FaultScore

2018 RAM Promaster engine problems

12 of the 54 complaints about the 2018 RAM Promaster are about the engine — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 32,584 miles.

C

12

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 11 91.7%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 1 8.3%

Engine & Cooling across every RAM Promaster year

2014 14 10.4%
2015 19 14.2%
2016 13 9.7%
2017 23 17.2%
2018 12 9.0%
2019 16 11.9%
2021 13 9.7%
2023 24 17.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Seattle, WA

ENGINE

My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. However, the open safety recall remains unresolved, and because no remedy exists yet, the recall cannot be completed. This is my sole work vehicle, and the unresolved recall is preventing lawful completion of the import/registration process in Canada and preventing me from using the vehicle for work. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer and an authorized dealer as an open recall with no available remedy at this time. I am reporting that the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11733867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,584 miles Cabin John, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was started, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an AAA location and was informed to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-speed radiator cooling fan failed to engage as designed, causing the engine to overheat. Due to the overheating, the engine became warped, causing a coolant leak into the cylinder, and causing escaped gases to enter the cooling system. The contact was informed that the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,584.

NHTSA complaint #11719341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Lake Tahoe, CA

ENGINE

Hello, my 2018 Ram Promaster is exhibiting the same symptoms as recall 44A: metal debris in the transmission, which could possibly impact the parking pawl I believe. I have experienced transmission issues for the past 12 months and the Ram dealer in Carson city has identified the same metal debris as seen in recall 44A for 2019-2021 vehicles. I respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation consider reviewing this complaint and evaluating whether the scope of the recall should be expanded to include my vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation would be helpful.

NHTSA complaint #11674560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Milford, MI

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service Hill Holder, Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with codes HAF, DTC, P0740, TCC clutch performance, and metal debris found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11619797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pensacola, FL

ENGINE

Vehicle is experiencing misfires code P0300 and P0302. Performed the usual repairs listed: 1. Coil pack, 2. Spark Plug, 3. Injector. Inspected cam, rocker arms and lifters. All checked good. Codes still remain. After further inspection, the exhaust valve is cracked/broken on #2 cylinder. This appears to be an issue as many others are experiencing the same problem. This vehicle only has 86k miles, oil changed at scheduled intervals.

NHTSA complaint #11577778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmington, NC

ENGINE

-Vehicle shut off on highway, lost power steering Vehicle fan sounds like it's running full speed after turning off engine. Turning key off and pulling out did not shut off engine. Engine appeared to be overheating. Electric system was making lots of clicks and odd noises. Power steering pump went out in intersection. Police helped push van out of traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11499602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mcclure, PA

ENGINE

Vehicle Electronic throttle control had a malfunction and system went into limp mode on a highway at highway speeds of 70mph. The engine destroyed itself instead of limping. Lost power and almost got hit by a semi truck and other vehicles when this happened. Ended up getting a used engine due to current remanufacture costs etc. Total cost out of pocket because the dealership lied about my warranty and what was covered and for how long was around $7,000 parts lanor etc. Limp mode is dangerous and the way it happened on a highway could have gotten me or others seriously hurt or killed. Also now there is an electrical error code P0482 which is electronic coller fan issue other rams are having. All vehices in this series that have the recalled fan should be included the 2018 has issues but no recalls but has the same components of other recalls.. doesn't make sense.

NHTSA complaint #11460771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MA

ENGINE

Cooling fans locked causing smoke from under engine. Artioli Dodge is telling me this is not a warranty or recalled repair

NHTSA complaint #11423720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 15,000 miles Normandy Park, WA

ENGINE

THERE ARE 2 OUTSTANDING RECALLS WITH NO RESPONSE FROM DODGE OR DEALER FOR: VB2/NHTSA 19V-818 (15NOV2019) -ENGINE COOLING FAN AND W00/NHTSA 20V-036 (23 JAN 2020) -SHIFT CABLE RECALLS, THE DEALER LARSON DODGE PUYALLUP, WA HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE. I AM STILL PAYING PYMTS AND AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VAN. THERE ARE NO UPDATES TO THE RECALL PARTS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER UPDATES OR CORRESPONDENCE FROM DODGE RE: THESE RECALLS AND WHAT I CANCAN'T DO WITH THE VAN (DRIVE IT, OR NOT; UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS, ETC...).

NHTSA complaint #11325763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fraser, CO

ENGINE

IT HAS BEEN OVER SIX MONTHS SINCE THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED, AND FCA HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY INFORMATION OR TIMELINE FOR REPAIR! NOR HAVE THEY FOUND A FIX FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM RECALL 20V-036! I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS QUICKLY LOSING VALUE. PLEASE MAKE FCA FIX OR BUY BACK THESE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. NOV 15,2019 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERVB2 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER19V-818 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE SUMMARY A COOLING FAN STALL / SEIZURE EVENT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL OVERLOADING OF THE FAN MOTOR POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN THE THERMAL DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH HOUSING, WHICH MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE. SAFETY RISK A VEHICLE FIRE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS AND PERSONS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AS WELL AS PROPERTY DAMAGE. REMEDY REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #11324254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Colorado Springs, CO

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM PROMASTER 2500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRANK FLETCHER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP (LOCATED AT 3314 STADIUM BLVD, JONESBORO, AR 72404, (870)277-2011) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A SEPARATE OBD SCAN SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER NUMBER 2. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. AS A RESULT, THERE WOULD BE A 48 HOUR PERIOD BEFORE A DETERMINATION WOULD BE MADE AS TO WHETHER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA complaint #11203489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150 miles Hilo, HI

ENGINE

POOR SEAL AT WINDSHIELD ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER INTO ENGINE BAY AND ELECTRICAL. ENGINE DIES OUT WHEN DRIVING WHILE RAINING, HEADLIGHTS BLOW AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE WATER IS ALWAYS GETTING INTO ENGINE BAY. DEALER SAYS ITS COMMON AND IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.

NHTSA complaint #11145036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 RAM Promaster problems

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