KnownCarProblems2016 Ram Promaster Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ram Promaster, most often about the engine (39% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is 10th of 13 Promaster model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2016 Ram Promaster problems
Engine
13 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster. The contact stated while accelerating, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the driveshaft, front passengerâs and driverâs side cv boots, motor mounts, and the vehicle had several front-end alignments however…
Service engine light comes on indicating fault on one fan 3 control circuit, (error code p0482) blown fuse replaced but still same problem , dealer recommends part to be replaced is cooling fan module - part # 68189000ad which is on back order from the dealership for over 1300 parts. ...something is clearly wrong with…
Transmission
8 complaints · 24%Fly wheel. 55600 miles and the fly wheel cracked , had to replace the unit. Not sure how it happened, noticed the rattling of fly wheel to it to service and had it replace
Immediately after an inspection, oil change and coolant check, and I began using the air conditioner, the fan began to rattle against the hood of the car. I stopped using the air conditioner and it sounded as if the fan was struggling to stay on. Next the check engine light appeared and the temperature on the…
Electrical
7 complaints · 21%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…
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…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 18%Lights
4 complaints · 12%Brakes
3 complaints · 9%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ram Promaster recalls
Transmission: column shift
Risk: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: column shift
Risk: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: air conditioner
Risk: An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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
Equipment
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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
Equipment: labels
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
Risk: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: electrical system
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Stability control: electronic stability control (esc)
Risk: Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2016 Ram Promaster
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ram Promaster?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (13 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); transmission (8 complaints); electrical (7 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ram Promaster have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 15, 2020 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Ram Promaster?
- It is 10th of 13 Promaster model years by number of complaints, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.