The 2016 ProMaster City is a rebadged Fiat Doblo with a 2.4L Tigershark engine mated to a 9-speed automatic. Engine failures and transmission cooling issues dominate the problem list, making this one of the riskier commercial vans to buy used.
Catastrophic 2.4L Tigershark Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Knocking or ticking from lower end, especially cold start, Metal shavings in oil, low oil pressure warning, Sudden loss of power or complete seizure
Fix: The Tigershark's porous cylinder walls and weak piston ring lands lead to oil burning, then bearing failure. Fix requires short block or complete engine replacement. 12-16 hours labor for R&R, plus machine work if salvaging heads. Many shops go straight to reman long block to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $5,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement, Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Check engine light with transmission temp codes, Overheating gauge fluctuations
Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires new radiator, full transmission flush (often multiple flushes), and frequently a transmission replacement if contamination went unnoticed. If caught early, flush and cooler replacement takes 4-6 hours; if trans is damaged, add 8-12 hours for R&R.
Estimated cost: $1,200-6,000
9-Speed Transmission Shifting Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, clunking into gear, Transmission hunting between gears at steady speed, Delayed engagement from Park or Reverse, Shudder or vibration during light acceleration
Fix: The ZF 9HP transmission has known software calibration issues and occasional valve body failures. Start with latest TCM flash (1 hour), then fluid/filter service. If mechanical, valve body replacement runs 6-8 hours. Some cases need torque converter or full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $150-4,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially in gear, Visible engine/trans movement when accelerating, Rubbing or contact noises from undercarriage
Fix: The side transmission mount (dogbone) wears quickly, especially in commercial use with frequent stop-and-go. Straightforward replacement, 1.5-2 hours. Often replaced alongside motor mounts as a set.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Head Gasket Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, Overheating, coolant loss with no visible leaks, Milky oil or coolant in oil, Misfires, rough idle, loss of power
Fix: The Tigershark is prone to head gasket failure, often between cylinders or into coolant passages. Requires cylinder head removal, resurfacing, and gasket replacement. 10-14 hours labor. Check for head warpage; if warped beyond spec, need new or rebuilt head.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Fuel Filter Clogging (Diesel-like Symptoms)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent stalling or no-start when fuel tank below 1/4, Loss of power under load, sputtering, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes, Rough idle after sitting overnight
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter/sock clogs prematurely, especially with ethanol fuel or sitting unused. Requires fuel pump module removal. 2-3 hours labor. Many techs replace entire pump assembly to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Electrical Gremlins and Module Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, no crank (intelligent battery sensor fault), Random warning lights, cluster gauge failures, Power windows or locks inoperative, EVIC display blank or frozen
Fix: Fiat-sourced electrical architecture has known module communication faults and corroded grounds. Diagnosis can be time-consuming (2-4 hours). Common fixes include IBS (intelligent battery sensor) replacement, BCM reflash, or repairing ground straps. Module replacement 1-2 hours once diagnosed.
Estimated cost: $300-1,200
Owner tips
Check oil level every fill-up; Tigershark engines burn oil by design, and running low accelerates bearing wear
Service transmission fluid every 30,000 mi regardless of 'lifetime fill' claim — critical for 9-speed longevity
Inspect transmission cooler lines and radiator for any signs of pink fluid mixing; catching contamination early saves thousands
Avoid extended idling in commercial use; install auxiliary trans cooler if doing delivery work in hot climates
Use Top Tier fuel and keep tank above 1/4 to reduce fuel system problems
Hard pass unless you're getting it cheap and can budget for an engine rebuild — the Tigershark's oil consumption and bearing failures make this a ticking time bomb 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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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.
SEATS · 19V229000
2019-03-22
TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES 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: 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.
SEATS · 19V332000
2019-03-01
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.
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 · 17V786000
2017-12-08
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.
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 · 16V461000
2016-06-24
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Consequence: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · 16V076000
2016-02-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 21, 2015, to December 17, 2015 and equipped with 3.0L 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 Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.