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2016 Ram Promaster City Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2016 Ram Promaster City carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and labels. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Delayed recall part availability.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: 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

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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #17V601000 · Sep 26, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. These vehicles have incorrect information on the tire placard including incorrect vehicle capacity weight, total number of occupants, tire pressure and/or "None" designation for the spare tire size when a full size spare tire is present. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: The incorrect tire placard can cause the operator to exceed the vehicle's weight capacity, or inflate the tires to an incorrect pressure, affecting vehicle handling, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect tire placard with a corrected one, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T62.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16E039000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain RAM ProMaster Trailer Light Modules, part number 68229650AB. These accessory modules were sold for installation on RAM ProMaster and ProMaster City vehicles. The Trailer Tow Lighting Control Module may have a software error on the affected vehicles and can prevent illumination of the trailer brake lights during brake actuation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will mail letters to owners to try to notify the purchasers of the modules, and dealers will replace the Trailer Tow Light Control Modules, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S29.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16V253000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: 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. The Trailer Tow Lighting Control Module may have a software error on the affected vehicles and can prevent illumination of the trailer brake lights during brake actuation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S22.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Ram Promaster City.

Reported to NHTSA

Delayed recall part availability

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2024-04

“Dealer where I purchased vehicle said i have recall for both catalytic converters waited two months called back and they said they wanted to replace engine and i been waiting for a call back for 6 months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582800
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500 PROMASTER. 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361983
“THIS IS THE 2ND RECALLED NOTICED I'VE RECEIVED, TOOK A MONTH TO GET THE FIRST RECALL DONE. WAS TOLD TO CALLED BACK ONCE I GET THE 2ND RECALL NOTICE B/C THEY RAN OUT OF THE PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10920469

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Repeated transmission failure and replacement

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2025-12

“We have owned this vehicle for 4 years. We are now on our 3rd time having the transmission replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547079
“Transmission fell out while driving. Mine and my daughter’s live was put at risk. Towing guy told me he’ve been towing Amazon trucks many times with the same problem and to check for recall because it happens too often”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538036
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702191

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake cable freezing in cold weather

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2024-01

“Parking brake won't release when temperatures are at freezing or below. Consensus opinion on the internet is that water is getting into the cable + cable housing line and freezing, which causes the cable to stick inside the housing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563536
“E-Brake cable freezes or doesn't disengage causing damage to the rotors, brakes, pads. Dealership said that the e-brake cable had stretched causing the rear parking brake to lock and destroy the rotors, brake pads, shoes, wheel speed sensors, pad sensors”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456367

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dim or unreadable dashboard and speedometer illumination

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2018-11

“THE DASH LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO EASILY READ THE INFORMATION. IF YOU WEAR SUNGLASSES, YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR SUNGLASSES IN ORDER TO ATTEMPT TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER OR OTHER INFORMATION, BECAUSE IT IS TOO DIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11153742
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER CITY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PROPERLY AND COULD NOT BE READ BY THE CONTACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10960395
“SPEEDOMETER IS RECESSED INTO DASHBOARD AND NOT VISIBLE IN DAYLIGHT. DASH LIGHTING IS SET AT MAX. DEALER HAS NO SOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10929026

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain and internal engine component failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2021-12

“AT 75,000 MILES MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. NO SIGNS BEFOREHAND IT JUST BROKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11311752
“FLY WHEEL. 55600 MILES AND THE FLY WHEEL CRACKED , HAD TO REPLACE THE UNIT. NOT SURE HOW IT HAPPENED, NOTICED THE RATTLING OF FLY WHEEL TO IT TO SERVICE AND HAD IT REPLACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021028
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cooling fan failure causing overheating

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2019-05

“RADIATOR FAN BEGAN TO SMOKE WHILE ENGINE IDLE. RADIATOR FAN BECAME INOPERATIVE, AND ENGINE OVERHEATING SOON FOLLOWED. RADIATOR AND FAN WERE DAMAGED, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217056
“COOLING FAN AND RELAY BLEW AT 46000 MILES. COOLING FAN BEARINGS WENT AND SEIZED, COOLING FAN RELAY NO GOOD. DEALER WOULD NOT WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 36000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109543
“COOLING FAN FAILURE, COOLING FAN DOES NOT OPERATE AFTER VEHICLES WATER TEMP GETS HIGH, VEHICLE WILL OVERHEAT IF STATIONARY IE SITTING IN TRAFFIC 38,000 MILES WHEN PROBLEM STARTED REPLACE COOLING FAN RELAY ONCE ALREADY PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11081022

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall or loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671916
“EXPERIENCES DANGEROUS STALLING AND LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO ENGINE DURING DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS SPECIFICALLY A SYMPTOM OF ONE OF THE MANY RECALLS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11129489
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM PROMASTER CITY VAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE SPEED DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10936271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Repeated headlight bulb burnout

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2023-09

“The problem I'm having with my truck is I can't keep a head light from burning out. I just had one quit that was a month old. I've been using the spec. lamp from Sylvania H7”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543731
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster. The contact stated that the vehicle headlight bulbs would blow approximately every 6 months. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428830
“ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS WE ARE HAVING TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS IN EITHER HEADLAMP. ONE OR THE OTHER KEEPING BURNING OUT. WE REPLACE THE BULBS TOGETHER AND USE GLOVES AS TO NOT DESTROY THE BULB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140327

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 1990–2024

How the 4 occupant deaths break down

4

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

4

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ram Promaster City reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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