The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11V410000·Announced 2011-08-09

Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter Vans Recalled for Intake Manifold Corrosion

NHTSA is recalling 2002-2003 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter vans because corroded intake manifolds may cause fuel leaks and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (intake manifold corrosion) that poses a risk of fire due to fuel leakage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans sold as Dodge and Freightliner vehicles. The recall involves 665 units. The defect is caused by a chemical reaction involving sulfur in the diesel fuel, which can form sulfuric acid in the exhaust channel of the intake manifold under certain conditions, leading to corrosion.

This corrosion may lead to an exhaust gas leak, damage to the fuel return line causing a fuel leak, and heat damage to the insulation at the firewall. If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, it could result in a fire.

Dealers will inspect and replace the intake manifold free of charge. Chrysler, LLC will notify owners of Dodge Sprinters, and Mercedes-Benz USA will notify owners of Freightliner Sprinters. This recall began on October 11, 2011, and is an expansion of a previous recall campaign. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or Sprinter at 1-843-695-5031.

The recalled product

Product
DODGE, FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500, SPRINTER 3500
Brand
DODGE
Manufacturer
SPRINTER ENGINEERING & COMPLIANCE SUPPOR
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Van
Hazard
Affected units
665

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • SPRINTER 2500
  • SPRINTER 3500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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