2017 Ram Promaster: problems, recalls and reliability
10 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (24% of complaints); the 2016 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V818000 (Equipment, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Equipment · May 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ram Promaster 1500. The vehicle was purchased on February 16, 2024. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the mileage was 84,000. The vehicle was taken to Valvoline, where the odometer was reported in 2018 February 2023 at 346,000. The contact purchased a Carfax report, which indicated that the mileage was 346,544 in January 2023. In addition, the dealer was made aware of the discrepancy, and the contact was informed that the vehicle would be collected, and the sale would be voided; however, the down payment would not be returned.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2024
“Both cams need to be replaced. Upon doing internet research and talking with the service advisor this is a very commom problem and recalls have been done on other years but not 2017. Henry Miller Dodge Ram is where my vehicle is currently at and who advised the issues at hand. The check engine light comes on and computer shows misfire.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“2017 ram promaster 2500. Consumer writes in regard to defective seatbelt. The consumer stated the recall was on backorder and not able to repaired.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2023
“parking brake did not fully release (with no apparent signs). drove 20 miles, brake warning lights went on about 18 miles in to the drive. Pulled up to gas pump with rear wheels (unknowingly) glowing red. $6000 damage incurred, could have easily been an explosion at the pumps. Dealer purchased extended warrantee says nothing that fails due to "rust" is covered. Manufacturer has changed the design of the failed part but takes no responsibility, or issued advisory statements or recall. I purchased this vehicle brand new, am meticulous on upkeep and keeping it clean. All scheduled maintenance has been with the dealer. There were 3 other Promasters in the dealer lot who had the same issues.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2021
“We purchased 4 of these Dodge promasters about 4 years ago. During the first year we were replacing headlights about every 2 months. Dodge told us that we needed to use their "heavy duty" bulbs. These bulbs seem to last about 1 year. They have a 2 year warranty on original purchase, so after 2 years we have to pay again. This last time the bulb blew it also melted the housing the bulbs sits in. We were required to replace the assembly and the bulbs. I believe Dodge has a voltage issue causing premature bulb failure and now creating a fire hazard. Headlights should not burn out in a year!”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2021
“The etc warming light will come on and the van will decrease power momentarily , I usually pull over, turn the engine off and then back on. That light goes out and then the check engine light will come on and stay on. After several starts and stops the check engine light goes out. Dealer fixed it last week but the red flashing lights came on again as well as the check engine light.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“Recall NHTSA # 19v-818 cooling fan module can fail causing vehicle fire. Recall NHTSA # 20v-036 shifter cable. Unintended vehicle movement which can cause a crash. Dealer and dodge are not willing to correct the above. I am concerned about safe operation of my vehicle”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2020
“Local dealer, sunsr dodge, not responsive to completing recalls. NHTSA recall# 19v818 and 20v-036. Andrew hodgson sarasota fl ajhodgson54@gmail.com”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 10 campaigns
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.
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. Prime-Time's number for this recall is W00.
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. 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.
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.
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. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is W00.
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
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. 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.
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
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
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.
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. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
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."
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T24.
How other years compare
Check your exact Promaster by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Ram Promaster reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Ram Promaster. The most complained-about area is electrical system (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Ram Promaster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 43,450 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Ram Promaster have open recalls?
10 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.