Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster CITY vs FORD F 150
How the RAM Promaster CITY and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
RAM Promaster CITY vs FORD F 150: The Promaster City averaged 29.3 complaints per year over 8 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 5 and 2 for the Promaster City. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster CITY or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster CITY
The RAM Promaster City is a compact cargo van often used for small business deliveries or personal hauling. Over 8 years, it has averaged about 29 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the engine, electrical system, and power train. Owners report problems like unexpected shifting into neutral, electrical burning smells, and transmission failures. These patterns suggest that while the van is practical, it may require more frequent attention to engine and electrical components than some buyers expect.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck popular for both work and personal use. Over 10 years, it has averaged over 1,100 complaints per year, with the highest counts in power train, electrical system, and engine. Owners frequently describe transmission issues like limp mode and lead frame failures, as well as electrical problems such as rear window defroster shorts. These reports indicate that while the F-150 is capable, it has a higher volume of reported issues that can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster CITY | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 234 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
RAM Promaster CITY
- 01ENGINE78
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM69
- 03POWER TRAIN57
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING18
Owners report abnormal grinding sounds while driving and potential left cylinder head cracks in certain model years, which can lead to costly repairs. This matters because engine problems can leave you stranded and are expensive to fix.
Complaints include the van unexpectedly shifting into neutral and a burning electrical smell that may lead to engine fire. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and pose a safety risk.
Reports describe inadvertent loss of motive power and transmission failures, sometimes linked to recalls. A failing transmission can be a major financial burden and compromise vehicle reliability.
There are recalls for turn signal issues, which can affect visibility and signaling to other drivers. Faulty turn signals increase the risk of accidents, especially at night or in poor weather.
“"NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED." THE AMERICAN AUTOMAKER HAS ANNOUNCED THAT CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WILL GET WARRANTY EXTENSIONS BECAUSE THE LEFT CYLINDER HEADS MIGHT CRACK. CHRYSLER WILL EXTEND THE ENGINE WARRANTY ON THE LEFT-SIDE CYLINDER HEAD TO 10 YEA…”
“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 wa…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems such as limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues can severely impact drivability and safety, requiring costly repairs.
Complaints include lead frame issues and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can lead to unexpected failures and expensive fixes.
While fewer complaints than power train, engine issues are reported, including output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Engine problems can reduce performance and lead to breakdowns.
There are complaints about exterior lighting, though specific details are limited in the sample. Lighting failures can affect visibility and safety, especially during nighttime driving.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
RAM Promaster CITY — 19 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
The risk: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. The Tire Placards on these vehicles may indicate the incorrect total number of occupants allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "T…
The risk: If the tire placard indicates an incorrect seating capacity, the operator may overload the vehicle, which can cause tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U17.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
RAM Promaster CITY or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster City has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but this difference partly reflects that the F-150 is sold in much higher numbers. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume means you're more likely to encounter reported issues, especially with the transmission and electrical system, while the Promaster City's issues, though less frequent, still include serious problems like unexpected neutral shifts and electrical fires.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the RAM Promaster City has 234 in 8 years, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the F-150.
- Transmission problems are a major theme for the F-150, with owners reporting limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas the Promaster City's transmission issues often involve unexpected shifting into neutral.
- Electrical system complaints are prominent in both, but the F-150 includes rear window defroster shorts causing shattered windows, while the Promaster City includes burning smells and neutral shifts.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, compared to 5 crash-related and 2 injuries for the Promaster City, suggesting a higher reported safety impact for the F-150.
- Check for any signs of transmission issues, such as delayed engagement or unexpected neutral shifts, and ask if the vehicle has had recall work done for the transmission.
- Inspect the electrical system for burning smells or melted wiring, and test all lights, especially turn signals, for proper function.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds to check for transmission limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear, and ask about lead frame replacement history.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper operation and look for any cracks or signs of shattering, as this is a reported issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and engine.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any abnormal noises, warning lights, or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed and get documentation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | RAM Promaster CITY | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 5 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 1 | 44 |
| 2019 | 5 | 52 |
| 2018 | 1 | 79 |
| 2017 | 76 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific RAM Promaster CITY or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster CITY vs FORD F 150
- RAM Promaster CITY total complaints
- 234
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- RAM Promaster CITY total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- RAM Promaster CITY avg complaints/year
- 29.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster CITY
- RAM Promaster CITY top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN