Model year

2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Van, diesel, 4x2, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jun 15, 2010 to Mar 31, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year537k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints6Below the median 2003 van
Severity index16.72003 vans average 16.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 peaked in 2010, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.7512010120122014201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

67% of complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
4
Electrical system
1
Fuel system
1
Brakes
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
16V-833Nov 17, 2016Instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up…Electrical system17,501Software update
11V-410Aug 9, 2011Intake manifolds may have corrodedEngine and cooling665Part replacement
09V-418Oct 29, 2009Intake manifolds may have corrodedEngine and cooling14,423Part replacement
08V-339Jul 24, 2008Welding seam between the bracket and steering column of affected spare parts does not meet design specificationsSteering10Part replacement
07V-299Jul 13, 2007On certain trucks equipped with rear air conditioning system, the interior lamp is equipped with an 18w lamp and a scattering lensLighting4,433Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 31, 2021Failure Jun 19, 201993,000 milesGretna, LAEngineFire

    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 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. THE CONTACT WENT TO RECEIVE THEIR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE AND STARTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BUT DID NOT FULLY PUT OUT THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT THEN HAD HIS WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN EXIT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COME TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID COME OUT AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE FULLY. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEAR BY TOWED LOT.THE CONTACT CALLED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THEM TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEIR LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED DO THAT SO THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS OR IF THE THAT TOWED LOT SCRAPPED THE VEHICLE FOR PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. ## VIN PASSED ## SPRINTER (DODGE OR FREIGHTLINER) 2003 ##

    NHTSA complaint 11405848
  2. Filed Sep 4, 2020Failure Jul 21, 2020320,000 milesJeffersonville, INElectrical system, Service brakes, Hydraulic

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 14 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SLOWLY DRIVEN BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOUISVILLE LOCATED AT 2520 TERRA CROSSING BLVD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40245, (502) 896-4411, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V833000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11353145
  3. Filed Jul 22, 2014Failure Jul 7, 2014243,000 milesPlacitas, NMEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10615198
  4. Filed Feb 7, 2013Failure Feb 7, 2013Takoma, WAEngine

    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 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. FREIGHTLINER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

    NHTSA complaint 10496777
  5. Filed Jun 15, 2012Failure Jun 14, 2012330,000 milesSeattle, WAExhaust system, Diesel

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL SAID THE REMEDY WAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO VERIFY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 330,000. UPDATED 07/05/12*LJ THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES, WHICH COULD BE DAMAGED DURING THE REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $300 TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES. UPDATED 07/10/12 UPDATED 07/19/12.

    NHTSA complaint 10461911
  6. Filed Jun 15, 2010Failure Jun 15, 2010Humboldt, TNFuel system, Diesel

    I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE NUMBER IN THE LETTER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLOSEST REPAIR CENTER WAS 110 MILES AWAY. THE SERVICE CENTER WHERE THE WORK WOULD BE PERFORMED IS ONLY OPEN M-F, 7A-5P. IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET THE AFFECTED VEHICLE FOR REPAIRED, I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OFF WORK AND LOSE A DAY'S PAY OR LONGER. THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFERED NO HELP IN OVERCOMING MY DILEMMA. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10336376
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

18 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • LI28_00-N-079097_1_en Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint While driving through muddy / sandy/ off road terrain "4Matic Currently Unavailable" message on the dash Cause This vehicle is not equipped with a fixed force distribution AWD, rather force is only applied to the front axle according to ESP calcul…
  • LI54_30-N-080701 Jul 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected due to vehicle operating conditions Complaint The ASSYST PLUS service reminder appears earlier than expected. The customer or dealer may report that the vehicle did not reach the starting maintenan…
  • LI49.10-N-080528 Jun 3, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OM642 DPF Filter Cracked or Broken Complaint Vehicle will not start or exhibits noisy exhaust. Check Engine Lamp (CEL) is on. Multiple control unit communication and system faults may be present, including but not limited to: 134800, 134900, 11B300, 11EC0…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Jun 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 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, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in tab…
  • LI4910-N-060969 Apr 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 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 cracked or broken. • See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmissio…
  • LI49-20-N-080376 Mar 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The check engine light is illuminated, or the AdBlue warning is active, with recorded faults related to AdBlue quality or concentration. Complaint Customer reports an illuminated check engine light and or an AdBlue system warning indicating AdBlue quality …
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR 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 mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with p…
  • LI54.30-N-079757 Sep 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Level Cannot Be Checked via Instrument Cluster Service Menu Complaint Sometimes the engine oil level cannot be determined using the instrument cluster's service menu. The following mes- sages may be displayed: •Engine oil level currently inopera…
  • LI27.19-N-079793 Sep 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 May 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint 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, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in tabl…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Apr 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR 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 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve s…
  • LI82.35-N-078930 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with d…
  • LI47.10-N-079010 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type Complaint: Procedure for When Diesel Fuel Tank is Filled with Incorrect Fuel Type (e.g., gasoline, water, biodiesel, AdBlue/DEF) Cause: The incorrect fuel type, such as gasoline, water, …
  • LI14.20-N-073867 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EGR Valve Diagnosis and Cleaning Procedure 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, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list …
  • LI49.20-N-078838 Feb 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The check engine light or AdBlue warning is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes rela- ted to the AdBlue tank: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction …
  • LI07.70-N-078824 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Fault code P06DA00 is found current or stored in engine control unit. Check engine light may be activated. Cause Various causes Remedy Up to Model year 2018: Fault code P06DA00 can be disregarded if not activating the check engine light, unless ot…
  • LI49.00-N-078608 Nov 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SMOG/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 readiness monitors are not completely set. Cause: One or more of the following Readi…
  • LI14.20-N-073867 May 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. N…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.