2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Problems & Complaints

Better than average60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sprinter 2500 at the same age

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 60% fewer than a typical Sprinter 2500 model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better Sprinter 2500 years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (6 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

12complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems

  • Engine & cooling~124,000 miles
    650%
  • Electrical system~131,000 miles
    542%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~115,000 miles
    217%
  • Wheels & tires~47,000 miles
    217%
  • Stability & traction control~124,000 miles
    217%
  • Lights~29,000 miles
    18%
  • Other / not specified~124,000 miles
    18%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~124,000 miles
    18%

Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Dodge Sprinter 2500 complaints by model year

2001200220032004200520062007200820091512213424533
Owner complaints per model year, Dodge Sprinter 2500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Sprinter 2500 years: 2002, 2001, 2003. Years to avoid: 2008, 2006, 2007, 2005. Compare all years →

2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 recalls (3)

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 16V-833 · Nov 17, 2016 · 17,501 vehicles

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function…

Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017.

Steering › Column

NHTSA recall 08V-339 · Jul 24, 2008 · 10 vehicles

Sprinter is recalling 10 my 2001-2006 Dodge and freightliner 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The welding seam between the bracket and steering column of affected spare parts does not meet design specifications.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering columns free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2009. Owners May contact sprinter at 843-695-5057.

Interior lighting

NHTSA recall 07V-299 · Jul 13, 2007 · 4,433 vehicles

On certain trucks equipped with rear air conditioning system, the interior lamp is equipped with an 18w lamp and a scattering lens. In extremely hot and humid conditions, the combination of heat and humidity, and the heat from the lamp due to extreme long term operation, can distort the scattering lens.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear interior lamps free of charge with a modified version which is not subject to the impacts of heat and humidity. The recall began on December 17, 2007.

What 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 owners say

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the ignition key turned to the off position however, the vehicle remained on, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with EGR valve failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The vehicle was not repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 257,600.

Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) · 258,000 miles · May 2023

I did the t21 recall update to the PCM and have had check engine light on, then it died and had it towed to the greatest Sprinter mechanics in my area. This was after the dealership cleared codes the first time my check engine light came on. Towing from insurance made me pay the difference in mileage from the dealership. Had t21 recall finished June 22, 2018, and again today after picking my van up from my trusted mechanics Thursday( who only work on sprinters and could not find the issue) and again check engine light comes on. I have had no issues with my van until this stupid update.. I will never trust your recalls ever again. From what I am reading, you guys don't care of the cost and burden it puts on us who have complications after this PCM update. So, when me and my quadriplegic son get stuck somewhere, are you going to help us? Pathetic company and stupid recall. …

124,000 miles · Jul 2018

Electrical system

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated the backlight of the instrument panel had remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off, and remained constantly illuminated. The failure had been ongoing for the past three years. The contact stated that the failure drained the battery; requiring the battery to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was due to a Manufacturer's Campaign Number: T21. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that after the repair, the failure had returned and that the vehicle could not be repaired a second time under the original recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

131,000 miles · Jun 2019

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the ignition key turned to the off position however, the vehicle remained on, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with EGR valve failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The vehicle was not repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 257,600.

Ignition · 258,000 miles · May 2023

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 a good car?

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Sprinter 2500 rates better than average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sprinter 2500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500?

The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the electrical system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500, the most recent from November 17, 2016 (instrument cluster/panel). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Sprinter 2500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2006, 2007 and 2005. See the full Dodge Sprinter 2500 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 124,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.