2004 Dodge Sprinter problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Sprinter year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 5 Sprinter years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Tires & Wheels leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (27% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sprinter years?

Sprinter NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sprinter years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Dodge Sprinter problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	12	27%	— flat
Engine	10	22%	▲ up
Transmission	4	9%	▲ up
Electrical System	4	9%	▲ up
Body & Structure	3	7%	new
Fuel System	3	7%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	4%	▲ up
Lighting	2	4%	new
Other	2	4%	new
Brakes	2	4%	▲ up
Steering	1	2%	new

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THERE IS CURRENTLY A COMPLAINT FOR THE 2500 DODGE SPRINTERS, FOR VALVE STEM FAILURE. WHAT ABOUT THE 3500? I'VE HAD THREE VALVE STEM FAILURES SO FAR AND NO RECOURSE. WHY IS THE 2500 DIFFERENT THAN THE 3,500? TWO HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ONE JUST LET GO WHILE PARKED. LUCKILY TWO WERE ON THE REAR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 31, 2008

“FAN PULLEY DISLODGES AND TEARS UP THE FRONT ACCESSORIES. DURING EXTENSIVE TRAVELS I HAVE FOUND DOZENS OF SPRINTERS HAVING HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THE DESIGN OR MATERIALS THAT MAKE UP THE PULLEY ARE FLAWED AND YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE. I FURTHER BELIEVE THE DESCREPENCY BASED ON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 30, 2007

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE SPRINTER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON HIS DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAKING PLUG ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT RELEASED THE OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 11, 2008

“DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT DUPLICATED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 8, 2005 · fire

“2004 DODGE SPRINTER FUEL HOSE DISCONNECTED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STOP OPERATING WHILE IN MOTION.*MR THERE WAS ALSO A WIRING ISSUE WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND THE ENGINE FAULT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE LOOSE CONNECTION IN THE FUEL TANK. *TT”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2005

2004 Dodge Sprinter — common questions

Is the 2004 Dodge Sprinter reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 5 Sprinter years. It is one of the Sprinter years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Sprinter problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2004 Dodge Sprinter have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Dodge Sprinter.

Is the 2004 Dodge Sprinter under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Sprinter years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sprinter years to avoid are 2007, 2004. The cleanest record among Sprinter years belongs to 2006.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.