2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems

General information about Dodge-Sprinter 2500
Overview of popular issues
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The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977.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).

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Common 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems

The Dodge Sprinter 2500, model year 2008, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:

Takata airbag inflator recall: Affecting over 37 million vehicles, the Takata airbag recall is a significant safety concern. The inflator has been linked to 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries, making it one of the largest and most dangerous recalls in automotive history.

Rear axle spring leaves: The rear axle spring leaves in the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 trucks were produced with an incorrect raw material, causing them to be thicker than the serial components. This can lead to earlier failure of the rear axle springs, increasing the risk of a crash.

Left drive shaft cracks: Some of the left drive shafts on the rear axle, labeled with the charge indicator "S," may contain cracks at the radius between the shaft and the flange. These cracks can cause a breakage of the drive shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.

Incorrect brake components: Some 2007-2008 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 cargo vans may not have had the correct brake components installed, failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105. This can result in unsafe braking performance under normal and emergency conditions.

Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) heater failure: The DEF heater's main function is to keep the Diesel Emission Fluid from freezing. However, the heater on the emission fluid tank can burn out, causing the engine warning light to turn on. This issue is more noticeable in colder months, as the liquid is more likely to freeze.

Turbo Resonator "Oil Leak" Air Leak: The original Sprinter Van Turbo Resonators are known to have problematic seals and O-Rings, which can cause an air leak. This leak from the turbo output is often mistaken for an oil leak.

Limp mode / Sprinter losing power: Limp mode is a safety feature that protects the engine from damage by lowering engine power. It can be activated if the engine is pushed to its limit, and is indicated by a Check Engine Light on the dashboard. Common causes include EGR, faulty oxygen sensor, swirl flap motor, intercooler hoses leaking, actuator, or resonator issues.

Injector issue or "Black death": This problem is caused by the copper seal ring between the injector and cylinder head neglecting, allowing combustion gasses to leak over time. This can result in a black tar and coal-like black material accumulating over fuel injectors, potentially causing engine damage.

These common problems with the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 are based on complaints from owners and may require attention from owners or professional service.

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 per gallon does a 2008 Dodge Sprinter diesel get?

The diesel's considerable upside, though, is its fuel economy. I saw an indicated 17.3 mpg in one day of highway driving (at 70-75 mph), and 16.9 mpg in a second (at 75-80 mph). In a third day of mostly suburban driving, the Sprinter returned 20.1 mpg.

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.

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.

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

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500.

2017-07-28

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2007-2009 Freightliner and Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall fully supersedes recall 15V-354 and partially supersedes recalls 16V-379 and 17V-025.

2016-02-10

Manufacturer: Daimler Vans USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

2013-05-20

Manufacturer: Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Road Rescue is recalling certain ambulances built on model year 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 chassis from April 2008 through December 2008. The failure of a power disconnect solenoid terminates the flow of electricity to the ambulance conversion.
Consequence: When the electrical power is interrupted, the siren, warning lights, and patient compartment lights may not operate. There may be a loss of power to life saving equipment in the patient compartment. In the event of an emergency, the ambulance may not be able to alert other vehicles of its presence, slowing its trip to the hospital and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. will notify owners, and a Wheeled Coach/Road Rescue service center will replace the defective solenoid, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2013. Owners may contact Road Rescue at 1-800-628-8178.

2011-03-30

Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC - DBA SPRINTER
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THREE-SEAT BENCH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED SUCH THAT A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.

2008-07-29

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
Summary: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 246 MY 2008 DODGE OR FREIGHTLINER 2500 TRUCKS. THE REAR AXLE SPRING LEAVES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT RAW MATERIAL. THEREFORE THE LEAVES ARE THICKER THAN THE SERIAL COMPONENTS.
Consequence: THE REAR AXLE SPRINGS MAY FAIL EARLIER THAN DESIGNED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5000.

2008-03-11

Manufacturer: SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: CHRYSLER/SPRINTER IS RECALLING 727 MY 2007-2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VANS EQUIPPED WITH 144 INCH WHEELBASE AND STANDARD ROOF HEIGHT. THESE VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201U, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' SOME VANS MAY NOT HAVE HAD CERTAIN HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION PADS INSTALLED AT THE C-PILLAR.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND, IF THE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION PADS ARE MISSING, THE APPROPRIATE PADS WILL BE INSTALLED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 9, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems:

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