no report yet
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Ram PromasterProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 33 owner complaints about the 2016 Ram Promaster, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-786 the manufacturer reports only 2% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 10, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Ram Promaster has problems
33 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Engine
8Power train
7Electrical system
4Exterior lighting
3Service brakes
2Vehicle speed control
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Steering
1Suspension
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 0 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2016 Ram Promaster recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Cooling system: fan
Risk. An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Show 10 more recalls
no report yet
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system
Risk. An unintended shift into neutral will prevent the vehicle from being moved.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Promaster year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Promaster median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Ram Promaster safety ratings
2016 Ram Promaster VAN 2WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Promaster owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact was informed that no issues were found.…
Own a 2016 Promaster?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.