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 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 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 June 15, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 has problems
2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
1Engine and engine cooling
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 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.
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 3500 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 3500 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 3500 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE…
Own a 2003 Sprinter 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.