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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 Freightliner Sprinter Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
25%of 8 total for the year
Median mileage
78,886miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Freightliner Sprinter, 25% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,886 miles.

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.

“Transmission problem. I have experienced the following problem on different types of terrain, but it has been most common in areas with steep hills. After accellerating to maintain speed while climbing a steep incline and feathering the throtle as the hill is topped, the (automatic) transmission kicks completely out of gear on the descent and will not re-engage without bringing the vehicle to a stop, shifting to neutral or park and restarting the engine. So far, the drivers following me have all passed the brake test and their horns seem to be in good working order. …”

NHTSA complaint #10121243, filed 2005-05, 25,000 miles

“Dt: the consumer has 2002 Freightliner Sprinter van had a carrier bearing on the driveshaft which seized and spinned out. The consumer took the driveshaft to a repair shop to have it checked. The mechanic suggested that the consumer replace the driveshaft. The consumer made several calls to the dealership, and they told him that it is was only warranted for 36,000 miles. The van has 130,000 on it. The mechanic told the consumer that this should have lasted much longer than this. The consumer is going to have to buy the driveshaft at the price of $1,000.00. …”

NHTSA complaint #10134033, filed 2005-08, 132,773 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2002225%

Other parts of the 2002 Freightliner Sprinter

Engine cooling
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Freightliner Sprinter

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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