The 2016 Ram ProMaster with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a rebadged Fiat Ducato that's popular for commercial use and van conversions, but it suffers from catastrophic engine failures and chronic transmission cooler issues that can sideline fleets and ruin budgets.
Symptoms: Sudden knocking or ticking noise from lower engine, Metal shavings in oil during regular changes, Loss of oil pressure with warning light, Misfire codes with loss of compression on one or more cylinders, Catastrophic failure can happen with no warning
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Spun rod bearings destroy crankshaft and block; dropped valve seats require cylinder head replacement at minimum, often full short block. 18-28 labor hours for engine removal, rebuild/replacement, and reinstallation. Many shops recommend long-block replacement over rebuild due to core damage.
Estimated cost: $8,000-14,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance in overflow), Coolant in transmission pan (check dipstick for foamy pink fluid), Delayed engagement or slipping between gears, Overheating transmission or engine temp fluctuations, Check engine light with transmission temp codes
Fix: Must replace transmission oil cooler, flush cooling system completely, flush transmission multiple times or replace if contaminated badly. If coolant entered transmission, expect torque converter and valve body replacement. 8-14 hours depending on contamination severity. Critical to catch early—once milkshake forms, transmission damage is almost guaranteed.
Estimated cost: $1,200-5,500
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration and shudder during acceleration, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected from below, Rattling noise over bumps from driveline, Difficulty shifting or grinding into gear
Fix: Replace transmission mount assembly. Design flaw causes rubber to separate from metal bracket under load, especially in commercial use with frequent stopping. 2-3 hours labor. Some techs recommend upgrading to aftermarket reinforced mounts for heavy-duty use.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Fuel Filter Clogging and Starvation Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power under load or uphill, Intermittent stalling at idle or during acceleration, Check engine light with fuel trim or low fuel pressure codes, Surging or hesitation during highway driving
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel filter assembly. Not a standard maintenance item in owner's manual but should be. Requires fuel tank drop. 3-4 hours labor. More common in vehicles with questionable fuel quality or that sit for extended periods.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Shift Linkage Binding and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Shifter becomes stiff or won't move out of Park, Gear indicator on dash doesn't match shifter position, Vehicle rolls when placed in Park on incline, Cannot remove key from ignition, Grinding or resistance when moving shifter
Fix: Replace shift cable or entire linkage assembly. Column-shift design is prone to cable stretching and bushing wear. Subject to multiple recalls for Park rollaway risk. 2-3 hours labor. Critical safety issue—verify recall completion on any used purchase.
Estimated cost: $350-700
Seat Belt Pretensioner and Anchoring Recalls
Common · high severity
Symptoms: No warning symptoms until crash event, Seat belt may not retract properly, Seat belt anchor detaches from B-pillar in collision, Pretensioner fails to deploy or deploys unintentionally
Fix: Multiple NHTSA recalls for seat belt components. Dealer-only repair, no cost to owner. Critical safety recall—check VIN before purchase. Some recalls involve B-pillar reinforcement and seat belt anchor replacement. 2-4 hours dealer labor covered under recall.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Software Faults
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: ESC warning light illuminated constantly, Traction control engages inappropriately on dry pavement, ABS warning light with ESC light together, Loss of stability control function in emergency maneuvers, False activation causes braking and loss of power
Fix: Software flash/update at dealer or scan tool reprogramming. Subject to recall for software issue causing ESC malfunction. If not recall-related, may require wheel speed sensor replacement or ABS module replacement. 1-2 hours for software flash, 4-6 hours if module replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $0-1,800
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles instead of 'lifetime' claim—critical for cooler longevity
Check coolant and transmission fluid color at every oil change for cross-contamination
Use quality synthetic oil and don't extend drain intervals beyond 5,000 miles—bearing failures love neglect
Verify all recalls completed before purchase, especially seat belt and shifter recalls
If using for commercial duty, upgrade transmission mount to heavy-duty aftermarket unit preemptively
Keep fuel tank above 1/4 to reduce filter stress and avoid ethanol-contaminated fuel when possible
Only buy if recalls are complete, you have detailed service records showing religious fluid changes, and you're prepared for a potential engine replacement—great cargo capacity undermined by powertrain grenades.
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 2016 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.
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 · 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.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.