2016 Ram Promaster problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Ram Promaster recalls (14)

• Recall 20V582000Oct 15, 202020 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 20V036000Jan 23, 2020222,207 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V818000Nov 15, 201999,128 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V333000Apr 29, 2019544 vehicles
  SEATS

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V313000Apr 18, 20192,080 vehicles
  SEATS

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V229000Mar 22, 2019776 vehicles
  SEATS

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V332000Mar 1, 201990 vehicles
  SEATS

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 17V824000Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT

  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

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 17V786000Dec 8, 2017550 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT

  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

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 17V273000Apr 25, 2017113,896 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

  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."

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 16V461000Jun 24, 201626,298 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 16V253000Apr 28, 20166,422 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

  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."

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 16V202000Apr 11, 201623,930 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 16V076000Feb 10, 201657 vehicles
  ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  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."

  Risk: 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.

Recent 2016 Ram Promaster complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Aug 17, 202644,000 miGAVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2016 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 12 MPH, the windshield wipers became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11757446 · source
2. Filed Dec 1, 2025NJEngine

   I purchase this car used from a dealer. the transmission failed at 87564 miles. i had the a new transmission installed. The gear box or shifter failed at 91231 miles. I had that repaired. The timing chain started to fail at 100432 miles. this issue would cause the car to stall randomly. This I feel is a safety issue. The car is not being driven for the cost of repair is out of my budget.

   NHTSA complaint #11702191 · source
3. Filed Sep 10, 2025NCOther / Unknown

   The backup camera on our Ram is currently inverted. I am not sure if it is available for inspection. It makes it hard to see what is behind us when backing up. We received a notice about a recall concerning this issue but I do not see it mentioned on your website when looking up the vehicle. No warnings prior to it messing up. This has been a problem since we received the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11686287 · source
4. Filed Jul 8, 2025170,000 miMITowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ram ProMaster. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and was later towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11671916 · source
5. Filed Jan 28, 2025MDOther / Unknown

   The 2 items that were listed on the recall caused the transmission to fail. In turn, I had to replace the transmission. If it weren't for the recall, the transmission would have been fine. I first noticed there was a problem when it wouldn't allow me to shift gears. When the dealership fixed the items listed on the recall, they stated that the transmission wasn't a part of the recall so they weren't going to do anything about it.

   NHTSA complaint #11639139 · source
6. Filed Jan 4, 2024MTBrakes

   Parking brake won't release when temperatures are at freezing or below. Consensus opinion on the internet is that water is getting into the cable + cable housing line and freezing, which causes the cable to stick inside the housing. Thus, when releasing the parking brake, the cable doesn't move and the pads are still pressing against the drums.

   NHTSA complaint #11563536 · source
7. Filed Sep 10, 2023MILighting

   The problem I'm having with my truck is I can't keep a head light from burning out. I just had one quit that was a month old. I've been using the spec. lamp from Sylvania H7. What really sucks about this is in the past 2 years I've installed at least 7 or 8 head lamps, and at a cost of $45 to $55 bucks each it's Bull#@#$. Why can't Dodge come up with a better head lamp.

   NHTSA complaint #11543731 · source
8. Filed Aug 11, 2023ILOther / Unknown

   Transmission fell out while driving. Mine and my daughter’s live was put at risk. Towing guy told me he’ve been towing Amazon trucks many times with the same problem and to check for recall because it happens too often. Independent service center confirmed. No warning lights, it felt like flat tire at first. Fortunately it happened while driving on street at 20 mph before approaching right turn.

   NHTSA complaint #11538036 · source

Compare the 2016 Ram Promaster with another vehicle →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology