Dodge Sprinter 3500 loss of power problems

Filed Jul 13, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 83,848 miles · AZ

While driving on interstate 40 in arizona, the dodge lost power and the ABS light came on along with the esp light and brake light. When lights illuminated the engine lost power and went into limp mode that significantly reduced speed. Once that happened a semi was behind me and he had to slam on his brakes. I was able to pull rv over and let it rest. After 2 hours of being on side of highway, I was able to get rv started and back on the road. I fixed the rear speed sensors and tried driving rv again. Same issue. I was on interstate 17 when the 3 lights illuminated and the rv stalled completely. I had no powering steering and struggled to safely pull over. Rv will be taken back to mercedes and try to troubleshoot. There needs to be a recall and mercedes needs to fix the issue as I see on forums that a lot of other people are having the same issue. Luckily, I have not heard of any injuries but if this issue happens to an inexperienced driver, they might panic and cause an accident.

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 Nov 17, 2009 · Engine · 4,900 miles · CA

While driving on the freeway experienced a sudden loss of power which almost resulted in someone rear ending my vehicle. Proceeded to the nearest dealer who diagnosed a torn turbo-intercooler hose. Researching on the internet I discovered many complaints of the same issue. Evidently these hoses fail due to a poor design where the hose is attached to it's metal fitting. I phoned daimler-chrysler USA and they said they would not do anything to remedy the situation. I believe a recall is in order before someone is injured or killed due to a hose failure.

Filed Jun 26, 2009 · Transmission · 84,659 miles · KY

Turbo charger resonator,boost hoses, intake air temp sensor clips, locking clamp at intake manifold for boost/charge air hose retainer. Failure of either one of these components (too often by my experience) will cause immediate power loss and deceleration causing an accident.

Filed Jun 14, 2009 · Transmission · 15,186 miles · GA

June 14, 2009 the federal safety agency: for the 4th time our winnebago dodge sprinter/rv has lost power due to parts failure [turbo resonators, sensors, and/or turbocharger]. Needless to say these failures took place while many miles from home and away from anyone who could help. When certain parts fail, the sprinter is designed to enter a "limp home" mode at a greatly reduced speed, thus endangering us as we were traveling on busy highways, fearful we would be rear ended by a truck or other heavy vehicles. In addition to imperiling our lives, we have endured extra expense and great inconvenience for delayed and canceled trips resulting from these breakdowns. Judging from forums online recently, this is a problem that is quite common and daimler chrysler is well aware of it, but, by inaction, has failed to remedy. Dealers replaced the parts with the same flimsy plastic defective parts, which is not satisfactory as they will inevitably fail again. A recall is certainly justified. George and barbara dematteis cc: daimler chrysler motors corp. Winnebago industries ed voyles chrysler congressman lynn westmoreland.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Engine · 4,300 miles · WA

Vehicle lost power while climbing a hill on a 2 lane highway. Max vehicle speed dropped to 25mph on 55mph road - nearly rear-ended by vehicle behind. Had to drive over 150 miles home at slow speeds to get to dealership for repair. Dealership replaced turbo resonator.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Engine · 7,800 miles · WA

Driving on us hwy 2 up stevens pass, washington at 50 MPH when engine power began cycling, black smoke came out of exhaust, rapidly lost power and max speed dropped to 30mph with accelerator to floor. Quickly began blocking traffic and had to pull over to let vehicles by. Turned around and headed back home. Took van to dealership and they had to replace turbo resonator (2nd time in 5000 miles).

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!