2017 Ram Promaster problems

General information about Ram-Promaster
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

Ram Trucks, stylized as RAM and formerly known as the Ram Truck Division (of Chrysler), is an American brand of light to mid-weight trucks and other commercial vehicles, and a division of Stellantis (previously Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It was established in a spin-off from Dodge in 2010 using the name of the Ram pickup line of trucks. Ram Trucks' logo was originally used as Dodge's logo. Ram 1500 "Classic" trucks are made at the Warren Truck Plant in Warren, Michigan, United States, and at the Saltillo plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. New series Ram 1500 pickups are made at Sterling Heights Assembly in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Since its inception, the brand has used the slogan "Guts. Glory. Ram."

Background

Prior to the 1970s, Dodge had maintained a separate marque for trucks, Fargo Trucks, primarily for use outside the United States. After that point, all trucks made by Chrysler were distributed under the Dodge marque.

In June 2009, when Chrysler emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Fiat Group received a 20% stake in Chrysler Group LLC and Sergio Marchionne was appointed CEO, replacing CEO Robert Nardelli. On June 10 that year, substantially all of Chrysler's assets were sold to "New Chrysler," organized as Chrysler Group LLC. The federal government provided support for the deal with US$8 billion in financing at near 21%. Under CEO Marchionne, "World Class Manufacturing" or WCM, a system of thorough manufacturing quality, was introduced and several products re-launched with quality and luxury. The Ram, Jeep, Dodge, SRT and Chrysler divisions were separated to focus on their own identity and brands.

Ram Trucks was established as a division of Chrysler in 2010, as a spin-off from Dodge, and using the name of the Dodge Ram line of pickups that is now sold under the Ram banner. According to Chrysler, the Ram Trucks brand will concentrate on "real truck customers," rather than casual truck buyers who buy trucks for image or style.

The Fiat Ducato cargo van design has been adopted and is sold as the Ram ProMaster in North American markets, filling the gap created when Daimler ended production of the Dodge Sprinter in 2008. The goal was to increase truck sales "from today's 280,000 to 415,000 by 2014."

Executives at Chrysler have stated their intention to compete in the semi-trailer truck category with Ram, a possibility that is aided by Fiat's ownership of Iveco and an already available network of Dodge dealers. Ram trucks are marketed separately from Dodge cars; former Ram Division President Fred Diaz stated, "Ram trucks are not a Dodge model. Ram will always be 'vinned' (Vehicle Identification Number) as a Ram. We need to continue to market as Ram so Dodge can have a different brand identity: hip, cool, young, energetic. That will not fit the campaign for truck buyers. The two should have distinct themes."

On July 21, 2011, Fiat bought the Chrysler shares held by the U.S. Treasury, increasing its stake in the company.

In April 2013, Diaz left Ram Trucks to serve as vice president of Nissan's divisional sales and marketing. He was replaced by Reid Bigland.

Fiat Chrysler formed as a new corporate entity in January 2014.

In August 2014, Ram Trucks CEO Reid Bigland was tapped to lead the Alfa Romeo brand in North America. It was announced that the new head of the Ram Trucks brand would be longtime Chrysler employee Robert Hegbloom, who joined Chrysler in 1986 and had been a director for Dodge. In October 2018, Bigland was promoted to CEO of Ram Trucks. Shortly thereafter, he discovered that the division had been misreporting sales figures and turned over that information to the U.S. government for investigation. Allegedly, FCA cut his bonuses in retaliation, which resulted in Bigland filing a whistleblower lawsuit against FCA. In March 2020, Bigland announced his resignation.

Stellantis formed in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler merged with the French PSA Group.

The Ram brand logo features the head of a ram, formerly the logo used by Dodge.

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Common 2017 Ram Promaster problems

The 2017 Ram ProMaster City has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. The following are detailed accounts of these issues:

Key Stuck in Ignition/No Starting: Two complaints have been made about the key getting stuck in the ignition and the car not starting in the 2015 ProMaster City. This can be a significant issue, leaving owners stranded and unable to use their vehicles.

Air Bag Light On: Two complaints have been made about the air bag light being on in the 2015 ProMaster City. This can be a safety concern, as it may indicate that the airbags are not functioning properly.

Heated Seat Stopped Working: Two complaints have been made about the heated seat stopping working in the 2015 ProMaster City. This can be an inconvenience, especially during colder months.

Excessive Oil Consumption: One complaint has been made about excessive oil consumption in the 2017 ProMaster City. This can be a significant issue, as it may indicate a problem with the engine or other mechanical components.

Engine Died While Driving: One complaint has been made about the engine dying while driving in the 2017 ProMaster City. This can be a safety concern, leaving owners stranded and unable to control their vehicles.

Coolant Leak: Coolant leak is a common problem in the Ram Promaster, and it is one of the most prevalent issues that should be covered under warranty.

Transmission Issues: Transmission issues have been reported in the Ram Promaster, and they are one of the most common problems that should be covered under warranty.

Headlight Bulbs: Headlight bulbs are a common problem in the Ram Promaster, and they are one of the most prevalent issues that should be covered under warranty.

Tire Pressure Sensor: Tire pressure sensor is a common problem in the Ram Promaster, and it is one of the most prevalent issues that should be covered under warranty.

Sliding Door Handle: Sliding door handle is a common problem in the Ram Promaster, and it is one of the most prevalent issues that should be covered under warranty.

Weak Transmissions: Transmissions in the 2017 Ram ProMaster have been reported to be weak, which can lead to problems with shifting and overall performance.

Strong Anti-Freeze Smell: A strong anti-freeze smell has been reported after driving a few minutes in the 2017 Ram ProMaster, which can indicate a problem with the cooling system.

Oil Leak: An oil leak has been reported in the 2017 Ram ProMaster, which can indicate a problem with the engine or other mechanical components.

Navigational System Works Occasionally: The navigational system in the 2017 Ram ProMaster has been reported to work only occasionally, which can be a significant inconvenience for owners.

ESC Light Comes On Randomly: The ESC light has been reported to come on randomly in the 2017 Ram ProMaster, which can indicate a problem with the stability control system.

What are common problems with Dodge ProMaster?

Worst Issues

squealing brakes in the 2014 ProMaster 2500. ...
squealing noise in the 2014 ProMaster 2500. ...
won't start intermittently in the 2014 ProMaster 2500. ...
sensor coming on in the 2014 ProMaster 2500. ...
electrical system not recharging in the 2014 ProMaster 2500.

What are the recalls on the 2017 ProMaster?

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.

Is the Ram ProMaster reliable?

Per RepairPal, the Ram ProMaster reliability score is a two out of five, which is pretty poor. Not to mention, the average annual cost of repairs is $1,072. This can cause concern for some who are in the market for a campervan — especially if they will be living in it full-time.

How long do ProMaster engines last?

Life Expectancy

However, consumers report that the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster regularly last until 150,000 – 200,000 miles without major engine problems. And the Mercedes Sprinter regularly lasts anywhere between 250,000 and up to 600,000 miles without significant engine problems.

2017 Ram Promaster complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Ram Promaster.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2017 Ram Promaster recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 2017 Ram Promaster.

2020-09-24

Manufacturer: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.

2020-01-23

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.

2019-11-15

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
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.

2019-04-29

Manufacturer: New England Wheels
Components: SEATS
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.

2019-04-18

Manufacturer: Mobility Transportation Services
Components: SEATS
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.

2019-03-01

Manufacturer: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles
Components: SEATS
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.

2017-12-21

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT
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.

2017-12-08

Manufacturer: Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT
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.

2017-04-25

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.

2016-12-16

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2017 Ram Promaster problems:

Most Common Problems | Ram Promaster Forum

https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/most-common-problems.85603/

Dec 17, 2018 ... All door latches. Headlights. Mis fires. I've had common ones and odd ball ones. Replaced a couple cylinder heads due to not enough compression ...

What's Wrong with the Ram ProMaster City?

http://www.ramproblems.com/models/promaster-city/

Mar 7, 2018 ... Worst Issues · key stuck in ignition/no start in the 2015 ProMaster City. 2 complaints · air bag light on in the 2015 ProMaster City. 2 complaints.

In spite of problems do most owners like the Promaster | Ram ...

https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/in-spite-of-problems-do-most-owners-like-the-promaster.14457/

Apr 24, 2014 ... Brakes squeal from the start of ownership, not getting better. Rear and passenger door don't always unlock. Navigation needs a tutorial to use.

Is the promaster really as bad as people say? : r/promaster

https://www.reddit.com/r/promaster/comments/qquocb/is_the_promaster_really_as_bad_as_people_say/

Nov 11, 2021 ... ... transmission not lasting and a plethora of other serious problems. ... An unofficial subreddit for the Ram Promaster, known outside the US as the ...