The 2014 Ram ProMaster, a rebadged Fiat Ducato with Chrysler's 3.6L Pentastar V6, is a capable commercial van that suffers from catastrophic engine failures tied to oil system defects and cooling issues, plus a chronically failing transmission oil cooler that can grenade the transmission if ignored.
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Spun Bearings and Cylinder Scoring
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of oil pressure, Metallic knocking or rod knock at idle, Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Complete engine seizure in severe cases, Excessive oil consumption leading up to failure
Fix: This is the nightmare scenario: spun main or rod bearings, often accompanied by scored cylinders and damaged crankshaft. Root cause appears to be inadequate oil delivery during cold starts and marginal oil filter design. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Short block replacement runs 18-24 hours labor, full rebuild 25-35 hours depending on cylinder damage. Many shops recommend remanufactured long block swap.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid, Coolant level dropping with no visible leaks, Transmission overheating warnings, Sweet smell from exhaust (coolant burning in trans)
Fix: The internal transmission cooler inside the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the 62TE transmission within days if not caught immediately. Fix requires replacing radiator, flushing entire cooling system, dropping transmission pan, replacing filter, and multiple fluid flushes. If contamination reached clutch packs, full transmission rebuild is required (12-16 hours). Preventive replacement of cooler around 60k strongly recommended. 6-8 hours for cooler replacement before transmission damage.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000 preventive; $4,500-7,500 with transmission damage
Transmission Shifter Linkage and BTSI Failure
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Shifter stuck in Park, cannot move, Ignition key stuck, cannot remove from ignition, Shifter feels loose or disconnected, Gear position indicator inaccurate, Vehicle starts in wrong gear or won't start
Fix: The column shifter assembly and brake-transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid are weak points. Plastic bushings wear out and solenoid fails electrically. Subject of multiple recalls but problems persist. Replacing shifter cable and bushings takes 2-3 hours; BTSI solenoid replacement 1.5-2 hours. Often both needed simultaneously at higher mileage.
Estimated cost: $350-800
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Heavy clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle, especially in Drive, Visible powertrain movement when accelerating/braking, Drivetrain slap when engaging throttle
Fix: The front transmission mount is inadequate for this platform's weight and torque characteristics, especially in cargo-loaded service. The rubber deteriorates rapidly and the mount collapses. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission - 2-3 hours labor. Use heavy-duty aftermarket mounts for loaded commercial use.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Fuel Filter Clogging and Starvation Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Loss of power under load or acceleration, Surging or hesitation at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean fuel codes, No-start condition after sitting
Fix: The in-tank fuel pump assembly has an integrated filter that clogs prematurely, especially with ethanol fuel. Unlike most vehicles, there's no easily-serviceable external filter. Requires dropping the fuel tank and replacing entire pump module. 3-4 hours labor. Consider this maintenance at 50k intervals on high-mileage commercial units.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no external leaks, Overheating under load, Rough idle or misfires, Oil contamination in coolant reservoir
Fix: The 3.6L Pentastar in this application runs hot, and head gasket failures between cylinders or into coolant passages occur. Often both heads need gaskets due to warpage. Requires removing intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, timing chains, and resurfacing heads. 16-20 hours labor for both banks. Frequently discovered during diagnosis of the catastrophic engine failures mentioned above.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Electronic throttle control light illuminated, Engine runs but no throttle response, Intermittent throttle cutting out at speed, Limp mode activation, Pedal feels sticky or unresponsive
Fix: The pedal assembly sensor fails electrically, leaving you with idle-only throttle. Subject to recall but failures continue. Replacement is simple - remove two bolts and one connector - but requires OEM part and relearning procedure with scan tool. 0.5-1.0 hours labor, but expensive pedal assembly.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Owner tips
Change oil religiously every 5,000 miles with quality synthetic - the oil system is marginal and extended intervals will kill the engine
Replace transmission oil cooler preventively at 60,000 miles and check for cross-contamination monthly by inspecting both fluids
Install auxiliary transmission cooler if operating in hot climates or hauling heavy loads regularly
Budget $1,000/year for unexpected repairs after 80,000 miles - these are commercial-duty vans with passenger-car component durability
Keep detailed service records - resale value plummets without proof of preventive maintenance on the known issues
Avoid unless you're getting it cheap with documented oil cooler replacement and immaculate maintenance records - the engine failure risk and transmission cooler issue make this a financial time bomb for the unprepared buyer.
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.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2014 Ram ProMaster
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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.
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 · 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.
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.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · 14V633000
2014-10-08
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 22, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may fail to learn the locations of the individual sensors while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate, despite the the tire pressures being within specification. Should one of the tires lose air pressure, the driver would not be notified of the change in air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence: If the TPMS light illuminates because the sensors cannot be located, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the TPMS module with new software, free of charge. The recall began on December 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P62.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · 14V533000
2014-09-04
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling all model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured July 1, 2013, to August 26, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with head restraints that exceed the maximum backset measurement limit of 55mm. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202a, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: If the vehicle is struck from behind, the head restraint may not properly limit the seat occupant's head movement rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P53.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 14V294000
2014-06-04
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013 to May 22, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience circuit corrosion from water intrusion around the in-floor battery cover and door footwell trim.
Consequence: This water intrusion may affect the vehicle's running and disable the air bags, stop lamps, turn signals, backup lights and/or door locks, increasing the risk of a crash, as well as injury to the occupants if the air bags do not deploy.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all the connectors in the footwell areas, the ignition fuse and the occupant restraint control (ORC) module for corrosion, if corrosion is found, dealers will repair the connectors in the footwell area and the ignition fuse, and replace the ORC module. They will also install a water barrier sealer on the floor, add di-electric grease to all footwell connectors and replace the body plug. The in-floor battery ignition fuse will be relocated, and add di-electric grease to the ORC module connector. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. Chrysler distributed an interim letter to owners on July 30, 2014. The recall began on October 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P32.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through December 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if the accelerator pedal is pushed downward at a certain angle, the pedal may get stuck in the wide open throttle position due to interference with the accelerator pedal stopper.
Consequence: A stuck accelerator pedal can result in uncontrolled acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal stopper with a larger one, free of charge. The recall is began on March 27, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P02. Note: These vehicles are equipped with a brake override system. In the event a pedal is trapped, pushing on the brake pedal will brake the vehicle and enable the driver to slow and stop and turn off the vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 14V034000
2014-02-04
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through November 15, 2013. During manufacturing, a tool may have damaged one of the brake hoses which may result in a leakage of brake fluid from the brake hose.
Consequence: Brake fluid leakage would result in a reduction of brake performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the brake hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P03.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.