CSR

Ram · NHTSA safety record

2016 Ram Promaster

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

31

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2016 Ram Promaster have filed 31 safety complaints with NHTSA between March 2016 and December 2025. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 12 of them (39%). The typical failure was reported at 51,300 miles, the median across the 12 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 14 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (14)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

20V582000 · October 15, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles · up to 20 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

20V036000 · January 23, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 222,207 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

19V818000 · November 15, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 99,128 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

19V333000 · April 29, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The 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.

New England Wheels · up to 544 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

19V313000 · April 18, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The 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.

Mobility Transportation Services · up to 2,080 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

19V229000 · March 22, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The 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.

TransitWorks · up to 776 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

19V332000 · March 1, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The 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.

Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles · up to 90 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT

17V824000 · December 21, 2017

The defect
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
The risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 61,791 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT

17V786000 · December 8, 2017

The defect
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
The risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC · up to 550 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

17V273000 · April 25, 2017

The defect
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."
The 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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 113,896 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

16V461000 · June 24, 2016

The defect
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.
The risk
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 26,298 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

16V253000 · April 28, 2016

The defect
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."
The risk
Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 6,422 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

16V202000 · April 11, 2016

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 23,930 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

16V076000 · February 10, 2016

The defect
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."
The risk
Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 57 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 31.

ENGINE 12 39%
POWER TRAIN 8 26%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 23%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6 19%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4 13%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 10%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 3%
EQUIPMENT 1 3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 3%
STEERING 1 3%
SUSPENSION 1 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 5.

2016 2020 2025
2016 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towed · 18,000 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11054122. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towed · 170,000 miles

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ESC fault codes came on. Brake light switch intermittently not activating causing vehicle to set ESC fault.

NHTSA complaint 11623152. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ram Promaster

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 11 5
2023 77 5
2022 60 8
2021 107 8
2020 42 5
2019 57 9
2018 37 10
2017 57 10
2015 60 12
2014 71 12

Other 2016 Ram models

Every Ram on this site — 67 vehicles, 202 recall campaigns and 6 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst