The 2021 ProMaster City is essentially a rebadged Fiat Doblo with a 2.4L Tigershark engine and 9-speed ZF transmission. While the newest model year in the lineup, it inherits well-documented powertrain weaknesses that plague this platform, particularly catastrophic engine failures and transmission cooling issues.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 miles or worse), Metallic knocking or ticking from engine block, White smoke from exhaust on startup, Oil pressure warning light at idle when hot, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick)
Fix: The 2.4L Tigershark has known issues with piston ring land failure, cylinder head cracking, and bearing wear. Most shops recommend complete engine replacement over rebuild due to block integrity concerns. Expect 18-24 labor hours for engine R&R. Short block replacement runs 16-20 hours; full rebuild with heads 22-28 hours.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Transmission Damage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, especially when hot, Coolant in transmission fluid (strawberry milkshake appearance), Transmission overheating warning on dash, Delayed engagement from Park to Drive, Metal shavings on transmission dipstick
Fix: The external transmission oil cooler develops internal leaks, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This contamination destroys the 9-speed ZF transmission quickly. If caught early (cooler only), it's 3-4 hours labor plus full fluid flush. If transmission is damaged, you're looking at rebuild (12-16 hours) or replacement (10-14 hours). Always replace radiator and flush cooling system when doing this job.
Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting from Reverse to Drive, Vibration through floorboard at idle in gear, Visible engine/trans movement when accelerating hard, Grinding or rubbing sensation during shifts
Fix: The ProMaster City uses hydraulic transmission mounts that fail prematurely, especially with cargo weight. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. Typical job is 2-3 hours for both mounts. Replace both even if only one appears failed—the second is close behind.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Fuel Filter Clogging (Premature)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Loss of power under load or at highway speeds, Engine stalling at idle after driving, Check engine light with lean fuel codes (P0171/P0174)
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter clogs earlier than expected, particularly with lower-quality fuel. Access requires dropping the fuel tank. Budget 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Always recommend fuel system cleaning service during this repair. Some techs install an inline filter as insurance, though not factory spec.
Estimated cost: $350-600
ABS Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, Loss of ABS function (wheels lock during hard braking), Speedometer intermittent or inoperative, Electronic stability control disabled message
Fix: The ABS/ESP module can fail due to internal corrosion or software issues (subject to recall #21V-866). Diagnosis requires scanning with factory-level tools. If hardware failure, module replacement is 1.5-2 hours, but programming adds another hour. Check for open recalls first—TSB coverage may apply. If out of warranty, used modules require VIN programming.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Rear Door Latch/Striker Misalignment
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 20,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rear doors won't latch properly or pop open while driving, Excessive force required to close rear doors, Wind noise from rear door seals, Door ajar warning light with doors closed
Fix: The rear barn doors are prone to striker misalignment and latch wear. Usually correctable with striker adjustment (0.5 hours) but worn latches require replacement (1.5 hours per side). Check door hinge bolts for looseness first—often the root cause. Some vehicles need shims behind hinges.
Change transmission fluid every 40,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—the 9-speed ZF needs it
Monitor oil level weekly; top off immediately if low to prevent piston ring damage
Inspect transmission cooler lines and external cooler for seepage every oil change
Keep fuel tank above 1/4 to reduce fuel pump strain and filter clogging
Address transmission mount noise immediately—it accelerates wear on CV axles and transmission mounts
Hard pass unless you're getting a killer deal and have a warranty—the Tigershark engine and transmission cooling issues are ticking time bombs that can cost more than the van's value.
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, March, and June 2026. Remaining owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 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, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR · 24V416000
2024-06-06
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Ram Promaster vehicles. The vehicles are missing a side door beam, and the tire placard contains incorrect seating capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: A missing side door beam may not provide adequate occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Incorrect seating capacity information can result in an improperly loaded vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a door beam and apply an overlay label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 53B.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · 24V290000
2024-04-25
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram Promaster vehicles. An insecure ground connection may cause the electronic stability control (ESC) to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with an inoperative electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the ground nut assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 43B.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 24V197000
2024-03-14
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The wiring harness may have a poor connection, which can cause the left taillight and left turn signal to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: An inoperative left turn signal may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, and an inoperative left taillight can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the harness, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 21B.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL · 21V728000
2021-09-21
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y71.
SEAT BELTS · 21V699000
2021-09-09
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram ProMaster City and Ram ProMaster vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853- 1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y61.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 21V147000
2021-03-09
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
Consequence: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.