The 2019 ProMaster with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a capable work van with surprisingly serious engine durability issues and transmission cooling vulnerabilities that can lead to catastrophic failures if not caught early.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power with metallic knocking or rattling from engine, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Low oil pressure warnings despite proper oil level, Rough idle that worsens under load
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required - 18-24 hours labor for short block swap, 25-35 hours for full rebuild with machine work. Root cause appears to be oil starvation to piston pin bushings and rod bearings under sustained highway loads typical in commercial use. Many see connecting rod bearing failure first, then piston skirt cracking. If caught with just bearing noise, can sometimes rebuild bottom end only (16-20 hours), but most need pistons, rings, bearings, and crank polishing minimum.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement when cold, Engine overheating after highway driving, Chocolate milk appearance in coolant reservoir, Harsh shifting after cooler fails internally
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler (integrated into radiator assembly on these), flush both cooling system and transmission completely - 4-6 hours labor. Critical to catch before transmission gets coolant contamination or you're adding a transmission rebuild on top. ProMaster uses external cooler lines that corrode at fittings, plus the internal radiator cooler can rupture. Must replace radiator assembly and external cooler, flush transmission minimum 3 times with fresh ATF+4, replace filter. If coolant got into trans, add 12-16 hours for valve body R&R and torque converter replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through floor at idle that changes when shifting to gear, Transmission appears to drop or shift position visibly, Driveline shudder during acceleration, Excessive movement felt through shifter
Fix: Replace transmission mount - 2.5-3.5 hours labor. The rear trans mount tears internally from the weight of the 62TE transmission and torque loads. Common on all ProMasters but accelerated by heavy cargo loads. Sometimes takes out the crossmember bushings too if driven long enough with failed mount. Inspect engine mounts at same time - the right side motor mount often fails soon after from compensating for bad trans mount.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Fuel Filter Clogging - High-Pressure System
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble during acceleration, Loss of power at highway speeds under load, Hard starting when engine is hot, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0088), Rough idle that improves after sitting overnight
Fix: Replace high-pressure fuel filter and inspect fuel pump assembly - 1.5-2 hours labor. ProMaster has two filters: in-tank strainer and high-pressure filter in engine bay. The HP filter clogs from fuel contamination, especially in fleet vehicles with questionable fuel quality. Unlike cars, this uses a cartridge filter that's buried near firewall. Must relieve fuel pressure properly - this is a high-pressure direct injection system (2,900+ psi). Replace both filters, check fuel pressure spec (58 psi at key-on, 2,900 psi running). If pressure still low, add fuel pump replacement (4-5 hours, drop tank).
Estimated cost: $280-550
Transmission Shifter Cable/Linkage Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Cannot shift out of Park even with brake pedal pressed, Shifter moves but transmission doesn't change gears, Shifter position doesn't match actual gear (shows Park but rolls), Check engine light with transmission range sensor codes, Gear indicator on dash shows different position than shifter
Fix: Replace shifter cable and/or column shift mechanism - 2-3 hours labor. Multiple recalls on this exact issue but still happens outside recall parameters. The column shifter linkage bushing wears or cable stretches/breaks. Dangerous because vehicle can roll when driver thinks it's in Park. Must verify parking pawl engagement after repair. Some need full shifter assembly if internal detent mechanism is worn. Check recall status first - some covered under extended warranty.
Estimated cost: $450-850
Radiator Core Failure and Coolant Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant puddles under vehicle after parking, Overheating in traffic or at idle, Sweet smell from engine bay, Visible coolant seepage from radiator seams, Low coolant warning light comes on repeatedly
Fix: Replace radiator assembly - 3-4 hours labor. The ProMaster radiator is known for developing pinhole leaks at the core seams and plastic tank cracks, especially at the upper tank. Made worse because the transmission cooler is integrated, so any radiator failure risks trans contamination. Must pressure test cooling system after replacement and verify no cross-contamination into transmission. Includes draining coolant, removing upper support, radiator hoses, cooling fan assembly. Use OE or premium aftermarket - cheap radiators fail within 12 months on these.
Estimated cost: $650-1,200
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid and filter every 40,000 miles religiously - the 62TE transmission runs hot in this heavy application and fluid breakdown accelerates cooler failure
Use full synthetic 5W-20 oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum if used commercially - the engine oil starvation issues are worse with extended drain intervals
Inspect transmission cooler lines and radiator hoses every oil change for corrosion, seepage, or bulging - catching cooler failure before cross-contamination saves $4,000+
Keep fuel tank above 1/4 full and use quality fuel - many engine failures correlate with running tank low repeatedly, possibly sucking sediment through fuel system
Monitor engine oil consumption closely after 50,000 miles - if burning more than 1 quart per 3,000 miles, investigate immediately before catastrophic failure
Pass on high-mileage examples unless you can verify obsessive maintenance records and inspect for engine bearing noise - too many grenaded engines make this a gamble after 60k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY · 25V720000
2025-10-23
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2026 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The electrical circuit for the radiator fan may overheat.
Consequence: Electrical circuits that overheat increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cooling fan module and fuse. In addition dealers will provide an addendum for the manual and label for the power distribution center. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 11, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Additional owner notification letters were mailed in January and March 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 67C, B3C, and C9C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V552000
2025-08-26
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL · 23V301000
2023-04-27
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with a 62TE transmission. The park pawl may not fully engage the park gear due to debris inside the transmission.
Consequence: A partially engaged park pawl can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace, as necessary, the transmission or components within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 44A.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 20V582000
2020-10-15
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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 20V250000
2020-05-05
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van Builders) is recalling certain vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit and 2019 Ram Promaster vans equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 20V222000
2020-04-20
TransitWorks is recalling certain Driverge vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit vans equipped with Freedman Seating Company (FSC) PT Foldaway and GO-ES 3-point Foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 20V036000
2020-01-23
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.
SEATS · 19V333000
2019-04-29
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.
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