2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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."
What could happen: 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…
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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 SPRINTER 2500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V833000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-770-705-2070.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 SPRINTER 2500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V339000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: CHRYSLER'S RECALL NO. H25. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: THE SWITCHING CONTACTS OF THE LAMP MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE REAR LAMP INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 SPRINTER 2500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V299000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-843-695-5041.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: INTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (10), Wheels / tires (3), Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical system (2), Lights (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/03/2026 · Unknown Or Other
My 2005 Dodge Sprinter is subject to Dodge/Stellantis Recall T21 (Emissions Campaign – Reprogram Engine Control Unit (CA)). I have made repeated attempts to have T21 completed. Multiple Dodge/Stellantis service facilities I contacted do not have the required equipment to perform this campaign. The nearest facility I was able to locate with the proper equip…
07/31/2026 · Unknown Or Other
I own a 2005 Dodge Sprinter with open emissions recall T21. I have contacted three authorized Dodge/Chrysler dealerships to have recall T21 completed. All three dealerships refused to perform the recall because they stated they do not have the required equipment to complete the ECU reprogramming. As a result, I am unable to have the open recall completed de…
09/18/2025 · Engine
See attached document for complaint.
11/15/2024 · Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he watched a YouTube video and changed the fuel pressure sensor, but the failure recurred. The contact checked the wire harness, which was fine and pristine.…
05/05/2021 · Electrical system · fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS HAD FAILED UPON ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED YET AGAIN. THE CONTACT THEN DECIDED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGH…
08/20/2020 · Latches / locks
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, MERCEDES-BENZ OF MIAMI (1200 NW 167TH STREET, MIAMI, FL 33169, (305)707-0147) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A CALLBACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
08/25/2017 · Engine
WE LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE IS THE FAILING OF THE TURBO RESONATOR. MERCEDES RECOMMENDS A PLASTIC REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE TURBO RESONATOR. WE HAVE REPLACED THREE OF THESE. THE PART IS TWO-PIECE AND THE SEAM FAILS. IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE ENGINE. IT'S HOT THERE. THERE IS AN ALUMINUM PART AVAILABLE THAT SEEMS TO FUNCTION WIT…
06/07/2017 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (HUNTINGTON BEACH CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM LOCATED ON 16701 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT TO RE…