Sprinter 3500 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 41 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Sprinter 3500 (2005–2008) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 21. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (20 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 3500 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 6 | 28,000 | 1 | 69 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 21 | 11,500 | 4 | 65 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 14 | 5,444 | 2 | 63 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling20 45%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 9.1%
- Tires4 9.1%
- Body and structure4 9.1%
- Fuel system4 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control3 6.8%
- Brakes3 6.8%
- Equipment2 4.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “My 2006 Sprinter motor home (cab by gulfstream) suffered a resonator failure on june 26th on interstate 81n near bristol tn. It has 18,500 miles on it. I was able to get to the right lane and, in limp home mode found a Sprinter repair garage and a new resonator was installed. I intend to replace this plastic resonator with an aluminum part. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10275421, filed 2009-07, 18,500 miles2005: “Leaving the town of lakeside, or made left turn onto the 101 hwy with traffic not visible due to a curve both ways, accelerated to get up to freeway speed for safety. Found the vehicle would not shift out of third gear. Drove 4-5 miles before I could turn off the freeway. I parked headed downhill, turned off the engine and opened the hood. I then went into the store to use phone; had no luck finding service. I felt I might be able to go back to my destination in third gear so gave it a try. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167655, filed 2006-09, 4,000 miles2008: “The road rescue Sprinter ambulance conversion has had issues with their conversions. We have had numerous repairs made to two (2) of our Sprinter ambulances and road rescue has failed to repair and solve the issues. The structural issues provide a risk to our emt's and patients as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10446953, filed 2012-02About 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. Methodology