2005 Dodge SPRINTER 2500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
21 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
53,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 18 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 21 complaints (19.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 2 | 9.5% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 9.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 9.5% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 4.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Engine: 4; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Wheels: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 7 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 4 |
Under 25,000: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 4
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2017: 2; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10165957 · 2006-08-18 (August 18, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE AND WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE RESONATOR IN THE TURBO. *AK UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 3,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10165957 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10178294 · 2007-01-10 (January 10, 2007)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 13,120 miles reported. Look up ODI 10178294 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10186990 · 2007-04-04 (April 4, 2007)
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 WH…
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10186990 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10239151 · 2008-08-21 (August 21, 2008)
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 W…
Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10239151 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10256561 · 2009-01-28 (January 28, 2009)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10256561 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10266606 · 2009-04-24 (April 24, 2009)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 2,336 miles reported. Look up ODI 10266606 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10267734 · 2009-05-05 (May 5, 2009)
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 MILEA…
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10267734 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10277398 · 2009-07-20 (July 20, 2009)
TURBO RESONATOR CHAMBER FAILURE. RESULTING IN LOSS OF BOOST AND POWER. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 12,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10277398 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
07V299000 · Interior Lighting
Reported: 2007-07-13 (July 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗08V339000 · Steering:Column
Reported: 2008-07-24 (July 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V833000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2016-11-17 (November 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗