2003 Sprinter 3500
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
2003 SPRINTER 3500 SHC, UNIT 1 AND UNIT 2 WERE WESTBOUND ON THE TURNPIKE WHEN A SET OF DUAL TIRES CAME OFF UNIT 1 AND STRUCK UNIT 2. BOTH UNITS SUBSEQUENTLY PULL OVER ON THE NORTH SHOULDER. *BF THE LEFT REAR DUALS SHEERED OFF THE HUB.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110321
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER SEAT BELT KEPT LOCKING WHILE VAN WAS MOVING AND THEN WOULD NOT RETRACT AT ALL. DRIVER SIDE RETRACTS BUT VERY SLOWLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130120
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VANS, A CAPACITOR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE AIR BAG CAN CRACK AND THE AIR BAG MAY NOT ACTIVATE AS DESIGNED. THIS CONDITION IS SIGNALED TO THE DRIVER BY THE SRS-WARNING LAM
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND
Campaign 03V082000 — check if this car was fixed
DAIMLER BUSES OF NORTH CAROLINA (DBNC) IS RECALLING 334 MY 2005-2006 SPRINTER 2500 AND MY 2003, 2005-2007 SPRINTER 3500 BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO
Remedy: DBNC IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR DBNC AT 1-905-403-7807.
Campaign 08V134000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Sprinter 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V082000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V134000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Sprinter 3500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Sprinter 3500?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Sprinter 3500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.