2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Engine · 4,000 miles · CA

This 2006 winnebago navion (on a sprinter 3500 chassis) has suffered two failures of the turbocharger resonator. When the failure occurs there is an immediate and almost total loss of power and the loss of the ability to climb hills as the vehicle goes into "limp home mode" with a top speed of 35 mpg on level ground. The vehicle is unable to keep up with or stay ahead of, or get out of the way of, other traffic. The first failure was initially not correctly diagnosed by the dealer, and after two additional incidents the resonator was replaced under warranty. The resonator has totally failed a second time and the dealer has refused to perform the repair under warranty. I have researched the problem and found that this is a well known defect with the sprinter that is not being addressed by dealers or the manufacturer. This is the most unreliable and unsafe vehicle I have ever owned or driven. I have had to pull over to the side, unable to get to a turnout, and still partially blocking an active lane of high speed traffic. The vehicles should be recalled and properly repaired, or the manufacturer should buy them back if they are not repairable.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Engine · 72,911 miles · VA

My 2006 dodge sprinter 3500 has just been diagnosed with the turbo resonator failure that was expected. It was expected be because it has now happened to all the sprinters I own. The vehicle suffers a dramatic loss of power and speed with no warning. I have almost been hit from behind when the van is on an upgrade and suddenly loses power and speed. This problem has been around as long as the sprinter has been out and nothing is being done about it. It is a danger to public and an extremely expensive repair to make. As far I am concerned, it a failure of the government to force the manufacturer to fix the problem and reimburse the people who have paid for it in the past.

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Engine · 18,909 miles · FL

Sudden loss of power while climbing hill in heavy traffic. Could proceed at only 5 MPH to get off road into shopping center parking lot. Had to be towed to a safe overnight location. Was a dangerous situation when it happened. We were very lucky not to be hit from behind. Failed part was a plastic "turbo resonator". Replaced by dealer. Code #43358.

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Engine · 4,642 miles · OK

I purchased a 2006 dodge sprinter 3500 as a 2007 winnebago view class c motorhome. In about january of 2008 I experienced a sudden loss of power and the plastic turbo resonator was replaced under warranty. On june 6, 2008 on trip from tulsa to frisco, tx again experienced loss of power and another plastic turbo resonator was placed on the vehicle at 4642 total miles. Having had two failures of this resonator within a year and under 5000 miles, I fill there is a serious defect in the original resonator and the improved one that also failed. The last failure occurred on a turnpike and my speeds ranged from 35 MPH uphill to 55 MPH downhill. A vehicle going that slow and being unable to accelerate to avoid problems is a definite hazard to us and other motorists. From what I hear from dodge dealers no fix to the problem is anticipated. This is unacceptable!

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Engine · 2,500 miles · GA

Repeated failure of turbo resonator on dodge sprinter 3500 / winnabago view resulting in sudden loss of 90% of power. Part cracks open causing loss of turbo pressure. Engine sensor thinks turbo has failed shutting down engine into limp mode resulting in 90% loss of power. Same part has failed twice in 2,500 miles. Both times happened on the interstates highways in traffic and nearly resulted in an accident on I 75 south of atlanta last year and on I 20 west of atlanta last weekend. In both cases high speed vehicles passing on both sides created an extremely hazardous conditions. User groups report this is a widespread problem. Dealer has fixed under warranty but refuses to allow known 3rd part solution (described below) that permanently solves the problem to be used and threatens cancellation of entire vehicle warranty if part is installed. Instead dealer installs same part that has a history of repeated failure and says "good luck". The problem is well-known to sprinter owners. It is well documented on user blogs such as: http://sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=108, http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sprinter/message/94 http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sprinter/message/95 it is also interesting to note that according to the james f. Riordan company, inc, a local dodge dealer initiated an effort to create a "permanent solution" to the problem, the resonator eliminator: http://www.riordanco.com/our_products_catalog.htm#sprinterturboresonator.

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Fuel system · ME

My 2006 sprinter diesel has had a resonator failure which caused a sudden loss of power - if this had happened at the wrong time it could have been deadly. The failure happened within a few thousand miles and was repaired by the manufacturer under warranty. However, there has not been any recall that I am aware of and after a web search it appears there should be - the replacement parts are not an improvement and as a result the failure has occurred more than once for many owners. It is clearly a safety issue given the sudden nature of the loss of power and the potential for it to happen when pulling into traffic or passing another vehicle etc.