2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · May 2024
“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.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2017
“The turbo resonator came apart and completely shut down the turbo, resulting in complete loss of power on the freeway. Very unsafe and have found that this is a common problem, but dodge will not do anything about it. A google search online will atleast to this fact and it is very dangerous. I was on the freeway when this happened and when you loose all power at once it makes for a very unsafe situation for everyone around and behind you as there is no way to accelerate to get to the side of the road, only able to coast. Please make sure this problem is documented. *tr *js”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2012
“I have owned this 2005 dodge sprinter for over a year and have had 4 flat tires due to valve stem failures (it is sitting in my parking lot right now with a flat front drivers tire) the valve stem bulges and spits out air as soon as I fill it. I can feel the leak and see the stem bulge when try to put air in the tire . I have seen other sprinters with this problem mercedes recalled 2004 sprinter for this problem but it is obvious that more vehicles are affected. This is a very dangerous situation if they were to fail on a loaded vehicle at highway speeds. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2010
“Sprinter van stalls during deceleration 2005 sprinter van with dual a/c stalls when both a/c are on and decelerating. Happens during summer months dodge has a fix with a service bulletin but only if under warranty. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2010
“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 was electrical. The switch mechanism used in the rear lights was poorly designed. The consumer was able to put the fire out. Updated 10/03/08. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008
“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 mileages were 120,000.”Owner report · Structure · May 2008
“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 05/08/09.*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sprinter 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system: instrument cluster/panel. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.