What years of the Dodge Sprinter 2500 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100. The 2008 also carries airbag recalls affecting 77% of its complaints.

Which Dodge Sprinter 2500 year is best?

No year is rated Best. The 2007 model year is rated Good, with the lowest complaint index (40) among years with a verdict.

Does the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have an airbag recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for passenger frontal air bag inflators (17V478000) and a related 2016 airbag recall (16V077000) covering 2007-2009 Sprinter 2500 and 3,500 vans.

What problems were reported on the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500?

Owners reported engine cut-outs while driving at a median of 24,500 miles, transmission issues including a shifter that could move to neutral without a key, and some electrical and fuel system complaints.

How many complaints does the Dodge Sprinter 2500 have overall?

Across the 2005-2013 model years covered, NHTSA lists 137 total complaints and 13 recall campaigns, with Airbags (39%) and Engine (26%) as the top problem areas.

Dodge Sprinter 2500 Best and Worst Years (2005–2013)

The 2006 and 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 rank worst, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100 and 34 and 53 complaints respectively. The 2007 is the Good year (index 40), while 2005 rates Caution. No year is labeled Best.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006 Avoid 2008

Model years: 6; 2005–2013
NHTSA complaints: 137
Recall campaigns: 13
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 7
Top problem area: Airbags

Sprinter 2500 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Caution	60	21	0	2	3	Engine	—	—
2006	Avoid	80	34	1	1	5	Engine	—	—
2007	Good	40	24	0	2	5	Airbags	—	—
2008	Avoid	100	53	0	2	5	Airbags	—	—
2009	No verdict	20	3	0	0	4	Airbags	—	—
2013	No verdict	0	2	0	0	0	Airbags	—	—

Sprinter 2500 years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Index 100 · 53 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2008 Sprinter 2500 has the highest complaint index of the lineup at 100, with 53 complaints. Airbags dominate, making up 77% of complaints at a median mileage of 15,686, tied to recalls for passenger frontal air bag inflators and seat belt assemblies in models with an optional three-seat bench. Owners also reported electrical fires, including smoke from air vents and a fire that started in a battery compartment. Engine hesitation during acceleration, traced to soot buildup in the EGR valve, was reported around 22,500 miles. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.

2008 airbags problems →

2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Index 80 · 34 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2006 Sprinter 2500 has a complaint index of 80 and 34 total complaints, the second-highest of any model year. Engine problems make up 44% of its complaints, with owners reporting sudden engine cut-outs while driving, especially in warm weather, at a median mileage of 24,500. Transmission and powertrain issues account for 21%, including a gear shifter that could move from park to neutral without the key in the ignition. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this year, covering instrument cluster software and wheelchair lift equipment. One electrical complaint involved a fire near the instrument panel.

2006 engine problems →

Most common Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Airbags54 (39%)
Engine36 (26%)
Electrical System18 (13%)
Fuel System12 (9%)
Structure & Body8 (6%)
Other7 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
Brakes4 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (3%)
Seat Belts2 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Dodge Sprinter 2500 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100. The 2008 also carries airbag recalls affecting 77% of its complaints.
Which Dodge Sprinter 2500 year is best?: No year is rated Best. The 2007 model year is rated Good, with the lowest complaint index (40) among years with a verdict.
Does the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have an airbag recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for passenger frontal air bag inflators (17V478000) and a related 2016 airbag recall (16V077000) covering 2007-2009 Sprinter 2500 and 3,500 vans.
What problems were reported on the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500?: Owners reported engine cut-outs while driving at a median of 24,500 miles, transmission issues including a shifter that could move to neutral without a key, and some electrical and fuel system complaints.
How many complaints does the Dodge Sprinter 2500 have overall?: Across the 2005-2013 model years covered, NHTSA lists 137 total complaints and 13 recall campaigns, with Airbags (39%) and Engine (26%) as the top problem areas.