2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 4th out of 6 model years, earning a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 6 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 fire report, well below the higher-complaint 2006 and 2008 model years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #4 of 6 Sprinter 3500 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
Top 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (67%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (33%)
- Electrical System1 (17%)
- Fuel System1 (17%)
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 power loss and engine limp mode while driving on highways and hills.
- Vehicles dropped to a much lower maximum speed, sometimes near 25 to 35 mph, after losing power.
- Some owners reported the same turbo resonator failing more than once on the same van.
- A heater fan motor and wiring overheated and caught fire while driving in hot weather at low speed.
- Limp mode incidents occurred both at low mileage and at higher mileage, with median engine-related failures around 17,600 miles.
2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 recalls
2 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.
2005 compared with other Sprinter 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 model has a Complaint Index of 40, the lowest among the four years with a complaint index listed, and carries a Good verdict relative to other Sprinter 3500 years.
- What problems does the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 have?
- NHTSA complaints point mostly to the engine, cited in 4 of 6 complaints (67%), including turbo resonator failures that caused sudden power loss and limp mode. Transmission & powertrain issues made up the remaining share.
- Does the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 model: one for instrument cluster software in the electrical system and one for a steering column welding seam defect.
- How does the 2005 Sprinter 3500 compare to the 2006 and 2008 models?
- The 2005 has a Complaint Index of 40 versus 80 for 2006 and 100 for 2008, both of which carry Avoid verdicts, making 2005 a relatively lower-risk year.
- Was there a fire reported for the 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500?
- NHTSA records 1 fire complaint, involving an overheated heater fan motor and wiring that ignited surrounding plastic components.