Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2016 Ram Promaster: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram Promaster, most recently filed October 2020. Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Compare

Recalls (14)

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ram Promaster. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V582000 Filed Oct 15, 2020

Shifter Cable May Disconnect from Transmission

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · column shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported20 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V582000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V036000 Filed Jan 23, 2020

Shifter Cable May Disconnect from Transmission

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · column shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
78.7% repairedof 222,207 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V036000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V818000 Filed Nov 15, 2019

Engine Cooling Fan May Seize and Cause Fire

Engine and engine cooling · cooling system · fan
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
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.
78.5% repairedof 99,128 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V818000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V333000 Filed Apr 29, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported544 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V333000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V313000 Filed Apr 18, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported2,080 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V313000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V229000 Filed Mar 22, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES 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.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
2.6% repairedof 776 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V229000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V332000 Filed Mar 1, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
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.
100% repairedof 90 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V332000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V824000 Filed Dec 21, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
Consequence
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
48.3% repairedof 61,791 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V824000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V786000 Filed Dec 8, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
Consequence
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
2% repairedof 550 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V786000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V273000 Filed Apr 25, 2017

Improper Air Bag Information/FMVSS 208

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
The incorrect information may change how close the occupants position themselves to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
99.8% repairedof 113,896 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V273000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V461000 Filed Jun 24, 2016

Loss of Power from Transmission Pump Failure

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Consequence
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
85.5% repairedof 26,298 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V461000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V253000 Filed Apr 28, 2016

Trailer Brake Lights may not Illuminate/FMVSS 108

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
73.8% repairedof 6,422 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V253000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V202000 Filed Apr 11, 2016

Water Intrusion of the Communication Connector

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City vans manufactured September 26, 2014, to March 5, 2016. A low-voltage electrical harness connector by the front driver seat may be susceptible to water intrusion and corrosion. Corrosion may result in a loss of communication to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into and stay in neutral without warning the next time that the vehicle stops.
Consequence
An unintended shift into neutral will prevent the vehicle from being moved. Additionally, if the driver turns off the engine, the driver will be unable to restart the engine. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the harness connector to under the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S24.
84.5% repairedof 23,930 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V202000
Listed for 2016 Ram Promaster. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V076000 Filed Feb 10, 2016

ESC may not Reset on Restart/FMVSS 126

Electronic stability control (esc)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 21, 2015, to December 17, 2015 and equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. If the driver has disabled the electronic stability control (ESC) system, the system is required to be reactivated the next time the vehicle is started. The recalled vehicles have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module that may not reset the ESC to active status when the key is turned off and back on quickly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence
Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA will notify owners, and dealers will the update ABS control module software, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S04.
96.5% repairedof 57 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V076000

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Owner complaints (32)

32 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

0involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ram Promaster, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 32.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Promaster years

Best and worst Promaster years →
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Promaster for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

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Where to next

2016 Ram Promaster FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Ram Promaster have?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 20V582000 (power train), 20V036000 (power train), 19V818000 (engine), 19V333000 (seat), 19V313000 (seat), 19V229000 (seat), 19V332000 (seat), 17V824000 (equipment), 17V786000 (equipment), 17V273000 (equipment), 16V461000 (power train), 16V253000 (brake), 16V202000 (electrical), 16V076000 (electronic stability control (esc)). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Ram Promaster problems?

Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (12), Power train (8), Electrical system (7) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2016 Promaster compare with other years?

Among the 2014–2021 Ram Promaster model years at least five years old, the 2016 drew the fewest complaints (32) and the 2021 the most (111). The 2016 drew 32. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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