NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11016430: 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dodge Metris

Official manufacturer communication context for 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dodge Metris, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11016430 summary graphic for 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dodge Metris
11016430NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
13affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with distilled water. Tip: The washer fluid sensor detects the electrical conductivity. If air is present without electrical conductivity between the measuring points, as is the case with an empty tank, an empty tank is detected by the sensor. Distilled water also does not have electrical conductivity, meaning that the sensor detects an empty tank, even if this is not the case. Remedy: Fill reservoir with standard washer fluid and water (no distilled water) in an adequate ratio in order to ensure electrical conductivity. Exchange of the reservoir with a welded-in sensor is only required if filling with conductive washer fluid has not provi- ded a remedy. This can be made certain by utilizing water with a light amount of salt dissolved in to it for stronger con- ductivity.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
DodgeSprinter 25002006-2014Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
DodgeSprinter 35002006-2014Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FreightlinerSprinter (Vs30)2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FreightlinerSprinter 15002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FreightlinerSprinter 25002003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FreightlinerSprinter 35002006-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FreightlinerSprinter 45002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzMetris2015-2023Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzSprinter (Vs30)2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzSprinter 15002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzSprinter 25002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzSprinter 35002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzSprinter 45002007-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 11016430?

Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with distilled water. Tip: The washer fluid sensor detects the electrical conductivity. If air is present without electrical conductivity between the measuring points,.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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