repaired · 2018 Q4
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may…
2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-833 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 31, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
1Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel system, diesel
1Service brakes, hydraulic
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. INTAKE MANIFOLD CORROSION MAY LEAD TO AN EXHAUST GAS LEAK, DAMAGE TO THE FUEL RETURN LINE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK, AND HEAT DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AT…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. INTAKE MANIFOLD CORROSION MAY LEAD TO AN EXHAUST GAS LEAK, DAMAGE TO THE FUEL RETURN LINE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK, AND HEAT DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AT…
no report yet
Steering: column
Risk. THE OPERATOR MAY LOSE STEERING ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Interior lighting
Risk. THE SWITCHING CONTACTS OF THE LAMP MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE REAR LAMP INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Sprinter 2500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sprinter 2500 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Sprinter 2500 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* 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…
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. *TR
TL* 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…
Own a 2003 Sprinter 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.