Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 2016 RAM Promaster City with NHTSA between 2016 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the RAM Promaster City. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 88
52% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other RAM Promaster City
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 RAM Promaster City
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
925.0%
Median failure at 39,726 miles
Engine & Cooling
822.2%
Median failure at 33,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
719.4%
Median failure at 38,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
38.3%
Median failure at 47,365 miles
Stability & Traction Control
25.6%
Median failure at 19,750 miles
Lights
25.6%
Median failure at 68,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
25.6%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Seat Belts
12.8%
Median failure at 29,328 miles
Wheels
12.8%
Median failure at 27,000 miles
Body & Structure
12.8%
Median failure at 27,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
517.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1758.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
413.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 Ram Promaster City VAN 2WD
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2016peak 4Jun 2024
Recalls on the 2016 RAM Promaster City
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17V824000
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.
17V601000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. These vehicles have incorrect information on the tire placard including incorrect vehicle capacity weight, total number of occupants, tire pressure and/or "None" designation for the spare tire size when a full size spare tire is present. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: The incorrect tire placard can cause the operator to exceed the vehicle's weight capacity, or inflate the tires to an incorrect pressure, affecting vehicle handling, which can increase the risk of a crash.
16E039000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain RAM ProMaster Trailer Light Modules, part number 68229650AB. These accessory modules were sold for installation on RAM ProMaster and ProMaster City vehicles. 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.
16V253000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 20176637,391 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the suspect Kidde fire extinguisher with a new Kidde fire extinguisher with a steel nozzle. For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>.
Recall 20174674,483 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. The Placard (“Information – Tire & Loading” label) may not contain the correct vehicle capacity mass, total number of occupants, tire pressure and/or “none” designation for the spare tire when a full size spare tire is present. Correction: Dealers will replace the incorrect Placard (“Information – Tire & Loading” label).
Recall 20161939,022 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** A safety defect may exist in some aftermarket Trailer Tow Light Control Modules supplied by Mopar as a service replacement part. The trailer tow lighting control module may contain a software error that may result in inoperative trailer brake lights after the first actuation of the brakes. Towing a trailer with inoperative brake lights may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: FCA Canada will notify owners who may have a suspect Trailer Tow Kit, and replace the Trailer Tow Light Control Module if required.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 53,000 milesZelienople, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soledad, CA
ENGINE
Dealer where I purchased vehicle said i have recall for both catalytic converters waited two months called back and they said they wanted to replace engine and i been waiting for a call back for 6 months
NHTSA complaint #11582800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesGreen Brook Township, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown part was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11569115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster City. The contact received a Catalyst Efficiency campaign program notice for Catalyst Efficiency; however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
NHTSA complaint #11498712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesCincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that when the engine battery was low-powered the vehicle's computer system had malfunctioned and the gear shifter could not be switched and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer(unknown) who reset the computer system and the failure was remedied. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11447051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBonita Springs, FL
POWER TRAIN
LAST OCT./NOV. I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT AXLE CV JOINT REPLACED IN MY RAM PROMASTER CITY WHILE IN ARIZONA. YESTERDAY THE LOCAL DEALER INFORMED ME THAT ALL THREE PARTS OF THIS AXLE NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH TIMES THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER DID THE WORK. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED I WAS AWAY FROM HOME TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
NHTSA complaint #11354231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBonita Springs, FL
WHEELS
LAST OCT./NOV. I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT AXLE CV JOINT REPLACED IN MY RAM PROMASTER CITY WHILE IN ARIZONA. YESTERDAY THE LOCAL DEALER INFORMED ME THAT ALL THREE PARTS OF THIS AXLE NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH TIMES THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER DID THE WORK. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED I WAS AWAY FROM HOME TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
NHTSA complaint #11354231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,700 milesWarriors Mark, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION KEY IS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND WON'T COME OUT IN THE OFF POSITION
NHTSA complaint #11327560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,328 milesWinter Park, FL
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PRO-MASTER CITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLATCH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TONGUE CEASED INSIDE OF THE BUCKLE. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER (GREENWAY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 9051 E COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32817) AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,328.
NHTSA complaint #11308517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,400 milesRED Bluff, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BATTERY DIED, PUT IN NEW BATTERY, KEY WILL NOT TURN IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #11302109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,400 milesRED Bluff, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY DIED, PUT IN NEW BATTERY, KEY WILL NOT TURN IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #11302109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesBrookline, NH
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTOFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, SERVICE HILL ASSIST, ABS, AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGES COINCIDED WITH ISSUE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE WHILE ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11223079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesBrookline, NH
ENGINE
VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTOFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, SERVICE HILL ASSIST, ABS, AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGES COINCIDED WITH ISSUE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE WHILE ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11223079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesBrookline, NH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTOFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, SERVICE HILL ASSIST, ABS, AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGES COINCIDED WITH ISSUE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE WHILE ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11223079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,300 milesBayonne, NJ
ENGINE
RADIATOR FAN BEGAN TO SMOKE WHILE ENGINE IDLE. RADIATOR FAN BECAME INOPERATIVE, AND ENGINE OVERHEATING SOON FOLLOWED. RADIATOR AND FAN WERE DAMAGED, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11217056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HEADING SOUTHBOUND ON HWY 37 THE PEDDLE FELL OFF.. VEHICLE DECELERATED AND I STEERED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY .. LUCKY CAUSE TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND IT WAS DARK BUT GLAD IT DIDN'T GET STUCK IN ACCELERATION IT STOPPED AND DIDN'T MOVE AGAIN.. THANKFUL FOR THE END RESULT OF THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11179789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING DOWN SOUTHBOUND ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE GAS PEDDLE SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR UNDER MY FOOT AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR.AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN I REALIZED THE PEDDLE WAS NEXT TO MY FOOT ON THE FLOOR.. IT HAD FALLEN OFF.. BROKEN AT THE NECK, THE BASE OF THE PEDDLE . COMPLETELY OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11176534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesNorth Miami Beach, FL
ENGINE
CODE P0481 COOLING FAN FAILURE. OVERHEATS DURING IDOL ONLY. LESS THAN 30,000 MI.
NHTSA complaint #11172258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE DASH LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO EASILY READ THE INFORMATION. IF YOU WEAR SUNGLASSES, YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR SUNGLASSES IN ORDER TO ATTEMPT TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER OR OTHER INFORMATION, BECAUSE IT IS TOO DIM. THE DASH IS DIMLY LIT AND DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH CONTRAST. WHEN IT IS OVERCAST, THE DASH IS BARELY READABLE. WHEN IT IS SUNNY OR BRIGHT OUTSIDE, THE DASH IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. THIS IS DANGEROUS, BECAUSE IT TAKES THE DRIVER'S EYES OFF OF THE ROAD FOR TOO LONG. HAVING THE DIMMER SWITCH SET TO FULL BRIGHT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 5/18/17. ATTACHED ARE A PICTURE OF THE DASH WHEN IT IS SUNNY AND A PICTURE WHEN IT IS CLOUDY.
NHTSA complaint #11153742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Marcos, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
EXPERIENCES DANGEROUS STALLING AND LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO ENGINE DURING DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS SPECIFICALLY A SYMPTOM OF ONE OF THE MANY RECALLS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. I BELIEVE THE RECALL REPAIR PREVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 10 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11129489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Marcos, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EXPERIENCES DANGEROUS STALLING AND LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO ENGINE DURING DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS SPECIFICALLY A SYMPTOM OF ONE OF THE MANY RECALLS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. I BELIEVE THE RECALL REPAIR PREVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 10 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11129489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Marcos, CA
ENGINE
EXPERIENCES DANGEROUS STALLING AND LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO ENGINE DURING DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS SPECIFICALLY A SYMPTOM OF ONE OF THE MANY RECALLS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. I BELIEVE THE RECALL REPAIR PREVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 10 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11129489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,453 milesTolland, CT
POWER TRAIN
COOLING FAN AND RELAY BLEW AT 46000 MILES. COOLING FAN BEARINGS WENT AND SEIZED, COOLING FAN RELAY NO GOOD. DEALER WOULD NOT WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 36000 MILES. FROM WHAT I READ ON FORUMS, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VAN AND THEY ARE AWARE OF IT, YET THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED ANY. I FIRST DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WEREN'T MUCH HELP, I WEEK LATER THE FAN SEIZED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIKE CAME ON PUSHING A CODE FOR THE FAN 2 CONTROL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11109543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,453 milesTolland, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COOLING FAN AND RELAY BLEW AT 46000 MILES. COOLING FAN BEARINGS WENT AND SEIZED, COOLING FAN RELAY NO GOOD. DEALER WOULD NOT WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 36000 MILES. FROM WHAT I READ ON FORUMS, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VAN AND THEY ARE AWARE OF IT, YET THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED ANY. I FIRST DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WEREN'T MUCH HELP, I WEEK LATER THE FAN SEIZED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIKE CAME ON PUSHING A CODE FOR THE FAN 2 CONTROL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11109543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,365 milesTriangle, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BAD FAN CONTROL RELAY, CAUSES THE VAN TO OVERHEAT AND BLOWS FUSES ALL WHILE MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11102707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.