2008 Dodge Sprinter Review

Name: 2008 Dodge Sprinter
Brand: Dodge
Price: 4158 USD
Rating: 4.0 (16 reviews)

Price Estimate: $4,158 - $5,867

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 144 WB Passenger Van Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Multiple body styles and features to choose from, walk-around interior, good fuel economy, superior maneuverability, Mercedes build quality.

Cons

Higher initial cost than its competitors, neither engine offers the power or towing capacity of a V8.

What’s new

2008 Dodge Sprinter passenger vans now come standard with seating for 12, regardless of vehicle length. A standard emergency exit window is now included, while a power-sliding side door has been added to the options list.

Edmunds says

While pricier and less powerful than Ford and GM's full-size vans, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter is a modern take on this utilitarian class of vehicles and delivers class-leading interior space, more body configurations and superior maneuverability.

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Vehicle overview

The union between Mercedes and Chrysler ended up being an unhappy marriage that recently ended in divorce, but Dodge at least got a decent chunk of alimony in the form of its 2008 Sprinter passenger van. Sure, a huge people-carrying shuttle may not seem like a prize worth coveting, but the Sprinter represents the lone modern offering in a segment that ceased any engineering innovation during the Nixon administration. While the Ford and GM competition have made continual updates over the years, the Sprinter was completely redesigned last year and represents a significant evolutionary step thanks to its Mercedes engineering and unique body styles.

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter passenger van's clear advantages are in the realms of cargo capacity, passenger space and comfort, available body configurations, and driving dynamics. It doesn't take long to realize how different the Sprinter is -- a mere glance will suffice. Its sloping front end, long wheelbases and two tall body styles give the impression that a strong breeze could make it tip over like a boozed-up co-ed. Yet it's actually just as wide as the GM and Ford models, but handles more like a midsize SUV than a plumber's van. Also, Mercedes says it engineered the stability control system to compensate for the taller center of gravity and shifting cargo loads.

A further examination of the Sprinter's dimensions reveals a standard wheelbase even longer than the Econoline's extended-wheelbase model, and at 273 inches, the largest Dodge Sprinter is almost 2.5 feet longer than the biggest GM van. The Sprinter is also the only full-size van to offer a choice of factory roof heights. The high roof option provides a cavernous 76.4 inches of interior height, allowing a 6-foot-3-inch person to walk around upright. To accomplish the same task, Econoline and Express/Savana passengers would have to be no taller than 4-foot-4. Those vans, therefore, require an aftermarket conversion if they are to be used as people-carrying shuttles.

A choice of two engines are available, with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 standard. The diesel provides excellent fuel economy and ample torque for urban and suburban uses. An optional gasoline V6 (a $2,000 credit option) is preferable for more highway-going drivers or those who struggle to find a diesel pump. Neither engine provides the power of several GM and Ford power plants, nor are they capable of towing the same loads. The Sprinter tops out at 5,000 pounds, while its competitors can lug upwards of 10,000.

Overall, though, we think the 2008 Dodge Sprinter should be an appealing choice for many full-size van buyers. Despite being a little underpowered and pricey compared to V8-equipped GM and Ford vans, the Sprinter's multiple large body styles and quality construction make it an excellent choice in this segment. That price disparity is probably erased for those who would otherwise rely on an aftermarket outfitter to create a passenger shuttle.

With Chrysler and Mercedes no longer together, it's unknown how long the Benz-sourced and German-built Sprinter will wear its Dodge badge. For the time being, however, commercial customers and gigantic families should give this automotive alimony a chance.

Performance & mpg

The 2008 Sprinter comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It gets fuel economy in the mid-20s, which is dramatically better than its competition. An optional 3.5-liter gasoline V6 produces 254 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a five-speed automatic with an automanual mode. Properly equipped, the passenger version of the Sprinter can tow 5,000 pounds, and a regular-wheelbase model has a maximum payload of 2,937 pounds.

Safety

All 2008 Dodge Sprinters come standard with stability control, traction control and antilock disc brakes. The Sprinter's stability control system was calibrated to compensate for shifting cargo loads and the vehicle's tall center of gravity. Optional safety equipment includes front-seat side and head curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.

Driving

With its huge windshield and truncated front end, piloting the 2008 Dodge Sprinter feels pretty similar to being behind the wheel of a tour bus. And at up to 23 feet long and 9 feet high, it could be one, too. Thankfully, that feeling of bigness is dispelled by a reasonably carlike driving position and respectable handling. Quite simply, this is the easiest and least cumbersome full-size van to drive -- no surprise considering it was designed to navigate Europe's cramped streets. Around town, the turbodiesel engine offers more than enough power, and only when passing at highways speeds does it start to run out of steam. With its superior gas mileage and ample torque, we'd stick with the diesel engine over the optional gasoline power plant, even though the latter knocks about $2,000 off the sticker.

Interior

With the exception of the Dodge logo on its steering wheel, the Sprinter's interior is pretty much identical to the Mercedes-Benz version sold elsewhere in the world. Build quality is, therefore, far better than anything else in this class and actually superior to most other Dodge vehicles. Four front seat styles with multiple adjustments ensure decent comfort, and overall ergonomics give the impression of driving an SUV instead of a gigantic van. The old Sprinter's city bus steering column has been thankfully replaced with a new tilt/telescoping setup.

Thanks to its 51-inch sliding door opening and class-leading 20-inch step-up height, getting in and out of the three possible rows is easy. Once inside, the high roof option and its 6-foot-4-inch cabin height makes the Sprinter an ideal choice for passenger shuttles. With seemingly more room inside than many New York City apartments, up to 12 occupants can be accommodated. Gasoline-powered Sprinters offer different configurations with fewer seats and expanded cargo capacity.

2008 Dodge Sprinter models

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter is a full-size van. There are three body styles available for the passenger version: one with the regular 144-inch wheelbase and the standard 65-inch roof; a regular-length Sprinter with a high roof (76.4 inches); and a long 170-inch-wheelbase model with a high roof. All Sprinters come standard with seating for 12 passengers in four rows (two/three/three/four), while models with the optional gasoline V6 can be equipped with seven-, nine- and 10-passenger configurations.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, folding wide-angle heated mirrors, a sliding passenger-side door, automatic climate control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, emergency exit window, cloth upholstery and a CD player.

The options list is longer than the actual van. It includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding passenger door, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, headlamp washers, cruise control, parking assist, a rearview camera, a heated windshield, a rear air-conditioner and rear heater, a rear window washer/wiper, an auxiliary battery, upgraded front seats, heated front seats, steering-wheel audio controls, front and/or rear power sunroofs, cell phone connectivity, a trip computer and a six-CD changer.

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Reliability

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 10 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 14 among Minivans. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

2 out of 5 stars2/5Average

#13 out of 14 among Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$800/yr

vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan

Frequency

2.49x/yr

vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan

Severity

21.4%

vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan

Recalls

10 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 17V478000
Manufactured from:: 2006-07-01 to 2009-08-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 43689
Defect Description:: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2007-2009 Freightliner and Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled into the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Note: This recall fully supersedes recall 15V-354 and partially supersedes recalls 16V-379 and 17V-025.

Recall Number:: 16V077000
Manufactured from:: 2006-07-01 to 2014-07-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 136361
Defect Description:: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2008, 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2014, and 2010-2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on April 11, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van's customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall Number:: 15V354000
Manufactured from:: 2008-07-31 to 2005-07-01
Number of vehicles affected:: 40061
Defect Description:: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500, and Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Daimler Vans USA will notify the Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. Owners were sent interim notices on August 14, 2015. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Freightliner owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Notices to Chrysler (FCA) owners were mailed on October 21, 2016. FCA owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall Number:: 14V706000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 14E-041
Manufactured from:: 2006-01-01 to 2014-10-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 34
Defect Description:: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Defect Consequence:: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Corrective Action:: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Recall Number:: 13V213000
Manufactured from:: 2008-04-01 to 2008-12-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 6
Defect Description:: Road Rescue is recalling certain ambulances built on model year 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 chassis from April 2008 through December 2008. The failure of a power disconnect solenoid terminates the flow of electricity to the ambulance conversion.
Defect Consequence:: When the electrical power is interrupted, the siren, warning lights, and patient compartment lights may not operate. There may be a loss of power to life saving equipment in the patient compartment. In the event of an emergency, the ambulance may not be able to alert other vehicles of its presence, slowing its trip to the hospital and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. will notify owners, and a Wheeled Coach/Road Rescue service center will replace the defective solenoid, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 3, 2013. Owners may contact Road Rescue at 1-800-628-8178.

Recall Number:: 11V210000
Manufactured from:: 2007-10-01 to 2011-02-28
Number of vehicles affected:: 3437
Defect Description:: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 2500 AND 3500 SPRINTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THREE-SEAT BENCH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SEAT BENCHES IN THE SECOND SEATING ROW MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS THAT DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." FIRST, THOSE SAFETY BELTS MAY NOT LOCK AS REQUIRED. SECOND, THE ASSEMBLY LOOP MAY NOT PERFORM TO MINIMUM FORCE REQUIREMENTS.
Defect Consequence:: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SAFETY BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED SUCH THAT A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Corrective Action:: MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 843-695-5000.

Recall Number:: 08V352000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: H27
Manufactured from:: 2008-01-17 to 2008-02-26
Number of vehicles affected:: 73
Defect Description:: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 79 MY 2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER 3500 TRUCKS. SOME OF THE LEFT DRIVE SHAFTS ON THE REAR AXLE WHICH WERE LABELED WITH THE CHARGE INDICATOR "S," MAY CONTAIN CRACKS AT THE RADIUS BETWEEN THE SHAFT AND THE FLANGE.
Defect Consequence:: THESE CRACKS MAY CAUSE A BREAKAGE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE LEFT REAR DRIVE SHAFT FOR CHARGE INDICATOR "S" AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5000.

Recall Number:: 08V347000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: H26
Manufactured from:: 2007-10-24 to 2007-11-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 246
Defect Description:: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 246 MY 2008 DODGE OR FREIGHTLINER 2500 TRUCKS. THE REAR AXLE SPRING LEAVES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT RAW MATERIAL. THEREFORE THE LEAVES ARE THICKER THAN THE SERIAL COMPONENTS.
Defect Consequence:: THE REAR AXLE SPRINGS MAY FAIL EARLIER THAN DESIGNED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-843-695-5000.

Recall Number:: 08V110000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: H10
Manufactured from:: 2006-12-12 to 2008-01-24
Number of vehicles affected:: 34
Defect Description:: SPRINTER IS RECALLING 34 MY 2007-2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500 CARGO VANS. SOME OF THESE VANS MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE CORRECT BRAKE COMPONENTS INSTALLED.
Defect Consequence:: THIS COULD RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIRS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Recall Number:: 08V109000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: H09
Manufactured from:: 2006-08-25 to 2008-01-14
Number of vehicles affected:: 727
Defect Description:: CHRYSLER/SPRINTER IS RECALLING 727 MY 2007-2008 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 PASSENGER VANS EQUIPPED WITH 144 INCH WHEELBASE AND STANDARD ROOF HEIGHT. THESE VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201U, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' SOME VANS MAY NOT HAVE HAD CERTAIN HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION PADS INSTALLED AT THE C-PILLAR.
Defect Consequence:: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND, IF THE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION PADS ARE MISSING, THE APPROPRIATE PADS WILL BE INSTALLED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 9, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Dodge Sprinter Owner Reviews

4.0

16 reviews

5(44%)

4(31%)

3(13%)

2(6%)

1(6%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Service on Mercedes diesel turbo 5

jdh, 09/18/2010

2007 Dodge Sprinter 2500 170 WB 3dr Ext Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

Terrible availability of service. Not all Dodge dealers work on Sprinters. Mercedes won't touch them. Had no service for blown resonator on turbo in N. CA. Towed Yreka 100 mi to Redding. No service Mercedes or Dodge. Drove 200+ mi to Sacramento @ 45mph. Few dealers work on this engine. Everyone passes buck on engine. Unless Dodge or Mercedes picks up responsibility on engine would not …

Maintenance nightmare

Jaybird Del. Co., 09/12/2010

2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 170 WB 3dr Ext Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

I have 2 sprinters. Both are 1 ton 3.0 diesels. I have same continuous problem with both van's. If you even think about driving on gravel road and it's wet, brake wear sensor wires are broken, making dash light come on. Every 35,000 almost to the mile, one of the carrier bearings (there are two and they are identical) will go out. 219 bucks for the bearing plus install. Finally found …

DO NOT BUY!!!

jjaskot, 07/12/2012

2007 Dodge Sprinter 2500 144 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

I run a fleet of 6 sprinters. I have 2- 2004 models and had relative success with them. We service high end appliances and the exterior design and styling definitely appealed to us. We then bought 4 2007 model and have regretted that decision ever since. We have made repair after repair on all of the new vans. It honestly seems like the improvements involved just TOO MUCH technology. TOO …

The real scoop on a Sprinter passenger van

Patrick Thiel, 01/14/2019

2007 Dodge Sprinter 2500 144 WB 3dr Van (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

The van is a 144 passenger low roof 2500 3.0 diesel. These Van's are superior to anything built in terms of quality, safety, reliability, longevity and functionality. They lack for traction in snow or mud unless you go 4wd or have a load. The engines and transmissions are long lived. 500,000 to 600,000 miles is reasonable to expect from this quality of a Mercedes product. Buying used …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter since its last redesign.

See all 16 reviews of the Dodge Sprinter

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2008 Sprinter Highlights

Trim:

2500 144 WB

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$40,140
Engine Type	Diesel
Seating	12 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	141.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Sprinter include:

Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

2008 Dodge Sprinter Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Lansing, MI

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2008 Dodge Sprinter models

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Dodge Sprinter Owner Reviews

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Maintenance nightmare

DO NOT BUY!!!

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