KnownCarProblems2017 Ram Promaster Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ram Promaster, most often about the engine (40% of complaints, typically around 78,000 miles). It is 7th of 13 Promaster model years by number of complaints and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2017 Ram Promaster problems
Engine
23 complaints · 40%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system.
I had the cooling fan assembly replaced due to a noise and noticeable heat coming from the engine at 68262 miles. I later received a letter stating fca was doing a recall on this engine component. Approximately 7,000 miles or a month and a half later, I was getting a engine vibration and got a check engine light come…
We have 3 Ram promasters and all 3 have an oil leak at the oil cooler, costing over $800 each to have repaired. Again, all 3 have had the same issue resulting in over $2,400 in repairs.
Electrical
20 complaints · 35%Half of these problems showed up before 43,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel.
Recall numbers w00 and vb2 from fca have not been repaired in a timely manner. The recall listed vb2 is of particular concern as "a vehicle fire may increase the risk of injury to occupants and persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage" . I have contacted fca and the dealership numerous times and they…
Had the van serviced per the recall for the engine cooling fan issue. Took to the dealership I purchased from. After driving away from the dealership and getting about 50 miles down the road the service engine light came on. I could never get ahold of the dealership again. Don jackson in atlanta. They would never…
Transmission
14 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles.
When shifting from park to drive, after starting vehicle that has been off for hours, the truck will abruptly lurch forward and be resistant to braking. Only way to settle it down is shifting into neutral. This has happened about 5 times since I've owned it. Bought it at 13,000 mi. It's now at 25,000 mi.
Sudden and complete loss of the transmission while on the interstate going 65 MPH. No warning. Fortunately was able to coast to a stop on an exit ramp. Could have caused a serious accident. Vehicle had 40,751 miles. Repair covered under warranty. There should have been a recall for this. Others have had the same issue.
Lights
6 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that the driver's door hinge was detached and the rear door latch was fractured and failed to open or close. In addition, the passenger side sliding door was fractured. Furthermore, while driving, the driver's side headlight became inoperable without…
The headlamps have been replaced multiple times, way more than they should need. We replaced the drivers side low beam in december 2019, april 2020 and now it is it out again - november 2020. In addition, there are no warning lights to let the driver know the low beam light is out. Our vehicle only has 44800 miles on…
Brakes
5 complaints · 9%The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster. While driving various speeds, the vehicle performed differently and failed to stop as designed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the calipers were locked and needed to be replaced. The rotor, pins, and…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster van. While driving down a large hill, the brake light illuminated for no apparent reason. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but there was no remedy. The only way to turn off the light was by turning off and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that the driver's door hinge was detached and the rear door latch was fractured and failed to open or close. In addition, the passenger side sliding door was fractured. Furthermore, while driving, the driver's side headlight became inoperable without…
The contact owned a 2017 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle on the side of his house, he received an alert from a sensor camera attached to his home. When the contact checked the alert, he saw that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact immediately called the fire department and…
Steering
3 complaints · 5%Upper bearing plates rusted out at low mileage,making van unexpectedly pull in whichever direction it was steered last as suspension springs did not return to center. Cost $1500.00 to repair. Mechanic stated that dealer had plenty of these parts on hand which he found suspicious as truck is only three years old…
Front driver side cv axel failing. Major steering jiggle and tire wobble anywhere from 30-65mph on straight aways and especially on corners. Have stopped operating the vehicle until part is replaceable, unfortunately nation wide backorder happening now, apparently because this is happening to lots of these models.
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 5%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2017 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: 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."
Air bags: frontal
Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat mounted side air bags, free of charge. The recall began february 7, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s96.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2017 ram promaster vehicles manufactured october 1, 2016, to december 7, 2016. The seat mounted side air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
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 2017 Ram Promaster
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ram Promaster?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (23 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); electrical (20 complaints, typically around 43,500 miles); transmission (14 complaints, typically around 33,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2017 Ram Promaster have?
- 10 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 2017 a bad year for the Ram Promaster?
- It is 7th of 13 Promaster model years by number of complaints, with 57 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.