NHTSA Service Bulletin 11031943: 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Dodge Sprinter 1500
Official manufacturer communication context for 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Dodge Sprinter 1500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is cracked or broken. See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmission bell housing cracked or broken at the exhaust mounting area. See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. 3. Exhaust bracket from DPF to engine (cylinder crankcase) cracked or broken. See EPC OM651 #217 for bracket location. 4. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) pipe cracked at a weld joint. Cracking may be present at bracket welds or along the DPF housing seams. This can cause rattling noises and secondary exhaust bracket stress. Perform a visual inspection of the DPF pipe and weld joints. Remedy Inspect all related components and repair or replace as required. Inspection and Repair 1. Inspect the exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission. Check the bracket for cracks or complete separation. See Pic. 1 for a failed example. See EPC OM651 #550 and Pic. 3 for bracket location. If damaged, replace the bracket. See Pic. 4, Pic. 5, and Pic. 6 for the updated bracket design and identification. 2. Inspect the transmission bell housing. Inspect the bell housing at the exhaust mounting point for cracks or structural damage. See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. Replace the transmission if damage is confirmed. 3. Inspect the exhaust bracket from the DPF to the engine (cylinder crankcase). Inspect the bracket for cracks or broken mounting points. See EPC OM651 #217 for bracket location. Replace the bracket if damaged. 4. Inspect the DPF pipe. Inspect the DPF for cracks at weld joints, especially near mounting points. If cracking is found, replace per current aftertreatment guidelines. Correct positioning and tightening of the exhaust system are critical to prevent repeat failures. Positioning the Exhaust System 1. Position and align the exhaust system before tightening. Support and fit the exhaust system in its installed position. Push the exhaust system forward. Install the DPFtotransmission bracket and lightly tighten the mounting bolt. Install the engine mount and Vmount bolts by hand, approximately two turns. See Positioning of the exhaust system image. Tightening Sequence 1. Tighten the exhaust system in the correct sequence. Tighten engine mounting bolts to 25 Nm. Tighten Vmount bolts to 25 Nm. Tighten exhaust bracket bolts to 15 Nm. See Tightening sequence of the exhaust system image. 2. Verify mounting bolt locations. Confirm correct mounting screw positions at the transmission bracket. See Pic. 7 and Pic. 8 for mounting screw locations.
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
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11031943?
Complaint Rattling noise from underneath the vehicle. Cause One or more of the following conditions may be present: 1. The exhaust bracket from the DPF to the transmission is cracked or broken. See Pic. 1 for an example of a broken bracket. 2. Transmission bell housing cracked or broken at the exhaust mounting area. See Pic. 2 for an example of bell housing damage. 3. Exhaust bracket from DPF to engine (cylinder.
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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