2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500.

2
recalls
6
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic · Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 16V833000 · reported November 17, 2016 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC · 17,501 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 08V339000 · reported July 24, 2008 · SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR · 10 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
The operator may lose steering ability of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 21, 2020 · Electrical system · 265,000 miles · fire reported

THE CAR WAS IN SLOW DRIVING CONDITION IN HOT WEATHER DRIVING.. THE HEATER FAN MOTOR AND/OR HEATER FAN WIRING AT THE MOTOR OVERHEATED AND BURNED ALL PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR AND WIRING NEAR IT. THE FIRE THEN SPREAD TO SURROUNDING PLASTIC HEATER BLOWER FAN HOUSING AND EXTINGUISHED WHEN HEATER HOSE…

May 20, 2016 · Engine and engine cooling · 37,722 miles

OUR TURBO RESONATOR FAILED FOUR TIMES. EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENED WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND THEN SUDDENLY NO POWER AND OUR VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND OUR MAXIMUM SPEED WAS 30 TO 35 MPH. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO US THE 4TH TIME I RESEARCHED THIS ON LINE AND IT LOOKS…

Jun 14, 2009 · Power train · 15,186 miles

JUNE 14, 2009 NHTSA: FOR THE 4TH TIME OUR WINNEBAGO DODGE SPRINTER/RV HAS LOST POWER DUE TO PARTS FAILURE [TURBO RESONATORS, SENSORS, AND/OR TURBOCHARGER]. NEEDLESS TO SAY THESE FAILURES TOOK PLACE WHILE MANY MILES FROM HOME AND AWAY FROM ANYONE WHO COULD HELP. WHEN CERTAIN PARTS FAIL, THE SPRINTER IS DESIGNED TO…

May 18, 2009 · Engine and engine cooling · 4,300 miles

VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE CLIMBING A HILL ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY. MAX VEHICLE SPEED DROPPED TO 25MPH ON 55MPH ROAD - NEARLY REAR-ENDED BY VEHICLE BEHIND. HAD TO DRIVE OVER 150 MILES HOME AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP REPLACED TURBO RESONATOR.

May 18, 2009 · Engine and engine cooling · 7,800 miles

DRIVING ON US HWY 2 UP STEVENS PASS, WASHINGTON AT 50 MPH WHEN ENGINE POWER BEGAN CYCLING, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF EXHAUST, RAPIDLY LOST POWER AND MAX SPEED DROPPED TO 30MPH WITH ACCELERATOR TO FLOOR. QUICKLY BEGAN BLOCKING TRAFFIC AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO LET VEHICLES BY. TURNED AROUND AND HEADED BACK HOME. TOOK VAN…

Sprinter 3500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 3000
2003 4000
2004 2200
2005 2601
2006 32401
2007 71500
2008 63900

Across all years, the 2008 Sprinter 3500 has the most complaints (39). All Dodge Sprinter 3500 years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500, the most recent reported on November 17, 2016 (Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (4 complaints), followed by power train (2).
How many 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 6 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 21, 2020.