2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 50%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 168,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, 50% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 168,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle experienced reduced power and whoosh sound. Found intake manifold with cracks leaking exhaust from EGR runner. Made temporary repair on the road and was able to return to shop. Found there was a recall on this part (2010-040002) but have been unable to get repair from daimler vans USA.”
NHTSA complaint #10615198, filed 2014-07, 243,000 miles“The contact owned a 2003 n/a Freightliner sprinter van. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to lose speed, than the vehicle began to shutter and the contact looked thru the rear passenger side view mirror and noticed black smoke coming from exhaust. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact put the vehicle in park and exited out of the vehicle. The contact went to the front of the vehicle when it was noticed fluid was spilling out of the vehicle and smoke coming from underneath the hood. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405848, filed 2021-03, 93,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Freightliner SPRINTER 2500. The contact stated after receiving a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 11v410000 (engine and engine cooling), the contact called the dealer. The dealer stated that they could not remedy the vehicle due to the dealer not being able to work on vans. The contact then called the manufacturer to find out where to take the vehicle. The nearest dealer was too far to drive for the contact. The manufacturer then stated to call Freightliner regarding the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496777, filed 2013-02Related service bulletins
- 11031943Apr 18, 2026Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is…
- 11028113Jan 16, 2026EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more…
- 11018920May 9, 2025Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit…
- 11017565Apr 25, 2025EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure using TUNAP 926® on 906, 907 Sprinter with OM642 Diesel Engine Complaint Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and…
- 11011223Nov 28, 2024SMOG/Emissions Test fail due to one or more Readiness Monitors not set Complaint: The vehicle has failed the State Emissions Certification because one or more of the OBDII…
- 11001114May 24, 2024Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 43% |
| 2003 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
← All problems reported for the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology