RAM Promaster CITY Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used RAM Promaster CITY options? We analyzed 8 model years (2015–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the RAM Promaster CITY has 234 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls across model years 2015–2022. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- RAM
- Model
- Promaster CITY
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2022 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 234
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (76 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (1 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
RAM Promaster CITY: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe RAM PROMASTER CITY has 234 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 234 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
19 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SEAT BELTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 234 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
234 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
My vehicle has shut off on several occasions while driving. No oil or engine light appeared on, but my oil was very low. No ill or negative indicators came up whatsoever. The vehicle stopped in places which I was not able to stay or park at. Some people were honking because my vehicle was blocking traffic. I believe the first time I encountered the problem was around 106,000miles. The problem has continued up to now at 120,00miles. Dealerships and myself have added oil but the problem continues with no indicators communicating an issue, though there clearly is one.
The entire dash went black and is no longer operational.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that after experiencing a flat tire, it was discovered that the spare tire could not be removed or released from the spare tire mounting section of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who cut the tire storage section in order to remove the spare tire. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
I WAS DESCENDING A STEEP HILL MAKING A LEFT TURN FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND I HEARD A NOISE AND I FELT CHATTERING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SECOND AND THIRD OCCURRED ON FLAT GROUND MAKING 90 DEGREE TURN ALL THREE INCIDENTS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS.
THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING... *TR
I WAS IN A 40 TO 50 MPH COLLISION ON I-880 FRW IN MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA. FULL FRONT IMPACTED/ FAILURE TO DEPLOY. RAIN , RUSH HOUR , TRAFFIC , ACCIDENT, MY FAULT, I CHANGED LANE TO AVOID ONE ACCIDENT AND SMACKED INTO FAR RIGHT SLOW LANE INTO BACK OF A CAR. MY DODGE, PROMASTER-2019 FAILED TO DEPLOY. I TOOK THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE TEETH , BROKE BOTH MY HANDS. ATTENTION!!! 2019'S ARE NOT YET ON RECALL LIST. PLEASE RESPOND XXXX ACCIDENT (DECEMBER 4, 2019) I CAN ONLY TESTIFY TO MY OWN DIRECT EXPERIENCE WITH VIN/ XXXX. COMMERCIAL VAN 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that after experiencing a flat tire, it was discovered that the spare tire could not be removed or released from the spare tire mounting section of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who cut the tire storage section of the vehicle in order to remove the spare tire. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Cracked cylinder head requiring full engine replacement at ~80,000 miles. Out of warranty. This is one of two vehicles, purchased at the same time from same dealer in 6/2021 with the same engine failure at ~80,000. Second vehicle is [XXX] . It is likely that these two vehicles came off the assembly line fairly close to each other, during covid and all the issues that that brought to supply chains and manufacturing. One I could have chalked up to bad luck. Two is just too much of a coincidence to believe that there isn't something wrong with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cracked cylinder head requiring full engine replacement at ~80,000 miles. Out of warranty. This is one of two vehicles, purchased at the same time from same dealer in 6/2021 with the same engine failure at ~80,000. Second vehicle is [XXX] . It is likely that these two vehicles came off the assembly line fairly close to each other, during covid and all the issues that that brought to supply chains and manufacturing. One I could have chalked up to bad luck. Two is just too much of a coincidence to believe that there isn't something wrong with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine oil leak at the oil filter. The oil filter monting surface has a defect (not flat) allowing oil to push out. It is currently available for inspection, but it is scheduled to been seen by the dealer to be replaced under warranty. Safety - issue was noticed before enough damage was done to be unsafe. The leak was substantial, so I imagine it would lead to a safety issue due to abrupt engine failure. Oil filter was properly installed, verified by independent repair facility. Leak was reproduced / verified by independant repair facility. No warning indicators for the issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster City. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V728000 (Exterior Lighting). He then called the dealer and was informed that there was an additional recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V699000 (Seat Belts) however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. He was informed that if he were to take possession of the vehicle, he would be held liable for any vehicle failure, including any recalls. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not serviced. The manufacturer was also notified of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Vehicle has been repaired. Dealer made arrangements for a loaner at no charge.
Two instances of rooftop tent opening without human interaction. Incident 1 // 9-17-21: Vehicle was parked and the front drivers side latch (attached photo) opened due to gusts of wind. Incident 2 // 9-19-21: When driving approximately 65 mph (cruise control) on Interstate 40 in Arizona, the front passenger side latch released and front passenger side of rooftop tent opened. I could not see that the tent opened while driving but noticed a change in wind noise and also steering control. I immediately pulled off the highway and observed that the front passenger side of the tent was open and about a 6 inch gap between the top and bottom halves of the tent was exposed. The center strap and drivers side latch were both still engaged. At the speed of travel it was possible for the tent to open completely which could have harmed my passengers or drivers of other vehicles on the road. I have seen numerous reports of this problem on the Roofnest Flock facebook group. The equipment is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There was no warning sign other than the product opening while parked. The product was purchased in May 2021.
On March 19, 2025 upon driving my car home from a 1 hour commute I sensed a unique, uncommon smell - like some sort of electrical component burning. I parked the car in my garage, turned it off and went inside my house. Within 5 minutes the engine was producing gray smoke followed by fire. The car went up in flames in less than 10 minutes. The fire spread to the attic and burned most of the house. I read recently that according to NHTSA, 292,000 ProMaster vans built between 2018 and 2026 are recalled due to a potential fire hazard linked to the cooling fan module. The ProMaster City has not been included in this recall. This seems like a mistake.
The contact owns a 2022 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that occasionally while shifting into drive or reverse, the RPM increased to 4,000. On several occasions, the failure occurred while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into neutral, the RPM decreased to normal between 750-800 RPM. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 12 MPH, the windshield wipers became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ESC fault codes came on. Brake light switch intermittently not activating causing vehicle to set ESC fault.
Showing 20 of 234 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact RAM Promaster CITY
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used RAM Promaster CITY, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The RAM Promaster CITY has 234 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The RAM Promaster CITY has 19 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 5 of the RAM Promaster CITY's 234 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all RAM Promaster CITY vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two RAM Promaster CITY vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The RAM Promaster CITY has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a RAM Promaster CITY by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used RAM Promaster CITY.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
RAM Promaster CITY reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the RAM Promaster CITY reliable?
Poor. The RAM Promaster CITY has 234 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which RAM Promaster CITY years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (76 complaints), 2019 (5 complaints), 2021 (5 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common RAM Promaster CITY problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (78 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (69 complaints); POWER TRAIN (57 complaints).
Does the RAM Promaster CITY have recalls?
Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the RAM Promaster CITY. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.