2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 has 21 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 60, and ranks 3rd worst of 6 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, with the Engine as the top problem area (48% of complaints) and 3 recall campaigns on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #3 of 6 Sprinter 2500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (48%)
- Electrical System3 (14%)
- Structure & Body3 (14%)
- Fuel System2 (10%)
- Other2 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
- Brakes1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Turbo resonator failures caused sudden loss of power and deceleration at highway speeds around 70 mph, sometimes triggering limp-home mode.
- Interior lighting in the rear cargo area produced smoke and was linked to fire reports.
- Headlight bulbs failed repeatedly, requiring multiple replacements.
- The multi-function steering column switch caused turn signals to stop working while other exterior lights kept functioning.
- Valve stems on wheels bulged and leaked air, leading to repeated flat tires.
- Vans stalled during deceleration when both air conditioning units ran at once, mainly in warm months.
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V833000Nov 17, 2016Electrical System17,501 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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."
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.
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.
- NHTSA 08V339000Jul 24, 2008Steering10 vehicles
Steering:column
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.
Risk: The operator may lose steering ability of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 07V299000Jul 13, 2007Electrical System4,433 vehicles
Interior lighting
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.
Risk: The switching contacts of the lamp may cause a short circuit of the rear lamp increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
2005 compared with other Sprinter 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 21 complaints and a complaint index of 60, ranking it 3rd worst among the 6 model years with data. It carries a Caution verdict relative to other Sprinter 2500 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500?
- The Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 48% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 29,060 miles.
- Does the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns covering the instrument cluster software, a steering column welding defect, and interior lamp overheating.
- How does the 2005 Sprinter 2500 compare to other years?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 60 is lower than 2006 (80) and 2008 (100), both rated Avoid, but higher than 2007 (40), which is rated Good.