2016 RAM Promaster recalls & complaints

1. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.

What could happen: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V036000 (manufacturer code W00).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-726-4636.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

2. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.

What could happen: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V582000 (manufacturer code W00).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-293-9191.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

3. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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.

What could happen: An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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 contac…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V818000 (manufacturer code VB2).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

4. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.

What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V333000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

5. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.

What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V332000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

6. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.

What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V313000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-734-453-6452.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

7. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.

What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V229000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

8. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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 pro…

What could happen: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V824000 (manufacturer code T82).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

9. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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."

What could happen: 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.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V273000 (manufacturer code T24).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

10. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

What could happen: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V461000 (manufacturer code S44).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

11. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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 ful…

What could happen: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V786000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-855-262-3540.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

12. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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."

What could happen: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.

The 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16E039000 (manufacturer code S29).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

13. Electronic Stability Control (esc)

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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 Veh…

What could happen: Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V076000 (manufacturer code S04).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

14. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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."

What could happen: Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.

The 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V253000 (manufacturer code S22).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

15. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.

What could happen: 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.

The fix: 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 PROMASTER.
2. Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V202000 (manufacturer code S24).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Most complained-about parts: Engine (26), Electrical system (19), Transmission / drivetrain (19), Unknown Or Other (10), Lights (9).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.