2005 Airstream Sprinter Westfalia

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Suspension2
3. Equipment adaptive/mobility1
4. Steering1
5. Wheels1

Latest complaints

• Apr 14, 2012FL950 mi
  Steering · Suspension
  2005 airstream westfalia sprinter 2500 conversion van this vehicle IS extremely unstable at highway speeds with the presence of cross winds or large trucks passing by. This problem existed from the very beginning when I purchased the van but only on windy days and/or highway speeds. I brought…

  2005 airstream westfalia sprinter 2500 conversion van this vehicle IS extremely unstable at highway speeds with the presence of cross winds or large trucks passing by. This problem existed from the very beginning when I purchased the van but only on windy days and/or highway speeds. I brought this to the attention of an airstream representative but did not receive any positive feedback. I cannot help but think that someday this problem IS going to result in an accident. Since I had this problem for a long time, I was hesitant to drive the vehicle but now that I am planning on retiring and utilizing the van more, I have deep concerns. *Tr

• Jun 25, 2009UT13,000 mi
  Equipment adaptive/mobility

  Running boards are falling off. they are made of solid aluminum and attached to the body with #12 self-drilling sheet metal screws. one of the running boards came off when I stepped on it to go somewhere. out of the 16 screws (8 per running board), only two were tight, and I was able to tighten two more. the remaining 12 will not tighten. only thing I can do IS epoxy them in. *Tr

• Sep 20, 2006NJ
  Electrical system
  Possible fire and electrocution hazards due to an electrical outlet. this outlet IS located behind the right-rear back door. it IS about one foot below the water connector plug for the outdoor shower. all the mentioned equipment was built and sold by airstream. 1. Possible fire hazard: both the…

  Possible fire and electrocution hazards due to an electrical outlet. this outlet IS located behind the right-rear back door. it IS about one foot below the water connector plug for the outdoor shower. all the mentioned equipment was built and sold by airstream. 1. Possible fire hazard: both the electrical outlet and the cable (14/3 cable) attached to it are rated for 15 amps. (this IS a two-plug outlet.) the problem IS that: 1A. The 15 amp cable IS spliced to a 20 amp cable (12/3 cable) somewhere within the body of the vehicle. 1B. Then the 20 amp cable runs to a 20 amp circuit breaker in the circuit breaker box. unless there IS an undocumented 15 amp fuse or circuit breaker between the 12/3 cable and the 14/3 cable, it IS possible to draw 20 amps through the 14/3 cable causing it to overheat. 2. Possible electrocution hazard: 2A. The electrical outlet IS mounted about one foot below the snap on water plug for the outdoor shower hose connection- the electrical outlet can easily get splashed. 2B. The electrical outlet does not appear to have ground fault interruption circuitry. 3. Other (possible electrical code violation). in addition to the above, the outlet IS mounted on a door (that allows access to the water heater and some electrical equipment). this information was reported to and received by airstream customer service on september 19, 2006. *jb

• Jun 28, 2006NJ
  Electrical system
  Possible root cause: use of a 13 amp circuit breaker (too small) in a line for a part that specifies a 15 amps line. Description: intermittent but frequent tripping of the circuit breaker in the 2005 airstream (dodge sprinter westfalia model) electrical line dedicated to sole use by the tappan…

  Possible root cause: use of a 13 amp circuit breaker (too small) in a line for a part that specifies a 15 amps line. Description: intermittent but frequent tripping of the circuit breaker in the 2005 airstream (dodge sprinter westfalia model) electrical line dedicated to sole use by the tappan microwave oven, when the oven first turns on or cycles on (when at power levels less than 10). The problem occurred on several different dates. Supply voltage was measured in the airstream on two of these dates and found to be 120 volts ac (within specification). Tappan's written requirements specify a 15A line, but the airstream's circuit breaker IS rated for only 13 amps. Note that airstream supplied the circuit breaker, oven and wiring in the new vehicle. Possible explanation: if the microwave oven causes current surges greater than 13 amps when it first turns on and/or cycles on (at power settings less than 10), then the current would exceed the specification for the circuit breaker, causing it to trip.*jb *nm *ak *nm

• May 25, 2006NY1,280 mi
  Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
  My wife and I bought a 2005 airstream westfalia 18 (dodge sprinter-based) camper conversion van in march of this year. After getting the unit home and giving it a once-over that included inflating the tires to the recommended pressures, we left upstate ny for a trip south through pa, to washington…

  My wife and I bought a 2005 airstream westfalia 18 (dodge sprinter-based) camper conversion van in march of this year. After getting the unit home and giving it a once-over that included inflating the tires to the recommended pressures, we left upstate ny for a trip south through pa, to washington dc and then on to nyc, returning home after putting on about 1200 miles. During the trip we noticed that the van had noticeable body roll (to be expected for a high-top camper) but the handling at speed, in any type or wind conditions or when passing or being passed by large vehicles, the van was unstable and darted from side to side (away from the other vehicle). At the absolute worst (crossing the sesquehanna (sp)) on I-95, the van was a frightening handful to keep in lane. I have asked airstream/westfalia/sprinter to provide me with information that shows the van IS properly equipped with anti-roll or suspension dampening equipment for a modified vehicle with the height increase of the conversion. I have been unable to get that information though I have cooperated with their requests and reported the configuration of my vehicle to them. I feel the vehicle IS unstable/unsafe to drive at highway speeds and the suspension should be remedied by the manufacturer(s). *Jb

• Oct 3, 2004DC
  Wheels › Hub

  Wheel hub tore valve stem from tire ears stem valve from tire and lets out the air.*mr the vehicle passenger side front tire went flat. the consumer believed that this failure was caused by the rotation of the wheel cover which was putting pressure on the chrome valve stem extender causing it to tear away from the tire. *nm

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10211715This article discussed tire care and maintenance. It explains the meaning of nomenclature on the tire sidewall (i.e. the 4 digit date code, load range, and max load information.
• 10181840This newsletter provides detailed instructions regarding winterization of Airstream travel trailers and motorhomes.
• 10180785This issue of the newsletter provides information about the optional lithium battery package Airstream is offering on the 2021 my travel trailers. There is also information of what is needed to upgrade a travel trailer that was manufactured prior to the 2021 model year.
• 10179406This newsletter talks about the importance of cleaning and maintaining waste water tanks, and provides detailed instruction of how to do so. It provides suggestions as to which products to use to clean the tanks.
• 10175838This newsletter includes information regarding: - A new TV and Radio Antenna Combo that has the capability to receive both signals, and eliminates the need for a second antenna. - New radios being installed in certain travel trailers, and includes the features of the new radios. - Advises of the use of a new power tounge jack we started installing on certain travel trailers in January 2020. We've included manual crank handle instructions, as well as maintenance tips. - A breakdown of our vendor's parts warranty which include the warranty length and requirements by vendor. - Airtsream technician training and how to sign up.
• 10174503The newsletter discusses the importants of cleaning and mainataining safety devices installed in Airstream products, i.e. checking batteries in smoke alarms, checking dates on fire extinguishers etc. The newsletter also provides a how-to on disinfecting an RV.
• 10173233This installment talks about preparing their RV for the upcoming camping season. It provide tips on inspecting sealant, as well as which type of wax we recommend, and how often the owner should wax their units.
• 10171981This newsletter discusses how to prepare your RV for the upcoming camping season. Points discussed are airing out the unit. Examining and lubricating window, door, and vent seals. Examining, removing and resealing any areas with gaps, or cracks in the old sealant. Other items recommended to inspect and maintain as needed are: Brakes, awnings, tires, batteries, LP systems, break away cable, and 7-way cord connections. Inspect and lubricate tongue, and stabilizer jacks etc...
• 10165722The communication explains the steps necessary to properly winterize and store your RV in colder climates.