The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is a rebadged Fiat Doblo with a 2.4L Tigershark engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. While practical for cargo work, this platform suffers from significant powertrain issues that can lead to catastrophic engine failure and transmission cooling problems.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Knocking or ticking noises from engine, especially cold start, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0304), White or blue smoke from exhaust, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: This engine has poorly-designed piston ring lands and oil control rings that carbon up and fail. Many develop spun bearings or cracked cylinder heads due to oil starvation. Short block replacement is typical (12-16 hours labor), though some attempt head gasket jobs first (8-10 hours). Full engine rebuilds run 18-24 hours. Used engines are risky as most have the same inherent design flaw.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
9-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance in overflow tank), Coolant in transmission (burnt smell, shifting issues), Transmission slipping or harsh shifting after coolant contamination, Overheating transmission, Pink residue on dipstick or in pan
Fix: The factory transmission cooler integrated into the radiator fails internally, allowing cross-contamination. Requires radiator replacement (3-4 hours), complete transmission fluid flush with new filter and fluid (2-3 hours), and sometimes transmission rebuild if coolant damage occurred (16-20 hours). Critical to catch early before transmission internals are destroyed.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for cooler only; $3,500-5,500 if transmission damaged
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, Visible sagging or tearing of rubber mount, Difficulty shifting smoothly
Fix: The rear transmission mount tears or collapses prematurely, especially on commercial units carrying heavy loads. Replacement requires transmission support (2-3 hours labor). OEM mount recommended as aftermarket options fail even faster.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Fuel Filter Clogging (Early Production)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under acceleration, Stalling at idle or low speeds, Check engine light with fuel system codes (P0171, P0087)
Fix: Early 2015 models had fuel filters that clogged prematurely due to debris in tank from manufacturing. Filter is part of the in-tank fuel pump module, requiring tank drop (3-4 hours labor). Some resolve temporarily with injector cleaner, but module replacement is permanent fix.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Electrical Software Glitches (PCM/TCM)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Random check engine lights that clear on restart, Transmission stuck in limp mode (won't shift past 3rd gear), Electronic throttle control warning light, Instrument cluster going dark or displaying erratic readings, No-start condition requiring PCM reset
Fix: Multiple NHTSA recalls address software issues in powertrain control and transmission control modules. Dealer reflash typically takes 1-2 hours and should be free if recall-related. Non-recall electrical gremlins sometimes require PCM or TCM replacement (1.5 hours labor), though used modules need programming.
Estimated cost: $0 for recall flash; $800-1,400 for module replacement
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or stalling while driving, Engine dies suddenly without warning, P0335 or P0016 codes, Starts after sitting for 20-30 minutes (heat-related failure)
Fix: Sensor fails due to heat exposure on this front-wheel-drive platform. Located behind timing cover near crankshaft pulley (2-3 hours labor including diagnostic time). Always replace with OEM Mopar sensor as aftermarket versions fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles religiously — these engines consume oil by design; running low destroys bearings
Inspect coolant overflow tank monthly for any pink/brown discoloration indicating cooler failure
Ensure all PCM/TCM software recalls completed before purchasing used
Budget for short block replacement after 80k miles if high oil consumption starts
Use ONLY Mopar ZF 9-speed ATF+4 fluid — substitutes cause harsh shifting
Avoid extended idling with heavy loads; transmission runs hot in stop-and-go commercial use
Hard pass unless you need the specific cargo dimensions and get one cheap with full engine/transmission service history — plan for a $5k-8k powertrain overhaul before 100k 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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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.
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.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER · 19V818000
2019-11-15
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.
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.
SEATS · 19V313000
2019-04-18
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.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 17V601000
2017-09-26
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The incorrect tire placard can cause the operator to exceed the vehicle's weight capacity, or inflate the tires to an incorrect pressure, affecting vehicle handling, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect tire placard with a corrected one, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T62.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 17V273000
2017-04-25
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 16V529000
2016-07-12
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 16E039000
2016-04-28
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain RAM ProMaster Trailer Light Modules, part number 68229650AB. These accessory modules were sold for installation on RAM ProMaster and ProMaster City vehicles. 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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 16V253000
2016-04-28
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 16V202000
2016-04-11
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · 15V799000
2015-11-25
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 17, 2015. The affected vehicles have an ignition switch that may have an intermittent loss of electrical contact.
Consequence: An intermittent loss of contact can result in a vehicle stall and/or a partial or complete loss of the air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and/or instrument panel cluster. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch contact holder block, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R64.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V223000
2015-04-15
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram ProMaster City vehicles manufactured November 6, 2014, to March 17, 2015. The affected cargo and passenger vehicles have side air bag inflatable curtains that, due to an installation issue, may not deploy properly. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, side air bag inflatable curtains that do not deploy properly may increase the risk of vehicle occupant injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the installation of side air bag inflatable curtains , free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R19.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.