235AA TE 8037155 AND THE RESONATOR- TURBO PART # 513715AB) . THE SPRINTER SERVICE PERSONNEL IN AND OTHER SPRINTER OWNERS TELL ME THAT THE RESONATOR AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAILURE RATES ARE QUITE HIGH AND SUGGESTED THAT I PURCHASE A SENSOR REPLACEMENT TO CARRY WHEN TRAVELING. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS APPARENT DEFECT IN THE SPRINTER ENGINE. I SUGGEST A RECALL. *JB

NHTSA ID
10203706
Incident
Aug 29, 2007
Mileage
4,539 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

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.

LI09.40-N-070781

ENGINE

Check engine light on and fault codes P3005A9, P3005FF, P30074B in CDI 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

Sprinter 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011010—
2010300—
2009000—
2008610—
2007120—
2006Viewing214049.6
2005142037.7
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.