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2017 Ram Promaster City Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 Ram Promaster City carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and side/window. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected transmission failure or disengagement.” 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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3 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #16V953000 · Dec 28, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling one model year 2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicle manufactured on November 5, 2016. This vehicle has side curtain air bags that may not inflate properly in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the side curtain air bags do not inflate properly, the vehicle occupants are at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified the owner, and a dealer inspected the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S95.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Ram Promaster City.

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected transmission failure or disengagement

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-05

“COMPONENT FAILED: Left transmission mount bracket and its fasteners on a 2017 RAM ProMaster with 3.6L V6 Pentastar (sales code ERB) and 62TE 6-speed automatic (sales code DG2). At least one bracket-to-transaxle bolt sheared”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738594
“SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 65 MPH. NO WARNING. FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP ON AN EXIT RAMP. COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. VEHICLE HAD 40,751 MILES. REPAIR COVERED UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289498
“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ON A ROAD AT POSTED SPEED LIMITS AND THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING DOWNHILL THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL OFTEN DOWNSHIFT TWO GEARS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVER REV UNCONTROLLABLY OFTEN TO 4000 REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209741

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2021-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432883
“THE HEADLAMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, WAY MORE THAN THEY SHOULD NEED. WE REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM IN DECEMBER 2019, APRIL 2020 AND NOW IT IS IT OUT AGAIN - NOVEMBER 2020”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376990
“HEADLIGHTS GO OUT EVERY 30 DAYS ,IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ,WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM , RAIN STORM ETC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166263

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dim instrument panel illegible in daylight

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2018-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM PROMASTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED TOO DIMLY, WHICH CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO BE DIFFICULT TO VIEW WHILE DRIVING IN THE DAYTIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030497
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM PROMASTER CITY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS DURING THE DAY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE NOT VISIBLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE GAUGES WERE VISIBLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11042581
“I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A COMPANY VEHICLE WHICH I DRIVE - IT IS A 2017 RAM PROMASTER CITY - WHILE TALKING TO OTHER DRIVERS WE SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM. WE DON'T KNOW HOW FAST WE ARE GOING SINCE THE SPEEDOMETER IS TO DARK!!! NOBODY CARES!!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065216

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2025-12

“Vehicle is failing oil consumption test at 97,571 miles. They are saying it’s burning excessive oil due to failed piston which ran had an open recall for . I’d like my vehicle to be considered for oil consumption test and possible motor replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703640
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, there was gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe and the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668186
“Oil consumption issue causing engine to stall without warning while driving. Burning through 2 quarts every 1000 miles. Almost caused 2 accidents so far”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467434

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cooling fan failure and recall delay

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT

18 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-05

“There’s already a recall on the engine cooling fans. I was driving on the freeway when the cooling g fans failed causing overheating and major damage to the engine, specifically the head gasket, thermostat, and radiator”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614481
“The contact owned a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the parking lot of a residential building and turning the engine off, approximately 36 hours later the contact was alerted by the property manager that the vehicle was on fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527396
“2017 RAM PROMASTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE COOLING FAN SAFETY RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486022

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure to stop or release

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-01

“Went to use the brakes and they would not work. Had to swerve into a ditch to stop. ABS and Traction issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634291
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441596
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM PROMASTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED DIFFERENTLY AND FAILED TO STOP AS DESIGNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171715

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)

3 crashes 1990–2024

How the 3 occupant deaths break down

3

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

3

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.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2017 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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