2005 Sprinter 3500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel (4) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/Supercharger (2) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Sprinter 3500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (63)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2021-03-31 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
Engine And Engine Cooling 2021-03-12 · T21 Combo Rev4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
emissions recall t21 reprogram engine control unit
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 63 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2008-11-14 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System · 4,623 mi“turbo resonator failure on an incline on freeway was almost rear ended by another vechicle. the dealer replaced the resonator. *tr…”
2007-10-22 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer · 39,600 mi“windshield wipers just stopped working in the low speed mode. they will work for a short period of time and then just stop. *jb…”
2007-05-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors“i own 3 sprinters. all 3 had problems with the injectors leaking. this was a known problem with the dealership. chrysler refused to admit there was a problem. *ak…”
2007-05-08 · Power Train:driveline:universal Joint · 105,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2005 dodge sprinter 3500. the contact stated that there is a noise coming from the drive shaft of the vehicle. the dealer stated that the universal joints need to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 105,000.…”
2007-04-26 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel · 5,600 mi“sudden loss of power while driving 50-60 mph. no acceleration despite depressing accelerator pedal to floor. vehicle towed 15 miles to authorized dealer where turbo resonator was replaced. *jb…”
2007-02-20 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel · 12,250 mi“the truck lost power suddenly and the speed reduced from 62 to 35 totally out of my control. this occurred on i95 in northern virginia in heavy traffic. the problem was a failed turbo resonator. *nm…”
2006-12-12 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/Supercharger · 4,500 mi“"turbo resonator" failed at highway speed on a major interstate causing severe loss of power and near collision. *jb vehicle is winnebago vuw*gtb…”
2006-12-11 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel · 790 mi“purchased a new '06 gulfstream rv yesterday. (built on a '05 dodge/freightliner sprinter 3500 chassis) had 480 (delivery) miles on it. driving home from southern california, at ~790 miles on odometer, engine suddenly cut momentarily, rpms and power fell, check engine light went on, and i was on hwy 101 for ~30 miles doing 45 as the rest of traffic …”
2006-09-08 · Structure:body:hood · 4,000 mi“leaving the town of lakeside, or made left turn onto the 101 hwy with traffic not visible due to a curve both ways, accelerated to get up to freeway speed for safety. found the vehicle would not shift out of third gear. drove 4-5 miles before i could turn off the freeway. i parked headed downhill, turned off the engine and opened the hood. i t…”
2006-08-16 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/Supercharger · 5,444 mi“vehicle suddenly lost power on freeway, creating a dangerous situation. had to be towed to dealer. dealer traced problem to turbo resonator failure, a well-known and documented problem with dodge sprinter vans. *nm…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.