Owners have filed 45 complaints
about the 2004 Dodge Sprinter with NHTSA between 2004 and 2020.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the Dodge Sprinter. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 11
2.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
59% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Valve
628.6%
Engine
419.0%
Automatic Transmission
419.0%
Diesel
29.5%
Body
29.5%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
14.8%
Brake Lights
14.8%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1027.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
924.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
718.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
513.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
513.5%
150,000+ miles
12.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2004peak 4Feb 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Dodge Sprinter
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE04066Opened 21 Sep 2004Closed 2 Feb 2005TIRES
TIRE VALVE FAILURE
ODI OPENED PE04-066 TO INVESTIGATE FIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING TIRE VALVE FAILURE IN MY 2003-04 SUBJECT VEHICLES.SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED MULTIPLE TIRE VALVE FAILURES FOR A SINGLE VEHICLE.ON DECEMBER 16, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (DCMI) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MY 2002-05 SPRINTER 2500 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TR-600 TIRE VALVES PRODUCED BY ALLIGATOR VENTILFABRICK GMBH (RECALL 04V-600).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THE CHEMICAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER COMPONENTS AND AN UNSTABLE SUPPLIER PRODUCTION PROCESS, WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE...
Recalls on the 2004 Dodge Sprinter
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20166251,319 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and without electronic stability control (ESC) may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 105 - Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems. The brake system indicator tell-tale may not illuminate during the lamp function check when the ignition is initially turned to the “ON” (run) position, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will correct the coding of the instrument cluster software.
Recall 20050181,397 units in Canada
Wheels
On certain vehicle equipped with 16 inch tires and operated in hot ambient conditions, the rubber and metal portions of the valve stem may experience separation or cracking. This condition may lead to loss of air pressure at the valve stem and subsequent rapid loss of pressure in the tire that could result in a loss of vehicle directional control with minimal advance warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the tire valve stems.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Palm Beach Gardens, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT DUPLICATED.
NHTSA complaint #10113696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Laramie, WY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UPON COMPLETION OF THE T21 RECALL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (ERROR CODE U0423) CAME ON. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WAS OFF, DRAINING THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11306976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acworth, GA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY MISFIRED. THE DODGE MANUFACTURER INCLUDED THE VEHICLE IN ITS T21 EMISSIONS RECALL FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT; HOWEVER, THE TOOLS, AN AVAILABLE TECHNICIAN, AND THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE FOLLOWING DEALERS WERE CONTACTED: ED VOYLES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (789 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (844) 715-5921), SHOTTENKIRK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (200 LIBERTY BLVD, CANTON, GA 30114, (678) 535-3417), LANDMARK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (6850 MT ZION BLVD, MORROW, GA 30260, (770) 968-4900), DON JACKSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (3950 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 969-7229), AND MALL OF GEORGIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (4345 BUFORD DR, BUFORD, GA 30518, (888) 522-5112). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER WHO WAS TO RESPOND WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED TODAY IS AUGUST 10,2018 AND WE ARE STILL ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE OUR RECALL T-21 OF SPRINTER 2004. ALTHOUGH IT HAS TAKEN 3 MONTH TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO GET THIS RECALL RESOLVED. WE WENT TI HAVE THE SITUATION SOLVED ON AUG 7. NOW AFTER A SERVICE MANAGER ASKED HIS OWN PERSONAL COMPUTER TO DO THE UPDATE... WE NOW HAVE A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON- STILL NOT RESOLVED MANY POOR EXCUSES FROM CIA- CASE# 3646736668. UPDATED 10/9/18
NHTSA complaint #11109603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I USED YOUR ONLINE VIN CHECKER TO SEE IF MY CAR HAS A RECALL AND IT SAID NO RECALLS, AND REQUEST INVALID BUT I KNOW I ENTERED THE CORRECT VIN AND YOU GAVE ME MY VEHICLE YEAR AND MODEL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #11051206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,125 milesSAN Diego, CA
TIRES
FOUR P225/75R15XL SCORPION STR TIRES PURCHASED & INSTALLED 8-5-10 AT EVANS TIRE &SERVICE CENTER 1530 GARNET AVE. SAN DIEGO CA 92109 ONTO 2004 DODGE SPRINTER 2500, MILEAGE 28274. ON 2-28-2015 MILEAGE APPROX.43125MI. : PASSERBY REPORTED LEFT REAR TIRE APPEARED VERY LOW ON AIR; DRIVER IMMEDIATELY PRESENTEDVAN TO SAME SHOP WHERE EMPLOYEE REFUSED TO FILL ADJUST AIR PRESSURE DUE TO HIS REPORTING EVIDENT SIDEWALL CRACKS & HIS FEAR OF TIRE EXPLODING. HE OFFERED TO SELL NEW TIRES. CALLING SAME SHOP TODAY FOR TIRE OPTIONS & PRICE QUOTES ANOTHER EMPLOYEE REFERRED/ CONNECTED CALL TO THEIR EVANS TIRE CENTER FOR TIRE OPTIONS & PRICES, WHERE YET ANOTHER EMPLOYEE OFFERED TO SELL NEW CAPITAL ( SP. CAPITOL?)TIRES, QUOTING PRICE DESCRIBED AS"....AT THEIR (EVANS' )COST..." PLEASE RESPOND AND RELAY A COPY OF THIS COMPLAINT TO ALL APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA STATE CONSUMER AND AUTO REPAIR, TIRE SALE REGULATORY &LICENSING AGENCIES . THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10691688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesFlagstaff, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE SLIDING DOOR WHICH IS THE ONLY EGRESS FOR PASSENGERS IN THE BACK OF THE VAN WILL NOT OPEN. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED 4 TIMES AND IT CONTINUOUSLY FAILS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER SPRINTER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SHOULD THERE BE AN INCIDENT THAT REQUIRED THE QUICK EVACUATION OF THE VAN BY PASSENGERS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN THEY COULD BE VERY SERIOUSLY HARMED. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT THAT CHRYSLER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE.
NHTSA complaint #10610216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAmerican Fork, UT
ENGINE
DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND THE SPEED DECREASES TO ABOUT 40 MPH. I CAN PULL OVER AND TURN OF THE MOTOR FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND START UP AND THE VEHICLE WILL RESET AND RUN FINE UNTIL IT DOES IT AGAIN RANDOMLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE LEFT HAND LANE AND YOU ARE TRYING TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE REPLACED THE TURBO RESONATOR 3 TIME ON THIS TRUCK. THIS IS A PLASTIC PART AND THE BODY CRACKS FROM THE VIBRATION AND PRESSURE.
NHTSA complaint #10483797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesLombard, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2004 DODGE SPRINTER - THE BRAKING SYSTEM STIFFENS UP (POWER BRAKE) IF I PUSH THE PEDAL HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I BACK UP THE VEHICLE. IT'S LIKE THE BOOSTER HAS FROZEN SOLID AND THE BRAKE PEDAL CAN'T TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN. IF I LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A WHILE (1 HR) IT WILL GET BACK TO NORMAL. THIS IS A REPEAT INCIDENT AND STARTED IN THE FIRST YEAR BUT I DID NOT PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION SINCE I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED AND THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR A WHILE. BUT LATELY IS REAPPEARING MORE FREQUENTLY. NO ACCIDENT YET. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY NOW 66,000 MILES. I WONDER IF THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME.
NHTSA complaint #10314055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesSnowmass Village, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
IN MAY OF 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW DODGE (MERCEDES BENZ) SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VAN. WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AND 7,500 MILES OF DATE OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF PREMATURE RUSTING AND LEAKAGE OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I PURSUED REMEDY THRU ALL AUTHORIZED SPRINTER DEALERSHIPS ADHERING TO CHRYSLER PROTOCOLS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. NO REMEDY WAS EVER FORTHCOMING, I REPEATEDLY AND CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE CHRYSLER, THEIR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE IS DOCUMENTED AND TOO EXTENSIVE TO PROVIDE HERE. I HAVE FILED BBB COMPLAINTS IN DENVER CO. I HAVE SPOKEN TO EXECUTIVE LEVEL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. AND NONE HAVE OFFERED A VIABLE SOLUTION. THEY HAVE ESSENTIALLY WASHED THEIR HANDS OF A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN PURSUING FOR 4 YEARS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF SO MANY CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THEY NOW AVOID MY EMAILS AND INQUIRIES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE AS I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES ON THE NET TO SIMILAR ISSUES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALL SHOW SIGN OF PREMATURE RUST ,LEAKAGE OF ROOF SEAMS AND RUST PENETRATION AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. I HAVE SOUGHT REPAIRS WELL WITHIN THE RUST THRU WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAVE MET WITH NOTHING BUT LIP SERVICE. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND HAS DELAYED OFFERING A REMEDY UNTIL NOW THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. I CAN PROVIDE EXPLICIT WORK ORDERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REF NO, WITHIN CHRYSLERS SYSTEM. I AM NOW CONSIDERING PURSUING LEGAL OPTIONS BUT LITTLE RESOLUTION IS AVAILABLE. BODY SHOPS REFUSE TO PERFORM REPAIR WORK BECAUSE THEY UNIVERSALLY STATE THAT RUST IS A NONFIXABLE ISSUE. ON ONLY ONE OCCASION DID CHRYSLER AUTHORIZE A SUPERFICIAL ATTEMPT TO PAINT OVER PROBLEM, THEY THEN REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR RUST THRU PERFORATION WARRANTY WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED WITH 35,000 MILES. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS RUSTING EXTENSIVELY IN AREAS WHERE I ORIGINALLY DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10289347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesSnowmass Village, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
IN MAY OF 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW DODGE (MERCEDES BENZ) SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VAN. WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AND 7,500 MILES OF DATE OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF PREMATURE RUSTING AND LEAKAGE OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I PURSUED REMEDY THRU ALL AUTHORIZED SPRINTER DEALERSHIPS ADHERING TO CHRYSLER PROTOCOLS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. NO REMEDY WAS EVER FORTHCOMING, I REPEATEDLY AND CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE CHRYSLER, THEIR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE IS DOCUMENTED AND TOO EXTENSIVE TO PROVIDE HERE. I HAVE FILED BBB COMPLAINTS IN DENVER CO. I HAVE SPOKEN TO EXECUTIVE LEVEL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. AND NONE HAVE OFFERED A VIABLE SOLUTION. THEY HAVE ESSENTIALLY WASHED THEIR HANDS OF A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN PURSUING FOR 4 YEARS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF SO MANY CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THEY NOW AVOID MY EMAILS AND INQUIRIES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE AS I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES ON THE NET TO SIMILAR ISSUES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALL SHOW SIGN OF PREMATURE RUST ,LEAKAGE OF ROOF SEAMS AND RUST PENETRATION AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. I HAVE SOUGHT REPAIRS WELL WITHIN THE RUST THRU WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAVE MET WITH NOTHING BUT LIP SERVICE. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND HAS DELAYED OFFERING A REMEDY UNTIL NOW THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. I CAN PROVIDE EXPLICIT WORK ORDERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REF NO, WITHIN CHRYSLERS SYSTEM. I AM NOW CONSIDERING PURSUING LEGAL OPTIONS BUT LITTLE RESOLUTION IS AVAILABLE. BODY SHOPS REFUSE TO PERFORM REPAIR WORK BECAUSE THEY UNIVERSALLY STATE THAT RUST IS A NONFIXABLE ISSUE. ON ONLY ONE OCCASION DID CHRYSLER AUTHORIZE A SUPERFICIAL ATTEMPT TO PAINT OVER PROBLEM, THEY THEN REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR RUST THRU PERFORATION WARRANTY WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED WITH 35,000 MILES. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS RUSTING EXTENSIVELY IN AREAS WHERE I ORIGINALLY DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10289347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesSnowmass Village, CO
EQUIPMENT
IN MAY OF 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW DODGE (MERCEDES BENZ) SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VAN. WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AND 7,500 MILES OF DATE OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF PREMATURE RUSTING AND LEAKAGE OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I PURSUED REMEDY THRU ALL AUTHORIZED SPRINTER DEALERSHIPS ADHERING TO CHRYSLER PROTOCOLS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. NO REMEDY WAS EVER FORTHCOMING, I REPEATEDLY AND CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE CHRYSLER, THEIR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE IS DOCUMENTED AND TOO EXTENSIVE TO PROVIDE HERE. I HAVE FILED BBB COMPLAINTS IN DENVER CO. I HAVE SPOKEN TO EXECUTIVE LEVEL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. AND NONE HAVE OFFERED A VIABLE SOLUTION. THEY HAVE ESSENTIALLY WASHED THEIR HANDS OF A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN PURSUING FOR 4 YEARS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF SO MANY CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THEY NOW AVOID MY EMAILS AND INQUIRIES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE AS I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES ON THE NET TO SIMILAR ISSUES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALL SHOW SIGN OF PREMATURE RUST ,LEAKAGE OF ROOF SEAMS AND RUST PENETRATION AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. I HAVE SOUGHT REPAIRS WELL WITHIN THE RUST THRU WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAVE MET WITH NOTHING BUT LIP SERVICE. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND HAS DELAYED OFFERING A REMEDY UNTIL NOW THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. I CAN PROVIDE EXPLICIT WORK ORDERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REF NO, WITHIN CHRYSLERS SYSTEM. I AM NOW CONSIDERING PURSUING LEGAL OPTIONS BUT LITTLE RESOLUTION IS AVAILABLE. BODY SHOPS REFUSE TO PERFORM REPAIR WORK BECAUSE THEY UNIVERSALLY STATE THAT RUST IS A NONFIXABLE ISSUE. ON ONLY ONE OCCASION DID CHRYSLER AUTHORIZE A SUPERFICIAL ATTEMPT TO PAINT OVER PROBLEM, THEY THEN REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR RUST THRU PERFORATION WARRANTY WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED WITH 35,000 MILES. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS RUSTING EXTENSIVELY IN AREAS WHERE I ORIGINALLY DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10289347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSunnyvale, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ID # 07V299000 - INTERIOR LIGHTING ON THE MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS YET IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. DODGE HAS ORDERED THE PARTS TO BE REPLACED AND IS CHARGING $277.67. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10284902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSunnyvale, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ID # 07V299000 - INTERIOR LIGHTING ON THE MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS YET IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. DODGE HAS ORDERED THE PARTS TO BE REPLACED AND IS CHARGING $277.67. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10284902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 269,000 milesDuluth, MN
WHEELS
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT STEEL WHEEL ON 2004 DODGE SPRINTER BROKE ALONG "SPOKES". THIS COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IN A LOADED VAN. I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEEL AND TOOK IT TO A SHOP WHERE THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG BECAUSE THE CRACKS IN THE WHEEL ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO DETECT UNLESS INSPECTED VERY CLOSELY. THE WHEEL THAT FAILED WAS NEVER ABUSED OR MISTREATED IN ANY WAY PRIOR TO FAILURE. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN WHEEL IF YOU WISH TO INSPECT IT. I AM NOW RUNNING ON THE SPARE. SHOULD I REPLACE ALL 4 WHEELS ON THIS VAN? WILL THE OTHERS ALSO FAIL? ARE ALL 2004 SPRINTER WHEELS THIS DANGEROUS?
NHTSA complaint #10275815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. A BLOWN TAIL LIGHT FUSE WAS REPAIRED, BUT IT CONTINUES TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT SENT THE PARTS FOR THE LIGHTS TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03-06-09 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TRANSMISION WAS NOT PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD. UPDATED 03/12/09
NHTSA complaint #10249094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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
NHTSA complaint #10249094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesUnionville, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON HIS DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAKING PLUG ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT RELEASED THE OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #10248554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesUnionville, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON HIS DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAKING PLUG ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT RELEASED THE OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #10248556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,150 milesNewark, DE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON I-70 FROM FREDERICK TO CUMBERLAND IN 2004 DODGE SPRINTER PLEASURE-WAY RV, NOTICED A REVVING IN THE ENGINE. GOING UP FIRST STEEP MOUNTAIN, THE ENGINE DROPPED 10 MPH FROM 65 TO 55. DROVE THROUGH HAGERSTOWN AND GOT ON I-68 TO CUMBERLAND. GOING UP THAT MOUNTAIN, THE RV LOST POWER IN EVERY GEAR AND WENT INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED TOW TRUCK. TOOK TO SPRINTER REPAIR SHOP WHO KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS - TURBO RESONATOR. TOOK APPROXIMATELY .7 OF AN HOUR TO REPLACE WITH A NEW PART. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE - THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE. IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE CLIMBING MOUNTAINS WITH TRACTOR TRAILER AND VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND HAVE THIS HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10231441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesSheboygan, WI
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
THERE IS CURRENTLY A COMPLAINT FOR THE 2500 DODGE SPRINTERS, FOR VALVE STEM FAILURE. WHAT ABOUT THE 3500? I'VE HAD THREE VALVE STEM FAILURES SO FAR AND NO RECOURSE. WHY IS THE 2500 DIFFERENT THAN THE 3,500? TWO HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ONE JUST LET GO WHILE PARKED. LUCKILY TWO WERE ON THE REAR DUALS AND I HAD THE OTHER TIRE TO BEAR THE WEIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10229402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesGlendale, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, WITH OR WITHOUT A/C. CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AFTER START UP AND AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. SOMETIMES CAN HAPPEN AFTER VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP (EVEN SMALL ONES), DURING TURNS, MOVING OFF FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS. DEALER DID INSTALL KIT TO PREVENT POTENTIAL STALLING DUE TO OPERATION OF HEAVY DUTY REAR A/C DURING TURNS (KNOWN PROBLEM) BUT NO EFFECT. ENGINE RESTARTS WITHOUT HESITATION AFTER IGNITION KEY IS SWITCHED OFF AND THEN TURNED ON. DEALER HAS CARRIED OUT AN EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL CHECK WITH NO RESULTS AND CANNOT DUPLICATE EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10225577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesWalton, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPEED DECREASED DRAMATICALLY. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NINE OCCASIONS AND THEY REPLACED THE ERG VALVE, TURBO MANIFOLD, AND THE TURBO RESONATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE HE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AS 51,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #10212917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,622 milesMelbourne, FL
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AFTER LEAKAGE OCCURED AT 27000 MILES. IT IS LEAKING AGAIN BUT NOT COVERED UNDER DRIVE TRAIN WARRENTY AND DODGE REFUSES TO REPLACE IT. HOWEVER IF THIS IS A REOCCURING PROBLEM YOU SHOULD INSIST THAT DODGE MODIFY THE DESIGN AND EFFECT A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10192764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,769 milesMelbourne, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
FAN PULLEY DISLODGES AND TEARS UP THE FRONT ACCESSORIES. DURING EXTENSIVE TRAVELS I HAVE FOUND DOZENS OF SPRINTERS HAVING HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THE DESIGN OR MATERIALS THAT MAKE UP THE PULLEY ARE FLAWED AND YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE. I FURTHER BELIEVE THE DESCREPENCY BASED ON CONVERSATIONS WITH MECHANICS IS WELL KNOW TO DODGE YET IS ALSO COVERED UP BY DODGE.
NHTSA complaint #10192761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesAlexandria, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #10187023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,225 milesHaltom City, TX
TIRES:VALVE
WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY TIRES INFLATED TO 60 PSI MAXIMUM 65 PSI, LEFT FRONT TIRE SUDDENLY DEFLATED. THE VALVE STEM CORE SEPARATED FROM THE RUBBER CAUSING THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. THE VALVE STEM WAS REPLACED.THIS IS ON A 04 3500 DODGE SPRINTER AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VALVE STEM RECALL ACCORDING TO DODGE.
NHTSA complaint #10186964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.