2016 Ram PROMASTER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
32 owner complaints analyzed
14 distinct recall campaigns
47,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 32 complaints (37.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 7 | 21.9% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 9.4% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 6.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 6.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 12 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Engine: 12; Power Train: 8; Electrical System: 7; Unknown Or Other: 6; Exterior Lighting: 4; Service Brakes: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2016: 4; 2017: 3; 2018: 3; 2019: 1; 2020: 5; 2021: 5; 2022: 1; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 4; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 7 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10850650 · 2016-03-20 (March 20, 2016)
THROTTLE IS" UNPREDICTABLE" AND SLOW TO RESPOND, WITH A DELAY OR NO RESPONSE AT TIMES. WHEN IN MOTION AND THE WHEEL TURNED, IT HAS LURCHED FORWARD ON IT'S OWN. SITTING AT INTERSECTION WITH WHEEL TURNED AND WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR TO MAKE TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THROTTLE WAS PRESSED DOWN AND THEN ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR WITH NO RESPONSE UNTIL REPEATING THE ACTION AND THEN SHOOTING FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. 3 TIMES NEARLY INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE RESPONSE. CAR HAS LESS THAN 500 MILES AND IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLED…
Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10850650 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10894767 · 2016-08-10 (August 10, 2016)
I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE S29 / NHTSA 16-E-039. THE RAM DEALERSHIP THAT I TOOK IT TO ON 7/18/16 FOR RECALL REMEDY WAS UNABLE GET TO THE PART DUE TO "AFTERMARKET UPFIT BY WINNEBAGO". I CALLED WINNEBAGO NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS EVENTUALLY TOLD JUST TODAY THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE THE MODULE REFERRED TO IN THE RECALL, THAT THEY NEITHER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE WITH THE MODULE NOR DO THEY INSTALL THE MODULE..SO THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. I CALLED NHTSA TODAY AND A REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART IS ON MY VEHICLE. …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10894767 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10898312 · 2016-08-24 (August 24, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V202000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10898312 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10920469 · 2016-11-01 (November 1, 2016)
THIS IS THE 2ND RECALLED NOTICED I'VE RECEIVED, TOOK A MONTH TO GET THE FIRST RECALL DONE. WAS TOLD TO CALLED BACK ONCE I GET THE 2ND RECALL NOTICE B/C THEY RAN OUT OF THE PART. DID SO BUT THE SERVICE REP DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS RECALL NOTICE. YET AGAIN I AM WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL BACK TO SCHEDULE WHAT I ASSUME A MONTH OUT AGAIN IN ORDER FOR THEM TO HAVE THE PART
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10920469 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11021028 · 2017-09-01 (September 1, 2017)
FLY WHEEL. 55600 MILES AND THE FLY WHEEL CRACKED , HAD TO REPLACE THE UNIT. NOT SURE HOW IT HAPPENED, NOTICED THE RATTLING OF FLY WHEEL TO IT TO SERVICE AND HAD IT REPLACE
Owner-reported narrative. 55,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11021028 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11051440 · 2017-11-30 (November 30, 2017)
VEHICLE OVERHEATING DUE TO COOLING FAN FAILURE AND FAULTY FRONT STRUTS AND THE CV JOINTS
Owner-reported narrative. 22,194 miles reported. Look up ODI 11051440 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11054122 · 2017-12-12 (December 12, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND INSTANCE OF THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM COLUMBUS (AUTO MALL DR, COLUMBUS, OH), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11054122 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11097293 · 2018-05-22 (May 22, 2018)
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING FAULT ON ONE FAN 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT, (ERROR CODE P0482) BLOWN FUSE REPLACED BUT STILL SAME PROBLEM , DEALER RECOMMENDS PART TO BE REPLACED IS COOLING FAN MODULE - PART # 68189000AD WHICH IS ON BACK ORDER FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 1300 PARTS. ...SOMETHING IS CLEARLY WRONG WITH THIS PART AND NO REPORTS ON THEM WERE REPORTED TO THE CUSTOMERS.
Owner-reported narrative. 93,268 miles reported. Look up ODI 11097293 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
14 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V076000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Reported: 2016-02-10 (February 10, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 21, 2015, to December 17, 2015 and equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. If the driver has disabled the electronic stability control (ESC) system, the system is required to be reactivated the next time the vehicle is started. The recalled vehicles have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module that may not reset the ESC to active status when the key is turned off and back on quickly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA will notify owners, and dealers will the update ABS control module software, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S04.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V202000 · Electrical System | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Reported: 2016-04-11 (April 11, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City vans manufactured September 26, 2014, to March 5, 2016. A low-voltage electrical harness connector by the front driver seat may be susceptible to water intrusion and corrosion. Corrosion may result in a loss of communication to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into and stay in neutral without warning the next time that the vehicle stops.
Consequence: An unintended shift into neutral will prevent the vehicle from being moved. Additionally, if the driver turns off the engine, the driver will be unable to restart the engine. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the harness connector to under the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S24.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V253000 · Electrical System:Software | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Reported: 2016-04-28 (April 28, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured July 24, 2015, to February 15, 2016, and 2015-2016 ProMaster City vehicles manufactured August 15, 2014, to February 1, 2016. The Trailer Tow Lighting Control Module may have a software error on the affected vehicles and can prevent illumination of the trailer brake lights during brake actuation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Consequence: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Trailer Tow Light Control Module, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S22.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V461000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2016-06-24 (June 24, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Consequence: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V273000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2017-04-25 (April 25, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The sun visor, dashboard labels, and owner's manuals incorrectly state that the vehicles are equipped with frontal driver and passenger advanced air bags when they are not. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: The incorrect information may change how close the occupants position themselves to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the sun visor labels, the dashboard (hangtag) label, and the owner's manual and user guide information, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T24.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V786000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-12-08 (December 8, 2017)
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V824000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V229000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-03-22 (March 22, 2019)
TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V313000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-04-18 (April 18, 2019)
Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V332000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-03-01 (March 1, 2019)
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V333000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-04-29 (April 29, 2019)
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V818000 · Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
Reported: 2019-11-15 (November 15, 2019)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel or 3.6L gasoline engines and air conditioning (A/C). The engine cooling fan may seize which can cause the cooling fan motor to overheat.
Consequence: An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will inform owners, and dealers will replace the engine cooling fan module, free of charge. Interim owner notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 10, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB2.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V036000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2020-01-23 (January 23, 2020)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Consequence: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ram Trucks at 1-866-726-4636. Chrysler's number for this recall is W00.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V582000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2020-10-15 (October 15, 2020)
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Paratransit vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Consequence: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Prime-Time will notify owners instructing them to take their vehicles to Ram dealers for the necessary repairs, free of charge. Owners may contact Prime-Time customer service at 1-574-293-9191. Prime-Time's number for this recall is W00.
NHTSA campaign record ↗