2009 Dodge Sprinter Review
Price Estimate: $5,009 - $7,013





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wide range of body styles and options, walk-through cabin, superior fuel economy, relatively maneuverable, Mercedes build quality.
Cons
- Elevated base price, turbodiesel V6 lacks power and towing capacity.
What’s new
The big news for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter passenger van is that the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is now the only available engine -- last year's optional 3.5-liter gasoline V6 is no longer offered. Otherwise, the Sprinter sees only minor changes for 2009.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter is a compelling alternative to traditional full-size American vans. It's down on power and up on price, but it offers class-leading interior space, unmatched handling prowess and an impressive variety of configurations.
For sale near Oneida, NY
Vehicle overview
Time moves slowly in the passenger-van segment. There are only three players in this game, and two of them -- the Chevy Express/GMC Savana twins and the Ford Econoline -- were last redesigned during the Clinton years. While these aging behemoths have been updated on an ongoing basis, it's hard to disguise underpinnings that date to 1992 (the Ford) or 1996 (the GM duo). The Dodge Sprinter, on the other hand, is a relative neophyte, having received a full redesign for the 2007 model year.
If the Sprinter were aimed squarely at the American stalwarts, then its up-to-date design would make it a slam-dunk choice. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. The Dodge is actually a rebranded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is designed for European needs. Accordingly, the Sprinter is far more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than its American rivals -- but its turbodiesel V6 lacks the grunt of a good old-fashioned V8 or V10, and its narrow-looking body may seem odd to American drivers.
That narrow appearance is deceiving, however, as the Sprinter is actually just as wide as its Ford and GM competitors. It only looks narrow because it's longer and taller than other full-size vans. Indeed, the Sprinter's standard 144-inch wheelbase is even longer than the Econoline's optional extended wheelbase, while the available 170-inch wheelbase dwarfs what Ford and GM have to offer. The Sprinter is also the only full-size van to offer a choice of factory roof heights, with the high-roof option allowing a 6-foot-3-inch person to stand upright. The Econoline and Express/Savana roofs are about 2 feet shorter, so if you want to match the Sprinter in this regard, you'll have to go to the aftermarket or befriend pygmies.
The Sprinter's optional gasoline V6 has been dropped for 2009, leaving the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 as the only available engine. This power plant offers superior fuel economy along with adequate torque for most around-town uses, though it's frankly dwarfed by the output of several Ford and GM engines. If you need to tow heavy objects with your passenger van, the Sprinter's not the best choice -- its towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, while its rivals can lug upwards of 10,000.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter's vices are clear: It's pricey to start, and it doesn't offer class-leading power. But we think its many virtues are compelling for most shoppers in this segment. The Sprinter boasts class-leading handling/maneuverability and fuel economy in a modern design, and its people-hauling capabilities are likewise second to none. If you need a full-size passenger van and know you won't have to tow more than around 5,000 pounds -- and you don't mind the price -- this is the way to go.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Sprinter is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that generates 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine is capable of fuel economy in the mid-20s, which is dramatically better than that of the competition. The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic with an automanual mode. Properly equipped, the Sprinter can tow 5,000 pounds, and the regular-wheelbase model has a maximum payload of 2,937 pounds.
Safety
All 2009 Dodge Sprinters come standard with antilock disc brakes and stability control. 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, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter does a pretty fair impression of a tour bus from behind the wheel. And at up to 23 feet long and 9 feet high, it could be one, too. But a reasonably carlike driving position and respectable handling help make the Sprinter feel manageable around town. Quite simply, this is the easiest and least cumbersome full-size van to drive. Around town, the turbodiesel engine offers satisfactory thrust -- it's only on the highway that its power deficit becomes glaringly apparent.
Interior
Other than the Dodge logo on the steering wheel, the Sprinter's interior is pretty much identical to that of the Mercedes-Benz version sold around the world. Build quality is notably better than in other full-size vans, not to mention most other Dodge products. A tilt/telescoping steering column and four different front-seat styles with multiple adjustments ensure ample comfort, while the Sprinter's modern control layout makes it feel more like a midsize SUV than a utilitarian van. Thanks to its 51-inch sliding-door opening and class-leading 20-inch step-up height, the Sprinter makes entering and exiting the passenger area a cinch. Inside, the high-roof option and the 6-foot-3-inch cabin height make the Sprinter the ideal choice for passenger shuttles.
2009 Dodge Sprinter models
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter is a full-size passenger van. There are three available body styles: one with the regular 144-inch wheelbase and the standard 65-inch roof, one with the regular wheelbase and a high roof (76.4 inches), and one with an extended 170-inch wheelbase and a high roof. All Sprinters come standard with seating for 12 passengers in four rows (two/three/three/four).
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, an emergency-exit window, cloth upholstery and a CD player with MP3 capability.
The options list includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding passenger door, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, headlamp washers, cruise control, front and rear park assist, a heated windshield, a rear air-conditioner and heater, a rear window washer/wiper, an auxiliary battery, upgraded front seats, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, front and/or rear power sunroofs (on the standard-height roof only) and a six-CD changer.

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Reliability
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 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
for Average Minivan
Frequency
2.49x/yr
vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Severity
21.4%
vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
7 recalls foundChecking 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:
- 17V025000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 11279
- Defect Description:
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2012 Freightliner 2500 and 3500 Sprinter and Mercedes-Benz 2500 and 3500 Sprinter vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, DVUSA is recalling certain 2009 Dodge 2500 and 3500 Sprinter and Freightliner 2500 and 3500 Sprinter vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, 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 front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners about the recall and telling them that parts are not yet available are expected to be mailed in February 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
- Recall Number:
- 16V379000
- Manufactured from:
- 2008-08-01 to 2009-07-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16532
- Defect Description:
- Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, 2009-2011 Freightliner Sprinter, and 2009 Dodge Sprinter vehicles, originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in these states are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, 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 the Freightliner owners, Mercedes-Benz will notify their owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be sent an interim notification around June 30, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Freightliner owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- 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:
- 2005-07-01 to 2009-07-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 40055
- 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:
- 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:
- 10V294000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2010090002
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-11-01 to 2010-03-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2589
- Defect Description:
- SPRINTER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2009 THROUGH MARCH 2010 AND SOLD UNDER THE MERCEDES-BENZ, FREIGHTLINER, AND DODGE BRAND NAME. THE SPRING PLATE WHICH ATTACHES THE OIL FILLER NECK TO THE CYLINDER-HEAD COVER MAY CRACK.
- Defect Consequence:
- A CRACK IN THE SPRING PLATE MAY RESULT IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM THE OIL FILLER NECK, POSSIBLY LEADING TO THE ACCUMULATION OF DIRT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH SUBSEQUENT SOILING OF THE ROAD SURFACE WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL FILLER NECK FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS HANDLING THE MERCEDES-BENZ AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN, AND CHRYSLER IS HANDLING THE DODGE SPRINTER OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 4, 2010. MERCEDES-BENZ AND FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER OWNERS MAY CONTACT MBUSA, LLC AT 1-877-762-8276, AND DODGE SPRINTER OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
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
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Service on Mercedes diesel turbo 5
3.63 out of 5 starsjdh, 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 … buy again. Have RV. 16 mpg. Nice, but if you are stuck in Palucaville and need service you are out of luck. Freight-liner wouldn't work on RV either since Dodge will not give them any warranty work.
Maintenance nightmare
3.63 out of 5 starsJaybird 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 … some brake pads that would wear longer than 25,000 miles. Dealer only at first, 125 bucks a set of pads. Now, torque converter is bad on both. One has 90,000 on it, the other 120,000. After doing some more checking, this seems to be a widespread problem. This fix is over 2 thousand. I can't keep up.
DO NOT BUY!!!
1.75 out of 5 starsjjaskot, 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 … Many Sensors and TOO many complicated electronics.
Our maintenance bills on these 5 vans have gotten to the point where we just want to unload all of them.
I wouldnt recommend the newer generations Sprinters to my worst enemy.
The real scoop on a Sprinter passenger van
5 out of 5 starsPatrick 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 … in the 140,000 mile range is the best dollar per mile value. There is a real advantage to units with the Assyst diagnostic package, so buy a unit with the steering wheel controls if you can! My oil change intervals with 70% highway miles have been 15,000 (Mobil 1 always). My 07 is at 442,000 miles and and has been through a starter and power steering pump, alternator, recent in tank fuel pump, glow plug controller, replaced the transmission conductor plate myself and the full drive shaft. Torque converter is still original but grabs 2nd hard on light deceleration at times. I trick it out of limp mode with an MD 808 in DPF regen mode.
. The engine is as good as when it was new with oil consumption 1 qt per 15k (same as new). My 04 had 240,000 upon trade in and my 08 has 342,000- all 3 solid with only starter, alternator or water pump replacements. My average fuel economy is 20-21mpg (23 on the '04) with ton and a half+ loads. Dealers charge double for parts so do the work yourself using good quality parts and spare no cost to use the proper fluids. Check forums for information. Use a dealer to do transmission services at between 50k to 100k. I have not personally known a transmission to go bad in these units. The transmission filters are so good they will start to plug up and seem that there is transmission trouble. Just service the trans and tell any pessimistic mechanic you will see them for the next service, and the next... Visibility is the best. Acceleration will surprise you. The engines are turned down at the factory and they still perform well unchipped. I have hours of ideling per trip to keep produce warm in winter without much affect adversely on the motor over these many miles. The 350000 mile range is when you pour money into these, but they are worth the cost of repair if you are doing the work yourself.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter since its last redesign.
2009 Sprinter Highlights
2500 144 WB
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $42,150 |
---|---|
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 |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sprinter include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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