2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems

General information about Dodge-Sprinter 2500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle (van) built by Mercedes-Benz Group AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a large van, chassis cab, minibus, and pickup truck. In the past, the Sprinter had been sold under the Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner nameplates. In the U.S., it was built from complete knock down (CKD) kits by Freightliner. Re-badged and re-engined Sprinters were also sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the Volkswagen LT and the Volkswagen Crafter. They are now primarily marketed by Mercedes-Benz.

In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, the Sprinter is the largest model offered, followed by the mid-size Vito (aka Viano, V-Class, and EQV) and small Citan.

First generation (1995–2006, T1N)

Europe

The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977. Compared to the T1, the Sprinter had reduced the aerodynamic drag and moved the engine 290 mm (11 in) further forward to increase cabin space. It was the first Mercedes-Benz product to carry a name rather than an alphanumeric designation. It was released with four-wheel disc brakes equipped with an antilock braking system and was driven by the most powerful diesel engine in its class, with a power output of 90 kW (120 hp). The Sprinter was voted International Van of the Year for 1995.

The styling was updated in 2000 and 2002, accompanied by technical changes that included standard electronic stability control (2002).

Social links

Common 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems

The Dodge Sprinter 2500, particularly the 2003 model, has several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most significant issues:

Glow Plug Failures: Glow plugs on T1N Sprinters can seize into the cylinder head, making replacement a major repair. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the glow plugs, and can issue a fault for glow plug problems. However, glow plugs should not be replaced just upon the ECM fault codes, as these are often false.

Harmonic Balancer Issues: A very serious possible problem in 2001-2005 models, but hard to identify correctly, with many possible symptoms such as rough-running engine, lots of engine vibration which varies at different RPMs, damaged sensors, leaking crankshaft seals, etc.

Drive Shafts and Universals: Ensure that a mechanic checks the drive shafts and universal joints. Unlike many domestic vans, problems here can be fairly expensive.

Turbo Resonator: On heavily-loaded 2004-2006 Sprinter RV conversions, the plastic turbo resonators often failed, at least until the Q5 resonator (see sticker on resonator for model version).

Automatic Transmission Shifting Concerns: This is a common problem in Dodge Sprinter 3500 models, where the automatic transmission may have issues with shifting.

Shifter Stuck in Park: This issue has been reported by 32 people in Dodge Sprinter 2500 models. The shifter may get stuck in the park position, making it difficult to move the vehicle.

Fuel Line Clips: Check the fuel line clips to make sure they are still holding the fuel lines in place. If the fuel lines are unclipped, they can wear through and begin leaking, and worn fuel lines can cause starting problems.

No Cold Air from the A/C: If the air conditioning won’t blow cold air, there might be a hole in the condenser. The condenser on T1N Sprinters is close to the ground, so this is a common issue with older T1N Sprinter vans.

Wiring Harness Wear: On some T1Ns using the OM647 engine, three bundles of wiring (the “loom”) cross a bracket next to the fuel filter and then are routed into the cabin. If the insulation on any of these bundles becomes worn through from rubbing across the bracket, it can cause random engine power loss or electrical problems.

These issues are not exhaustive, and there may be other problems that owners have experienced. However, these are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Sprinter 2500, particularly the 2003 model.

Is the Sprinter 2500 reliable?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse and one of the most popular vans by drivers. The Sprinter van runs on a diesel engine and can run over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay up on regular maintenance, this van will last you for a very long time.

How many miles will a Dodge Sprinter last?

250,000 to 300,000 miles

Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.

Which year is the best Sprinter?

Which is the BEST Sprinter year

2004. Votes: 115 11.7%
2005. Votes: 148 15.0%
2006. Votes: 395 40.1%
2007. Votes: 71 7.2%
2008. Votes: 138 14.0%
2009. Votes: 29 2.9%
2010. Votes: 89 9.0%

How many miles is too many for a Sprinter?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse that runs on a diesel engine and it's very common for Sprinters to be going strong at 450,000+ miles. From our personal experience, we have been full time van lifers for 4+ years now and our van (T1N 2006) is going strong at 340,000 miles.

Is the Sprinter 2500 reliable?

Are Dodge Sprinters expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Dodge Sprinter 2500 is $1,165. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

Are Dodge Sprinter vans reliable?

Dodge Sprinter Reliability Problems

Sprinter owners have made 8 complaints over 6 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 5th in overall reliability out of 29 Dodge models , with some engine and electrical concerns.

How long do Dodge Sprinter engines last?

250,000 to 300,000 miles

2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems
Steering problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500.

2019-07-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-07-20
Fire: 1
VIN: WD2YD742735
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH WITH A RV TRAILER HITCHED, THE ENGINE HESITATED AND WAS 10 DEGREES WARMER THAN NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE COOLANT INCREASED 30 DEGREES HOTTER THAN NORMAL. THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. FLUIDS WERE DRIPPING FROM THE VEHICLE AND ON THREE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO INDEPENDENTLY POWER ON. THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES STARTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE HOOD. IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES ALONG WITH THE RV TRAILER. ALL OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE SAFELY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED AS WELL AS POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEM A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PROPANE TANK DID NOT BLOW A SAFETY BELL VALVE UNTIL THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TT *TR *TR IMAGES ATTACHED *JB

Add Complaint

2014-04-17

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-01-22
VIN: WD2YD742535
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary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

Add Complaint

2012-03-10

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-03-08
VIN: WD5WD642735
Components: STEERING
Summary: OUTER TIE ROD END CAME APART. *TR

Add Complaint

2011-01-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
VIN: WD2YD642735
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 2003 DODGE 2500 SPRINTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL J32 ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO DROP TO DROP THE VEHICLE OFF PN DECEMBER 15, 2010. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS A LITTLE DIFFICULT AND IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS, EVEN THOUGH ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE IT STATED IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 8 HOURS. THE CONSUMER STATED A COUPLE OF DAYS WENT BY, AND THEN THE EXCUSES STARTED ACCOMPANIED BY PROMISES. THE CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE WRITING OF THIS LATER, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS AND THEY WERE HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING IT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE, WHEN HE DROPPED IT OFF. *JB UPDATED 02/18/11

Add Complaint

2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500.

2016-11-17

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: 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.

2011-08-09

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ USA (MBUSA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002- 2003 SPRINTER 2500 AND 3500 VANS SOLD AS DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER VEHICLES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLDS MAY HAVE CORRODED. A CHEMICAL REACTION INVOLVING SULFUR IN THE DIESEL FUEL THAT TAKES PLACE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF SULFURIC ACID IN THE EXHAUST CHANNEL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Consequence: INTAKE MANIFOLD CORROSION MAY LEAD TO AN EXHAUST GAS LEAK, DAMAGE TO THE FUEL RETURN LINE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK, AND HEAT DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AT THE FIRE WALL. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER, LLC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF DODGE SPRINTERS AND MBUSA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FREIGHTLINER SPRINTERS. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-418). THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403 OR SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5031.

2009-10-29

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Summary: SPRINTER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2003 VANS SOLD AS DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER VEHICLES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLDS MAY HAVE CORRODED. A CHEMICAL REACTION INVOLVING SULFUR IN THE DIESEL FUEL THAT TAKES PLACE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF SULFURIC ACID IN THE EXHAUST CHANNEL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Consequence: INTAKE MANIFOLD CORROSION MAY LEAD TO AN EXHAUST GAS LEAK, DAMAGE TO THE FUEL RETURN LINE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK, AND HEAT DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AT THE FRONT WALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER, LLC IS HANDLING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403 OR SPRINTER AT 843-695-5031.

2008-07-24

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: 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.

2007-07-13

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER MANUFACTURING INTL
Components: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems:

Looking to Buy a 2003 Dodge Sprinter | Sprinter-Source.com

https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/96739/

... Van before ordering and building out my dream Sprinter. I'm pretty ignorant to all the quarks of the older Sprinters (obviously have heard great things ...

Q&A: 2006 Dodge Sprinter Diesel Engine Problems - Expert Answers

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/lurqv-2006-dodge-sprinter-camper-mercedes-diesel.html

Apr 29, 2023 ... This is not a scam. You are talking to an ASE A1- A8 certified mechanic. This is a known problem with Sprinters. There are other possibles of ...

transmission problems | Sprinter-Source.com

https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?tags/transmission-problems/

transmission problems. D · Transmission fluid change - 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 ... Is this a common problem? Boot103; Thread; Oct 25, 2019; Replies: 10; Forum: ...

Sprinter Van 11 Most Common Problems (2002-2020) | San Diego

https://www.sprinter.repair/11-common-sprinter-problems

The Top 11 Most Common Issues with Sprinter Van: · The “Rumble” Sound / Torque converter TC · Injector issue or “Black death“ · Glow Plug & Module Failure · Exhaust ...