2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2006. Dodge Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V833000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2024
“2006 dodge sprinter 3500. Consumer writes in regard to egr valve failure. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. The parts were unavailable.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2022
“Entire mercedes diesel sprinter engine failed completely and will need a new engine. Possible cause is cracked piston or stuck injector. This happened when driving, shortly after serpentine belt and transmission line were replaced, vehicle was just serviced, including new brakes, muffler, inspection, oil change. Only 82,000 miles! Cost will be over $11,000! This is a winnebago view and although it is now older (2007) it hasn't been driven that much each year.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
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“Sprinter in loosing power when its going to even little hill,after that works fine.chk with shop trans ok. Other situation is ac vents giving only cold air from top vents and side vents giving full heat like over hot.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v833000 (service brakes); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2016
“I'm replacing the o2 sensor for the second time in three years. After researching it seems like a common problem related to the resonator. I am surprised dodge or mercedes does not want to offer a solution especially since the engine is otherwise reliable. It's a case of a cheap part causing a lot of grief (and some safety risk as you never know when it will go into limp mode.) with no response from the manufacturer. This most recent sensor replacement will cost me $762.00”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“Engine dies driving at unknown times (key turn on) found test of power windows at same time stop due to no power (12volts) engine cut in and out but stops running. Deal never found the trouble. 1 click (relay) turn key to start (starter never turn) truck mite start 15 min or next day . Found bad mfg engine grounding. Added ground engine back to ground post fix the missing ground. / 2nd the mfg turbo resonator split making limp home mode. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2012
“While driving, on highway saw smoke coming from right side of dash, pulled over, flames observed, used fire extinguisher to put out fire under dash. Entire wiring loom for dash and engine were destroyed. $16000+ damage, manufacturer took 3+ months to provide harness. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2012
“My 2006 dodge sprinter 3500 has just been diagnosed with the turbo resonator failure that was expected. It was expected be because it has now happened to all the sprinters I own. The vehicle suffers a dramatic loss of power and speed with no warning. I have almost been hit from behind when the van is on an upgrade and suddenly loses power and speed. This problem has been around as long as the sprinter has been out and nothing is being done about it. It is a danger to public and an extremely expensive repair to make. As far I am concerned, it a failure of the government to force the manufacturer to fix the problem and reimburse the people who have paid for it in the past. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2011
“We have had three vacations that have been ruined due to the failure of the turbo resonator in our 2006 winnebego view with a 2005 sprinter engine. We have had failure going over the los angles grapvine grade, the northern california, 101 corridor and just this past week, the sierra mt. Range going into reno, nv. On our way to yellowstone. Three vacations ruined, three turbo resonators later and lots of money, time and stress. Not sure why we have not received a recall on this plastic piece of junk that has put our lives in danger??? *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2010
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.
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sprinter 3500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 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.