Dodge Sprinter 2003

Model Sprinter made in 2003 by Dodge got 22 consumer complains there are 2 investigations as well as 9 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling and power train. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, equipment and fuel system, gasoline. The car had one investigation (tires).

Model 2003

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
090060606/17/200610020083New crankshaft and center bolt design. *tt07/19/2006
090030602/25/200610019542Crankshaft replacement policy change and main bearing part number information. *tt03/24/2006
EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER
240130508/04/200510016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor. *tt09/26/2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - FUEL RAIL
140010503/10/200410013678Common rail fuel injection diagnosis. 2001-2002 dodge sprinter. *sc04/25/2005
140010403/02/200410006444Common rail fuel injection diagnosis. *tt05/03/2004
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
210070503/09/200510013676Automatic transmission shifting concerns. 2001-2005 dodge sprinter. *sc04/25/2005
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
030020405/04/200410007924Ringing sound coming from propeller shaft when transmission is shifted from drive to reverse or reverse to drive. *tt07/15/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FLUID
D5601/01/200510012243The maintenance logbook does not contain the recommended dot 4 brake fluid change interval for commercial vehicle applications. customer satisfication notification d56. maintenance logbook addendum / brake fluid. *tt02/23/2005
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
071105/01/200710021669Rear axle repair vs. replace procedure change. *kb06/15/2007

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
TIRES
PE04066CHRYSLER GROUP LLC09/21/200402/02/2005TIRE VALVE FAILURE04V600000
 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 mixing of the rubber components, as the factors contributing to this defect.as a result of these factors, cracks can develop within the rubber part or between the metal and the rubber parts of the valve stem, which can lead to a loss of air pressure at the valve stem and may pose a risk to motor vehicle safety.although the tr-600 tire valve is used only on the 2500 series subject vehicles with 16 inch tires, dcmi will conduct a safety recall for all sprinter 2500 vehicles sold in the u.s. to replace the current tire valves with a tr-600 valve, which uses a single rubber component for the valves.all 24 complaints and all 43 warranty claims identified in this investigation involved my 2002-04 sprinter 2500 vehicles, which comprise approximately 84 percent of the subject vehicle population.
TIRES - VALVE
PE04066CHRYSLER GROUP LLC09/21/200402/02/2005TIRE VALVE FAILURE04V600000
 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 mixing of the rubber components, as the factors contributing to this defect.as a result of these factors, cracks can develop within the rubber part or between the metal and the rubber parts of the valve stem, which can lead to a loss of air pressure at the valve stem and may pose a risk to motor vehicle safety.although the tr-600 tire valve is used only on the 2500 series subject vehicles with 16 inch tires, dcmi will conduct a safety recall for all sprinter 2500 vehicles sold in the u.s. to replace the current tire valves with a tr-600 valve, which uses a single rubber component for the valves.all 24 complaints and all 43 warranty claims identified in this investigation involved my 2002-04 sprinter 2500 vehicles, which comprise approximately 84 percent of the subject vehicle population.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
08/20/2007108356111/20/2005
 I purchased a 2003 dodge intrepid in november of 2005 and the car runs fine up until about a month and a half ago. the check engine light came on and the car would get stuck in one gear and my rpm would go up into the red line unless i pulled over and restarted the car. other times it would get stuck and then jerk into the next gear. then about four days ago i was on the freeway and the whole car just shut off. i could not move it and traffic was speeding past me and a few had to slam on breaks to avoid hitting me and my ten month old daughter. i had to have some people help me to push it off the freeway so that i could restart it to make it back home. i am very frightened to drive now especially with my daughter in the car because i am afraid this may happen again. i had the codes read on the car and about seven came up all pointing to different things. a mechanic suggested the transmission ecm. the estimated cost of fixing this if it is the problem is about 750.00 dollars. *tr
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
05/19/2005190000112/10/2003
 We operate 2 2003 dodge sprinter passenger vans in our airport shuttle business. on thursday, may 19th we had a vehicle just quit after start-up when the driver stepped on the gas. she re-started, drove a block, it quits again. we had 6 passengers onbaord to go to the airport. she could not make the vehicle run more than a few blocks and if she stepped on the gas to accelerate it would quit. we towed it to the dealer and the next day it was determined that a wire bundle that runs from the ecu to the engine, which is tied wrapped to 2 other wire bundles had chaffed right thru the protective nylon cover and worn thru 2 or 3 wires in the bundle and completely thur the internal wire. these wires were those that provided voltage to the fuel injectors and hence the failure of power. the dealer was able to splice the wires and put on a heavy duty plastic wire bundle wrap, similar tothose used elsewhere in the vehicle. the problem is that this bundle is tied wrapped to the lower frame of the engine compartment and is probably that way in every sprinter. since our sprinters have about 190,000 miles in only a year and a half, we've obviously have more time and vibration and chaffing than nearly any in the country so we are seeing high mileage issues that a normal consumer will probably never see. however, this instant failure cold have been a disaster we if had been on the freeway going 70 mph instead of in a residential area. we inspected our other sprinter and it has the same wiring concept but for some reason this main wire bundle was not tie wrapped to the frame and does not appear to be chaffed. we are having our maintenance person check it on monday the 23rd. this is a true safety issue that should result in at least a recall for inspection of the wire bundle for chaffing. it was about a 3-4 hour repair.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
07/29/2010105000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2003 chrysler sprinter 2500. on july 29, 2010 the contact received the recall notice, nhtsa campaign id number: 09v418000 - component: engine and engine cooling:exhaust system. this recall was for an issue with corrosion on the intake manifold. when the contact received the recall notice he contacted the dealership in regards to getting the recall remedy resolved. at that time the contact was informed that the parts were currently not in stock. the contact called the dealership today, august 27, 2010 and was informed that the parts for the recall would not be in stock until september 23, 2010. the contact feels that dealership is not handling this recall in a proper manner. the approximate current mileage is 105,000
01/01/19011
 2003 dodge sprinter. consumer states defective intake manifold. consumer states that a notice from chrysler regarding arrangements to repair the defect has not been received *tgw
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
08/06/20048945304/06/2004
 This stuff is dangerous. i've lost three tire valves in less than 1000 miles and the last was sudden and violent. honestly, i thought i'd done something wrong, but i've used only mr. clean wash system and a very dilute degreaser on the wheels. it was difficult to try to remove the stems without further damaging the valves at discount but we perfomred a little experiment before dissembling the tire. we ran the psi up to 80 off the vehicle and watched where the air escaped the valve. there is a rubber coller that runs about 1/2 up the metal valve stem. the air leaks from the circumference of the seal where the rubber ends and metal begins. however, any slight pressure off-center results in airflow from the junction of the valve and rim. further pressure empties the tire pretty quick. the first two leaks were discovered hissing in parking lots after a trip into a store. the last, i left my driveway, all well and got about 1/16 mile from the house. the van started shuddering and was difficult to contol. i called hoke and asked my wife to look in the driveway. i thought that i'd lost all the transmission fluid. the truck was really fighting. i nursed the van along for approximately 100 feet and turned into a auto parts store. i got out, poppped the hood and looked under the truck for a leak. i was on the way into the store before i noticed that driver's side tire was completely flat. i laughed.*ak i now think that the mb traction control has no idea what to do with a flat and masks the problem, converting it into a bizarre tranny type problem. it sound moronic to not relalize that you have a flat especially after you just had two in the front, but the rear is totally different. the only explanation is the traction control. and now i find out that there are many that have had the same experience...this is scary. how many have replaced the valves? jp pe04066_cat
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
08/20/2007108356111/20/2005
 I purchased a 2003 dodge intrepid in november of 2005 and the car runs fine up until about a month and a half ago. the check engine light came on and the car would get stuck in one gear and my rpm would go up into the red line unless i pulled over and restarted the car. other times it would get stuck and then jerk into the next gear. then about four days ago i was on the freeway and the whole car just shut off. i could not move it and traffic was speeding past me and a few had to slam on breaks to avoid hitting me and my ten month old daughter. i had to have some people help me to push it off the freeway so that i could restart it to make it back home. i am very frightened to drive now especially with my daughter in the car because i am afraid this may happen again. i had the codes read on the car and about seven came up all pointing to different things. a mechanic suggested the transmission ecm. the estimated cost of fixing this if it is the problem is about 750.00 dollars. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
09/15/2005120000109/30/2003
 - had brakes on 2003 dodge sprinter checked by local mechanic. said that there was about 40% brake pad left but the rotors where extremely worn. i am wondering if rotor life goes past the brake life and could be a danger. dealer said rotors are changed everytime with pad change! *nm
TIRES
11/25/200419000106/15/2003
 Recall campaign 04v600000 concerning tire valve. while driving 60 mph the vehicle swayed severely across the road. consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the main road, and noticed the right rear tire was flat. then, consumer changed the tire, and drove the vehicle to his brother in law's home. he inflated the tire with air, and noticed air leaking from the valve stem. consumer was unable to get the other three tires repaired under this recall. *ak
07/10/2004165002
 I have a 2003 freightliner sprinter van, made by mercedes, and while on a trip i noticed a low tire and when i attempted to add air the valve stem threaded brass part separated from the neoprene. i took it to a tire place and had the valve stem replaced. about a week later, on the trip back to florida, i woke up in the morning to find another different tire flat with the valve stem delaminated and i changed it myself. when i got home, i contacted dodge for help got a cold shoulder. i then had all 5 dismounted and metal stems installed. i have the failed stems if you would like to see them. i am a member of a chat group devoted to the sprinter and several owners have reported the same problem. i think this is a chronic problem and could result in a highway accident with serious results. *ak pe04066_cat
08/04/200413955108/08/2003
 Tire valves suddenly allow air to escape from wheel, a collision could have easily occurred. found that the valve was faulty, and failed due to high temperatures generated by disc brakes.*ak pe04066_cat
08/06/20048945304/06/2004
 This stuff is dangerous. i've lost three tire valves in less than 1000 miles and the last was sudden and violent. honestly, i thought i'd done something wrong, but i've used only mr. clean wash system and a very dilute degreaser on the wheels. it was difficult to try to remove the stems without further damaging the valves at discount but we perfomred a little experiment before dissembling the tire. we ran the psi up to 80 off the vehicle and watched where the air escaped the valve. there is a rubber coller that runs about 1/2 up the metal valve stem. the air leaks from the circumference of the seal where the rubber ends and metal begins. however, any slight pressure off-center results in airflow from the junction of the valve and rim. further pressure empties the tire pretty quick. the first two leaks were discovered hissing in parking lots after a trip into a store. the last, i left my driveway, all well and got about 1/16 mile from the house. the van started shuddering and was difficult to contol. i called hoke and asked my wife to look in the driveway. i thought that i'd lost all the transmission fluid. the truck was really fighting. i nursed the van along for approximately 100 feet and turned into a auto parts store. i got out, poppped the hood and looked under the truck for a leak. i was on the way into the store before i noticed that driver's side tire was completely flat. i laughed.*ak i now think that the mb traction control has no idea what to do with a flat and masks the problem, converting it into a bizarre tranny type problem. it sound moronic to not relalize that you have a flat especially after you just had two in the front, but the rear is totally different. the only explanation is the traction control. and now i find out that there are many that have had the same experience...this is scary. how many have replaced the valves? jp pe04066_cat
07/12/2004280002
 While stopping for a red light consumer heard a loud noise. cfonsumer got out of vehicle and noticed that tire flat. aaa was called, who indicated that the valve stem blew out. the next day while the vehicle was sitting in the driveway the valve stem blew out again at another another tire. *ak *ts pe04066_cat
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
01/13/2005180002
 While driving 55 mph front driver/rear passenger tire blew out. consumer pulled over and changed the tire. michelin , p275r16. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
TIRES - VALVE
09/21/200749095312/23/2003
 I have had 3 valve stem failures where the stem goes into the rim in approx 6 weeks of time resulting in flat tires. last one was while parked but was rapid deflation told stems from the factory were not the correct stems. replaced by the dealer for free all stems. *jb
11/25/200419000106/15/2003
 Recall campaign 04v600000 concerning tire valve. while driving 60 mph the vehicle swayed severely across the road. consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the main road, and noticed the right rear tire was flat. then, consumer changed the tire, and drove the vehicle to his brother in law's home. he inflated the tire with air, and noticed air leaking from the valve stem. consumer was unable to get the other three tires repaired under this recall. *ak
07/10/2004165002
 I have a 2003 freightliner sprinter van, made by mercedes, and while on a trip i noticed a low tire and when i attempted to add air the valve stem threaded brass part separated from the neoprene. i took it to a tire place and had the valve stem replaced. about a week later, on the trip back to florida, i woke up in the morning to find another different tire flat with the valve stem delaminated and i changed it myself. when i got home, i contacted dodge for help got a cold shoulder. i then had all 5 dismounted and metal stems installed. i have the failed stems if you would like to see them. i am a member of a chat group devoted to the sprinter and several owners have reported the same problem. i think this is a chronic problem and could result in a highway accident with serious results. *ak pe04066_cat
08/04/200413955108/08/2003
 Tire valves suddenly allow air to escape from wheel, a collision could have easily occurred. found that the valve was faulty, and failed due to high temperatures generated by disc brakes.*ak pe04066_cat
08/06/20048945304/06/2004
 This stuff is dangerous. i've lost three tire valves in less than 1000 miles and the last was sudden and violent. honestly, i thought i'd done something wrong, but i've used only mr. clean wash system and a very dilute degreaser on the wheels. it was difficult to try to remove the stems without further damaging the valves at discount but we perfomred a little experiment before dissembling the tire. we ran the psi up to 80 off the vehicle and watched where the air escaped the valve. there is a rubber coller that runs about 1/2 up the metal valve stem. the air leaks from the circumference of the seal where the rubber ends and metal begins. however, any slight pressure off-center results in airflow from the junction of the valve and rim. further pressure empties the tire pretty quick. the first two leaks were discovered hissing in parking lots after a trip into a store. the last, i left my driveway, all well and got about 1/16 mile from the house. the van started shuddering and was difficult to contol. i called hoke and asked my wife to look in the driveway. i thought that i'd lost all the transmission fluid. the truck was really fighting. i nursed the van along for approximately 100 feet and turned into a auto parts store. i got out, poppped the hood and looked under the truck for a leak. i was on the way into the store before i noticed that driver's side tire was completely flat. i laughed.*ak i now think that the mb traction control has no idea what to do with a flat and masks the problem, converting it into a bizarre tranny type problem. it sound moronic to not relalize that you have a flat especially after you just had two in the front, but the rear is totally different. the only explanation is the traction control. and now i find out that there are many that have had the same experience...this is scary. how many have replaced the valves? jp pe04066_cat
07/12/2004280002
 While stopping for a red light consumer heard a loud noise. cfonsumer got out of vehicle and noticed that tire flat. aaa was called, who indicated that the valve stem blew out. the next day while the vehicle was sitting in the driveway the valve stem blew out again at another another tire. *ak *ts pe04066_cat
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
03/02/200550000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge sprinter. the contact stated that the throttle pedal failed which made it impossible to accelerate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and they could not find the failure. the manufacturer was called and stated that they were unable to repair the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 50,000. the current mileage was 100,000.

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
FLJACKSONVILLETORR NEIHB904-389-3653
FLORLANDOCENTRAL FLORIDA CHRYSLER JEEP
FLORLANDO32824CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRYSLER, JEEP , DODGE407/351-9940
MNBURNSVILLE55337DODGE OF BURNSVILLE952-894-9000
MNROSEVILLE55113ROSEVILLE CHRYSTLER DODGE651- 633-8297
NJBURLINGTON08016DODGE CITY609-871-2800
TXHOUSTON,HELFMAN DODGE713-533-6100
WAEVERETT98203DWAYNE LANE'S EVERETT DODGE888-444-5263