2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (43% of complaints); the 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 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 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle was recalled for an emission control devise issue. I phoned the dodge dealer where I had my van serviced a few times to schedule the recall work. The service manager said they no longer service the 2006 dodge/mercedes sprinters. I went ahead and had my vehicle smog tested. It passed. I mailed my registration and payment. This is not a safety issue. My vehicle passed the strict ca smog requirements. There is no reason to recall my van or hold up my registration as an "incomplete renewal".”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2019
“Emissions recall. Manufacturer fca totally unresponsive. Hours on phone. Dealers too cannot get response, vehicle computer shuts engine off on highway as engine detects problem. Truck can then be restarted usually. Fumes beginning. Europe suing manufacturer over this and epa may be.fca recall # is t21”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge sprinter 2500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v833000 (service brakes); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Gear shifter was able to be moved from park to neutral without the keys in the ignition or the "bypass" switch being pressed. A 5 year old was able to move the shifter into neutral without key in the ignition or pressing the bypass button which allowed the vehicle to roll down a hill.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and shut off. Upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,500.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2011
“2006 dodge sprinter 2500 diesel. Passenger vehicle. Purchased brand-new in 2007. Approximately 34,000 miles. Vehicle went into limp mode 2 times. Would not go out of second gear. After shut down and restart vehicle ran normal. On numerous other occasions rpms would rise but vehicle didn't seem to be moving enough to warrant all that rev. As if transmission slipping. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2011
“On more than 1 occasion, my vehicle died out while traveling on expressways. In all instances, the engine stopped working. Fortunately nobody was injured. The vehicle needs an engine replacement again and has less than 69,000 miles on it. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2011
“I was driving on a relatively flat road and heard a pop noise from the engine area and the vehicle lost approximately 40 to 60% engine power, I was able to get it to my home less than 5 miles distance, I got it into a shop for repairs and they were not an authorized warranty repair shop, which cost me $404. I then had the vehicle towed to an authorized repair facility approximately 35 miles away.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge sprinter with goodyear wrangler silent armor tires, line size lt225/75/r16, the contact stated that all four tires experienced sidewall separation and they would blow up into a ball. The vehicle was inspected by a tire dealer and they advised him that there were no defects with the brand or line of tires. The tires were replaced as the contact stated that was the second replacement of the tires within six months. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2010
“August 22, 2010, I was on I 25 in my winnebago itasca navion traveling at 60 to 70 mph and suddenly lost power. I stopped, got more diesel and started driving at lower speeds by still lost power and could barely climb hills. I was just limping along with my emergency flashers on hoping I wouldn't be rearended. The model is 2006 with a mercedes/benz 5 cylinder turbo engine with 19,500 miles on it. This is really dangerous. Is there a recall on this engine? *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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.
ILDERTON CONVERSION IS RECALLING 3 MY 2006 SPRINTER DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS 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.
Remedy: ILDERTON CONVERSION 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 ILDERTON CONVERSION AT 1-800-859-6066.
ILDERTON CONVERSION IS RECALLING 3 MY 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 2500 VANS 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 SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE 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.
Remedy: ILDERTON CONVERSION IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR ILDERTON CONVERSION AT 1-800-859-6066.
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 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 24,500 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have open recalls?
5 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.