Most common 2016 Ram Promaster problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ram Promaster complaints by model year
Best Promaster years: 2016, 2025, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2023, 2022. Compare all years →
2016 Ram Promaster recalls (14)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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…
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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.
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.
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
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.
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.
Seats
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.
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.
Seats
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.
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.
Seats
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…
Remedy: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019.
Show 8 more recalls
Seats
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,…
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.
Equipment
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Equipment
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
Electrical system › Software
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.
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.
Electrical system
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.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
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.
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.
What 2016 Ram Promaster owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact was informed that no issues were found. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the abnormal grinding sounds were getting increasingly louder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. …
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 passenger's and driver's side CV boots, motor mounts, and the vehicle had several front-end alignments however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that all four tires were replaced. The contact stated when the failure occurred the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who stated that the CV boots and engine mount was cracked. The CV boots and engine mounts were replaced. The failure continued and the vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that all four tires were unbalanced. The tires were balanced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
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 thermostat went to the max and overheated. I attempted to turn my car on and off to restart the fan and cool the engine. I use my van daily for work, and maintain it every two months. I feel the the power train on the 2016 Ram Promaster 1500 should be recalled.
We have owned this vehicle for 4 years. We are now on our 3rd time having the transmission replaced.
Electrical system
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.
Twice my van has unexpectedly and without warning shifted into neutral. The first incident was 8/24/21 and I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and went to drive and the display showed I was in neutral and the van wouldn't move. The display on the shifter flashed neutral. The van was still on but wouldn't move. I had the van towed to the nearest Dodge dealership and they could find nothing wrong. The second incident was yesterday. I was approaching a red light and close to stopping when the van chugged and said it was I neutral - I felt a difference in the propulsion as if it was not driving but gliding. Again the display screen showed it had unexpected and without warning shifter into neutral. The police were called both times to redirect traffic and ensure a safe tow.
2016 Ram Promaster engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ram Promaster a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Promaster rates better than average: 49% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Promaster at the same age. It is one of the best Promaster years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Ram Promaster?
The engine & cooling — 13 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (8) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram Promaster have?
There are 14 recalls for the 2016 Ram Promaster, the most recent from October 15, 2020 (column shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ram Promaster?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2025 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2023 and 2022. See the full Ram Promaster years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram Promaster problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.