FaultScore

FaultScore report

2023 RAM Promaster problems

Owners have filed 112 complaints about the 2023 RAM Promaster with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 11 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the RAM Promaster.

How this is worked out

The numbers

112

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

8

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

40,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

40%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 68 vs 50 Severity 37 vs 50 Early failure 68 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 68
Against the median year of the RAM Promaster. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2023 compares with every other RAM Promaster

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2023 RAM Promaster

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 31 27.7%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 24 21.4%

0 crashes, 4 fires · median 30,000 mi

0 crashes, 4 fires · median 40,000 mi

Median failure at 43,518 miles

Other & Unspecified 6 5.4%
Fuel & Propulsion 5 4.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain 4 3.6%
Brakes 3 2.7%
Equipment & Accessories 2 1.8%
Lights 1 0.9%
Body & Structure 1 0.9%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 6.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 6.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 60.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 6.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 13.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 6.7%

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.

Mar 2023 peak 15 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2023 RAM Promaster

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

PE26002 Opened 2 Mar 2026 Still open ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES

Loss of Power Steering Assist

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 19 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging an intermittent or complete failure of the power steering assist system in certain Model Year (MY) 2022-2023 RAM ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. Failure of the power steering assist system can result in increased steering effort required to control the vehicle. An increase in steering effort can potentially lead to a loss of directional control of the vehicle. Several received reports allege failures of the steering rack with specific reports citing water intrusion into the electrica...

Recalls on the 2023 RAM Promaster

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

25V876000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

25V720000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2026 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The electrical circuit for the radiator fan may overheat.

Risk: Electrical circuits that overheat increase the risk of a fire.

24V436000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V416000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Ram Promaster vehicles. The vehicles are missing a side door beam, and the tire placard contains incorrect seating capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: A missing side door beam may not provide adequate occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Incorrect seating capacity information can result in an improperly loaded vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

24V129000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram Promaster vehicles. The driver seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A malfunctioning seat belt warning system can result in improper seat belt use, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2025578 27,010 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the 400 W radiator cooling fan module may not have proper circuit protection. Additionally, the bearing for the fan could fail. If this happens, the wiring could overheat and melt before the fuse blows. Safety Risk: Wiring that overheats and melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the cooling fan module and fuse. The dealer will also install a label on the power distribution center and add an insert to the owner's manual.

Recall 2025273 17,910 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the security gateway module software.

Recall 2024548 314,717 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 2024338 126,530 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Note: For the Grand Cherokee model, this recall affects 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Grand Cherokee L models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the radio software.

Recall 2024327 24 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger-side sliding door may be missing a support beam. In a crash, this could reduce the door's strength. Additionally, the tire and loading information label may not list the correct seating capacity. Safety Risk: A door structure that isn't strong enough could increase the risk of injuries in a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install the missing door beam and replace the tire and loading information label.

Recall 2024115 2,061 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle may not have been manufactured correctly. As a result, the reminder chime and visual tell-tale may stay on, even if your seat belt is buckled. Safety Risk: A seat belt warning that doesn't work correctly could create confusion. Not wearing your seat belt can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver seat belt buckle.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 143,000 miles Burlington, WI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a humming sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact became aware that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. Shortly afterwards, the battery was disconnected, the fan was running, and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the headlights, hood, windshield, and grill were damaged by the fire. There was no one in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries sustained. The contact stated the local fire department was contacted. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage on the vehicle was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #11744810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Monte, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle experienced a thermal event that was caused by a defective fan motor. The vehicle has been inspected by stellantis and a third party investigator. Report attached

NHTSA complaint #11741579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Monte, CA Fire

ENGINE

The vehicle experienced a thermal event that was caused by a defective fan motor. The vehicle has been inspected by stellantis and a third party investigator. Report attached

NHTSA complaint #11741579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New York, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On December 23, 2025, a 2023 RAM ProMaster 2500 Van used as a commercial fleet delivery vehicle in [XXX] suffered an engine compartment fire. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance carrier. At the time of the fire, the vehicle was subject to open Safety Recall 25V-720 / Manufacturer Recall 67C, issued by FCA US LLC for a defective cooling fan module with premature bearing wear and inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit — the exact defect identified as a known fire risk. No remedy was available at the time of the incident. The interim recall notification letter had been received but the vehicle could not be repaired as FCA had not yet developed or made available a fix. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives and declared a total loss. No warning lamps or prior symptoms were observed before the fire occurred, consistent with NHTSA's own warning that affected vehicles may fail suddenly with no prior dashboard alert. The component believed to have failed is the cooling fan module. It is unknown whether the component remains available for inspection as the vehicle has been transferred to the insurance carrier as part of the total loss settlement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11728539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New York, NY Fire

ENGINE

On December 23, 2025, a 2023 RAM ProMaster 2500 Van used as a commercial fleet delivery vehicle in [XXX] suffered an engine compartment fire. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance carrier. At the time of the fire, the vehicle was subject to open Safety Recall 25V-720 / Manufacturer Recall 67C, issued by FCA US LLC for a defective cooling fan module with premature bearing wear and inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit — the exact defect identified as a known fire risk. No remedy was available at the time of the incident. The interim recall notification letter had been received but the vehicle could not be repaired as FCA had not yet developed or made available a fix. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives and declared a total loss. No warning lamps or prior symptoms were observed before the fire occurred, consistent with NHTSA's own warning that affected vehicles may fail suddenly with no prior dashboard alert. The component believed to have failed is the cooling fan module. It is unknown whether the component remains available for inspection as the vehicle has been transferred to the insurance carrier as part of the total loss settlement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11728539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Benton, TN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12v DC outlet caught fire

NHTSA complaint #11722552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Athens, AL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The collision warning system fails to work around 90% of the time. This has been reported to the dealer with no resolution. This is a known problem issue on all Promaster vans and Stellantis refuses to fix the software.

NHTSA complaint #11758541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mt. Vernon, OH

STEERING

The Electronic Power Steering (and EPS Module) failed, making it incredibly hard to steer especially at low speeds. Dealer confirmed that the power steering rack has failed. All power steering features and lights came on, rendering the vehicle inoperable while driving doen the road. This is a serious safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11757934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gardner, MA

STEERING

Vehicle wheel would suddenly jerk when driving. Video of steering wheel doing this was taken while parked. The suddenness of this created immediate dangers to the driver and any around due to the unpredictability of the steering. Vehicle was brought to a dealer/service center where they diagnosed a corroded wire harness that required the entire steering rack to be replaced. There were no warnings or dash lights on. Vehicle is still at the service center four weeks later because the wire harness is unavailable and the vehicle cannot be safely driven.

NHTSA complaint #11758012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kaslo, WA

STEERING

Power steering electrical connector(s) completely corroded from moisture intrusion, while driving ps shut down and warning light flashed. Had to suddenly correct in a corner without ps, almost had an accident. It is available for inspection, as I cannot afford to fix this yet. Dealer inspected problem, ps rack and harness need replacement at a cost of appr. CAD $4000-5000. Have not contacted manufacturer yet, but will now. Vehicle warranty just expired and has only 26 k km on it.

NHTSA complaint #11757498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Egypt, NJ

STEERING

Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked up the issue and found that there is an active preliminary investigation going on for the same issue on the same vehicle, the investigation coded PE26002. Once I handed the vehicle over to the dealer, they found that the power steering had an open circuit on the steering gear. Once they took the connector off they found that the connector was corroded and the wires were burned on the steering gear and main harness side. I had to have them replace both the steering rack, and the main harness.

NHTSA complaint #11756825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Egypt, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked up the issue and found that there is an active preliminary investigation going on for the same issue on the same vehicle, the investigation coded PE26002. Once I handed the vehicle over to the dealer, they found that the power steering had an open circuit on the steering gear. Once they took the connector off they found that the connector was corroded and the wires were burned on the steering gear and main harness side. I had to have them replace both the steering rack, and the main harness.

NHTSA complaint #11756825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Egypt, NJ

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked up the issue and found that there is an active preliminary investigation going on for the same issue on the same vehicle, the investigation coded PE26002. Once I handed the vehicle over to the dealer, they found that the power steering had an open circuit on the steering gear. Once they took the connector off they found that the connector was corroded and the wires were burned on the steering gear and main harness side. I had to have them replace both the steering rack, and the main harness.

NHTSA complaint #11756825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pheonix, AZ

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Factory-installed Onan generator repeatedly throws fault codes causing complete air conditioning system shutdown. Defect present since early ownership. Three failed repair attempts at authorized Thor Motor Coach dealer La Mesa RV. Generator has never reliably held a load. Creates dangerous condition in extreme heat. Thor Motor Coach has refused to honor warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11755418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pheonix, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Factory-installed Onan generator repeatedly throws fault codes causing complete air conditioning system shutdown. Defect present since early ownership. Three failed repair attempts at authorized Thor Motor Coach dealer La Mesa RV. Generator has never reliably held a load. Creates dangerous condition in extreme heat. Thor Motor Coach has refused to honor warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11755418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pheonix, AZ

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Factory-installed Onan generator repeatedly throws fault codes causing complete air conditioning system shutdown. Defect present since early ownership. Three failed repair attempts at authorized Thor Motor Coach dealer La Mesa RV. Generator has never reliably held a load. Creates dangerous condition in extreme heat. Thor Motor Coach has refused to honor warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11755418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelby Township, MI

STEERING

As I was driving, the steering wheel just jerk and the anti-slide feature came on and swerved me into another lane without me wanting to do so

NHTSA complaint #11754283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelton, WA

STEERING

Due to the loss of power steering the tech at Rainier Dodge of Olympia performed electrical testing per diagnostic chart and found water intrusion into steering harness that has corroded wiring from the body harness into electric steering gear motor/module unit. The electric power steering gear assembly and harnesses must be replaced. The vehicle recieved a fault code U0140 stating loss of communication with body control module.

NHTSA complaint #11753058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelton, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to the loss of power steering the tech at Rainier Dodge of Olympia performed electrical testing per diagnostic chart and found water intrusion into steering harness that has corroded wiring from the body harness into electric steering gear motor/module unit. The electric power steering gear assembly and harnesses must be replaced. The vehicle recieved a fault code U0140 stating loss of communication with body control module.

NHTSA complaint #11753058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Bend, IN

STEERING

Power steering failure. Power steering comes and goes while driving creating a crash risk. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by dealer Only inspection by dealership No warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA complaint #11752569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel Tank leaking at inlet port. Leaking gasoline on ground. Vehicle is at Sunset Dodge for fuel tank replacement. Not under warranty or a recall at this time. Fuel started leaking with no warning

NHTSA complaint #11751727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank leaking large amounts of fuel at tank Inlet. Can not use vehicle. Picture included I do have a video. Vehicle is at Sunset Dodge for tank replacement. Tanks are on back order 7/7/2026

NHTSA complaint #11751729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank leaking on the ground. Tank leaking at inlet connection Vehicle at Sunset Dodge for tank replacement, waiting on back ordered fuel tank no warning tank started leaking 7/10/2026

NHTSA complaint #11751730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank leaking at inlet port, dripping gasoline on the driveway and making vehicle not drivable due to the risk of fire. Independent service center replaced fuel tank to fix issue. No warnings 6/25/2026

NHTSA complaint #11751745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message “Power Steering Service” was displayed with a high-pitched whining sound coming from underneath the hood and the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering gear EPS module and jumper harness needed to be replaced, and the vehicle needed an alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE26002 (Steering, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message “Power Steering Service” was displayed with a high-pitched whining sound coming from underneath the hood and the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering gear EPS module and jumper harness needed to be replaced, and the vehicle needed an alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE26002 (Steering, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tazewell, VA

STEERING

Steering Rack and Pinion failure due to corroded electrical connection plug. This occurred in april, 2025, when the van had less than 15,000 miles on it. Took the van to Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge dealership in Abingdon Va .for Warranty repair. Plug was taken off another vehicle to put on mine aaaand dielectric grease added to hopefully keep the replacement plug from corroding too. Location of plug makes it susceptible to water infiltration, a definite design flaw that is likely to cause trouble again in the future.

NHTSA complaint #11751417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At 40,000 miles the Service Power Steering light came on solid red with "!". Hill Kelly Ram Dealership in Pensacola done a diagnostic test and stated Steering gear/EPS Module and jumper harness needs replaced with an alignment. There is an investigation going on or has been with this same issue. My original warranty says it is not covered, my extended warranty with ProGuard is not helping to fix the issue as well. I am retired single female on Social Security and just purchased this vehicle from Auto Basics on [XXX] XXX. My van needs to be fixed and I do not have over $1,233.00 out of pocket for Labor cost. This is my only vehicle and I want it fixed free of charge due to this being a well known safety issue with Ram Manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11751328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

STEERING

While driving, a “Service ESC” warning message appeared and the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, causing the steering to become extremely difficult and creating a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where technicians found multiple loss-of-communication codes involving the electronic power steering system. Further inspection found the main electronic power steering connector full of water and corroded. The technician documented that water intrusion caused excessive damage to the electronic power steering terminals at the rack-and-pinion assembly. The water intrusion appears consistent with a failure or inadequacy of the sealing intended to protect the electronic power steering connection from moisture. Due to the extent of the corrosion and damage, the affected wiring harnesses and rack-and-pinion assembly had to be replaced, followed by a wheel alignment. This failure resulted in a sudden loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven.

NHTSA complaint #11750986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, a “Service ESC” warning message appeared and the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, causing the steering to become extremely difficult and creating a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where technicians found multiple loss-of-communication codes involving the electronic power steering system. Further inspection found the main electronic power steering connector full of water and corroded. The technician documented that water intrusion caused excessive damage to the electronic power steering terminals at the rack-and-pinion assembly. The water intrusion appears consistent with a failure or inadequacy of the sealing intended to protect the electronic power steering connection from moisture. Due to the extent of the corrosion and damage, the affected wiring harnesses and rack-and-pinion assembly had to be replaced, followed by a wheel alignment. This failure resulted in a sudden loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven.

NHTSA complaint #11750986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Palestine, IN

ENGINE

While operating a 2023 Ram ProMaster 2500 (3.6L V6) for normal commercial use at approximately 39,129 miles, the coolant began bubbling and engine temperature spiked suddenly while driving. The vehicle was immediately parked and towed to an authorized Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership as it was completely undrivable. This created a serious safety risk as the vehicle lost drivability suddenly on public roads during active commercial operation. Upon teardown the authorized dealer documented: coolant leaking into cylinders 3 and 4, coolant coming out of exhaust, stretched engine bolts, warped block and head, and internal coolant leak causing overheat. No external leaks from the cooling system were found. The internal component failures caused the overheating not the reverse. The vehicle was still within its active powertrain warranty at time of failure. Stellantis denied the warranty claim under TSB D-23-20 claiming an undetermined overheat caused the engine failure directly contradicting their own dealer's findings which show zero external cause. I have paid $9,000 out of pocket for repairs that should be covered under active powertrain warranty on a 3-year-old vehicle under 40,000 miles. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this failure pattern in the 3.6L V6 Ram ProMaster 2500 as other commercial operators may face the same sudden dangerous failure.

NHTSA complaint #11750236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.