Recall 16V833 covers 17,501 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans because the BRAKE lamp startup check fails. Free repair at a Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 17,501 2003-2006 Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans because the instrument cluster does not light the BRAKE warning lamp during the startup bulb check. That leaves the driver without confirmation that the brake warning lamp works, so low brake fluid can go unnoticed and increase the risk of a crash; Dodge dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument cluster in 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 and Sprinter 2500 vans is the panel that shows warning lights and gauges. It includes the BRAKE warning lamp. When the ignition is turned to on, the cluster runs a bulb check so the driver can confirm warning lamps illuminate before driving. The BRAKE lamp also alerts the driver if brake fluid is low.
On affected vans, changes tied to electronic stability control and a newer instrument cluster left the bulb-check coding incomplete. The BRAKE warning lamp does not illuminate during the startup check, even though the lamp still turns on for a low brake fluid warning. The problem is in the cluster programming, so the repair path is re-coding the instrument cluster with the correct bulb-check settings.
The owner-visible sign is simple: when the ignition switch is turned to the on position, the BRAKE indicator lamp does not light during the bulb-check sequence. If that lamp stays dark at startup, the check is not working as designed.
Who's affected?
Spans Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans from 2003-2006, with both instrument panel and hydraulic brake components listed.
| 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2004 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2005 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2003 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2003 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2004 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2005 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | instrument panel |
| 2006 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2004 Dodge Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | instrument panel |
| 2006 Freightliner Sprinter 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 17,501 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and badge narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the BRAKE lamp does not light during the startup bulb check, the driver loses confirmation that the warning lamp works. Low brake fluid can then go unnoticed, which increases crash risk because braking problems are not flagged. Schedule the software repair soon, and treat a missing bulb-check light as a reason to call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the free instrument-cluster software update that restores the BRAKE warning lamp bulb check.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge mailed one, and reference recall number 16V833 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, since the BRAKE lamp startup check does not confirm that the low-brake-fluid warning lamp works.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician checks the instrument cluster software and corrects it as needed so the BRAKE warning lamp illuminates during the start up bulb check. The software work is free under the recall. DVUSA says reimbursement instructions for repairs paid before the owner letter are included in the customer letter. If you already paid for related instrument cluster software work, contact DVUSA customer service with documentation and follow the letter's claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V833?
Recall 16V833 covers 17,501 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500 vans with instrument cluster software that fails to light the BRAKE warning lamp during the startup bulb check. Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software for free.
What should I do if my 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 or Sprinter 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 16V833. If it is, call a franchised Dodge dealer and ask for the instrument cluster software correction. Reference recall number 16V833 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 16V833.
What is the safety risk?
The BRAKE warning lamp does not light during the startup bulb check, so the driver has no confirmation that the lamp works. If brake fluid is low and the driver does not see a warning, crash risk increases. The free repair restores the instrument cluster software check.
What if I bought my Dodge Sprinter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your van is included, then give recall number 16V833 to a franchised Dodge dealer when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V833000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-770-705-2070 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V833 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V833000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →