2019 RAM Promaster Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 RAM Promaster, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)2232.8%
- Engine1623.9%
- Brakes710.4%
- Electrical57.5%
- Airbags34.5%
- Driver assistance34.5%
- Visibility23.0%
- Other / unspecified23.0%
- Steering23.0%
- Tires & wheels23.0%
- Body & structure11.5%
- Interior & seats11.5%
- Transmission11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2019 Ram ProMaster. The vehicle previously received the manufacturer recall repair for the transmission park issue (software update). After the recall repair, the vehicle experienced a safety issue where it would roll freely while in “Park,” as if it were in neutral, even though the dashboard indicated “P.” This created a rollaway risk. This happened August 2025 intermittently. Miles on the vehicle 68k. I recently (4/17/2025) serviced the transmission (approximately 73,000 miles) and found significant internal damage evidence. The transmission fluid was heavily contaminated, and I found approximately 11 square metal fragments around 1/4 inch in size inside the transmission pan and filter. This amount and size of metal debris indicates internal transmission failure. The prior rollaway condition combined with internal debris suggests the recall repair did not fully resolve the defect. Although the vehicle is currently engaging Park, the condition was intermittent and may reoccur without warning. This presents an ongoing safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. I am concerned that the recall remedy (software update) is insufficient to address mechanical failure inside the transmission, and that other vehicles may have the same unresolved defect.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to shift to 3rd gear. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving on one occasion, which required the driver to pull over and to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop in highway traffic, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 10-12 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled, and the passenger's side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the back window was fractured. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. The police officers were contacted, and the police officers sent a tow truck was sent, but it did not arrive at the scene. No police report was filed. The vehicle was pulled out, and the contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My van is subject to NHTSA recall 25V-720 (manufacturer recall 67C): a cooling fan module susceptible to premature bearing wear combined with inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit, which the manufacturer states may lead to a engiine fire. I rent this vehicle out on Outdoorsy, my van is used commercially as a rental and part of their terms and conditions state this vehicle cannot go out if there is a recall notice. I thought for sure lithia would have this solved by this summer. Since August 26, 2025 and also remains incomplete TODAY. Two open safety recalls have run concurrently on this vehicle for nearly a year. It is still a HUGE safety risk and I have now lost all of my summer rentals schedule due to no solves being available. I had to cancel ten confirmed bookings covering June through September 2026 totaling $11,041.20 in lost income. The Outdoosy platform independently reviewed the situation and categorized all ten cancellations as caused by the manufacturer safety recall. The manufacturer's customer care department documented the loss in writing, then stated it was unable to determine or authorize compensation and could not provide any timeline for review or schedule the fix, as no parts were available 2026-05-27 when I could not get a fix scheduled after trying for 2 weeks to find a solution. This complaint concerns the manufacturer's failure to remedy an announced fire-risk safety recall in a timely manner, causing me loss of income totally $11,041.20 and who know how many other bookings that would have continued to come in throughout the summer. The parts JUST became available, but I have yet to be called back by lithia to have my service scheduled, they don't know when the parts will arrive. I am still loosing income.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. Additionally, this vehicle has 2 open NHTSA safety recalls that were not repaired before the sale, which indicates the dealership delivered the vehicle without completing mandatory safety repairs. This creates a serious safety hazard and could lead to total brake failure while driving.
The subject vehicle, according to the third party administrator for the vehicle's insurance co. had a transmission malfunction. The vehicle is owned by a subcontractor for the purpose of delivery for a seller. The vehicle, according to the TPA, was put in park and the emergency brake was applied, as shown by the interior video camera, and the vehicle went in reverse while the employee was in the back of the van, getting the order ready to deliver. The vehicle travelled in reverse approximately 90 feet down a 40 degree grade, making a left turn into my yard, and slammed into my side porch, making a very loud noise as if there was an explosion. I was sitting approximately 30 feet away in my back yard, and several children were playing in the yard across the road from the accident location. If the vehicle had travelled several more feet down the road and then turned left into my yard, it may have hit the gas meter and caused an explosion, possibly lethal to me, my neighbors, the driver, as well as destroyed my home. This vehicle had been recalled twice previously for problems with the transmission. See "WOO/NHTSA 20V-036" and "61A/NHTSA 23V-301."
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My van is subject to NHTSA recall 25V-720 (manufacturer recall 67C): a cooling fan module susceptible to premature bearing wear combined with inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit, which the manufacturer states may lead to a engiine fire. I rent this vehicle out on Outdoorsy, my van is used commercially as a rental and part of their terms and conditions state this vehicle cannot go out if there is a recall notice. I thought for sure lithia would have this solved by this summer. Since August 26, 2025 and also remains incomplete TODAY. Two open safety recalls have run concurrently on this vehicle for nearly a year. It is still a HUGE safety risk and I have now lost all of my summer rentals schedule due to no solves being available. I had to cancel ten confirmed bookings covering June through September 2026 totaling $11,041.20 in lost income. The Outdoosy platform independently reviewed the situation and categorized all ten cancellations as caused by the manufacturer safety recall. The manufacturer's customer care department documented the loss in writing, then stated it was unable to determine or authorize compensation and could not provide any timeline for review or schedule the fix, as no parts were available 2026-05-27 when I could not get a fix scheduled after trying for 2 weeks to find a solution. This complaint concerns the manufacturer's failure to remedy an announced fire-risk safety recall in a timely manner, causing me loss of income totally $11,041.20 and who know how many other bookings that would have continued to come in throughout the summer. The parts JUST became available, but I have yet to be called back by lithia to have my service scheduled, they don't know when the parts will arrive. I am still loosing income.
The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. Additionally, this vehicle has 2 open NHTSA safety recalls that were not repaired before the sale, which indicates the dealership delivered the vehicle without completing mandatory safety repairs. This creates a serious safety hazard and could lead to total brake failure while driving.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger Airbag warning light and alarm goes off every10 -15 minutes. I have had this into multiple Ram dealerships for repair at least 6 times. My warrantee has expired and this is still a problem. The alarm is distracting and annoying along with the airbag not being functional. How can I find relief,this alarm is driving me crazy?
AROUND 4,000 MILES MY BRAND NEW VAN DIED ON ME GOING UP A SMALL INCLINE ROUND AROUND A SMALL CURVE. I LOST ALL POWER AND A HEAD ON VEHICLE ALMOST HIT ME HEAD ON BECAUSE I LIST ALL POWER, I LOST POWER STEERING, I LOST BRAKING POWER AND I AND MY DAD ALMOST DIED BECAUSE I WAS VEERING OFF A CLIFF. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE ROAD. AT AROUND 5,000 MILES MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR A HALF OF A DAY DRIVING. I HAVE HAD RADIATOR FLUID SMELL AND LEAKING. AT 5,600 MILES THE RAM DEALER SAID I HAVE A HOLE IN MY RADIATOR AND MY VEHICLE HAS TO WAIT IN THEIR SHP FOR 30 DAYS UNTIL THEY CAN GET THE NEW RADIATOR. THEY DON'T KNOW WHY IT DIED ON ME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2019 Ram ProMaster. The vehicle previously received the manufacturer recall repair for the transmission park issue (software update). After the recall repair, the vehicle experienced a safety issue where it would roll freely while in “Park,” as if it were in neutral, even though the dashboard indicated “P.” This created a rollaway risk. This happened August 2025 intermittently. Miles on the vehicle 68k. I recently (4/17/2025) serviced the transmission (approximately 73,000 miles) and found significant internal damage evidence. The transmission fluid was heavily contaminated, and I found approximately 11 square metal fragments around 1/4 inch in size inside the transmission pan and filter. This amount and size of metal debris indicates internal transmission failure. The prior rollaway condition combined with internal debris suggests the recall repair did not fully resolve the defect. Although the vehicle is currently engaging Park, the condition was intermittent and may reoccur without warning. This presents an ongoing safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. I am concerned that the recall remedy (software update) is insufficient to address mechanical failure inside the transmission, and that other vehicles may have the same unresolved defect.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
For the second year in a row, we took a rock to our windshield from a truck and had to have the windshield replaced. The problem seems to be the bad mudflaps on especially semi-trucks or other trucks. Many trucks are missing the mudflaps or they are so thin, they blow upward by the wind. In reviewing semi's passing me, I did see an Amazon truck go by that had a AeroFlap mudflap that stayed down and would most likely prevent rocks from being thrown up to car or van windshields. To mimimize this safety problem and save many insurance companies or vehicle owners the cost of a new windshield, request the DOT move to require AeroFlap mudflaps on all trucks. Thanks
It started to rain and my windshield wipers stopped working. Because it was raining so hard, I was forced to pull off on the shoulder of the road as there was no safe place to turn. We went to a Dodge Dealer who diagnosed the problem as a bad windshield wiper motor. They could not fix it because the item was backordered until July 13th. Because of the backorder, I am forced to drive with no windshield wipers, which is extremely dangerous.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unintended rapid deployment of the awning after pulling into a rest area. Had to climb up a ladder to manually retract the awning and duct tape the damaged awning to the rail. This could have happened while driving. This has happened to many, many other owners of the Coachmen class B RVs with the Carefree awnings. Upon inspection after returning home, the awning motor's plastic tabs were sheared off and the aluminum end plate was broken & distorted. My awning was not part of any recall as were some other Carefree awnings. This is a safety hazard with potentially life threatening consequences to other drivers.
The Carefree motorized awning self-deployed at highway speeds (approximately 45 mph). The vinyl awning material sheared from the metal end bar deploying it as a flying projectile. One of the support bars broke and slammed into the side of the van/RV.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. Additionally, this vehicle has 2 open NHTSA safety recalls that were not repaired before the sale, which indicates the dealership delivered the vehicle without completing mandatory safety repairs. This creates a serious safety hazard and could lead to total brake failure while driving.
There is a known defect of the windshield cowl and compartment not being water tight. The defective cowl and compartment cause water to leak into the engine bay, which saturates the engine and various components. The defect resulted in the crankshaft position sensor getting wet. The wet sensor caused the engine to stall WHILE DRIVING, which resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
hello this is a report for you to please recall all these tires this is very unsafe. i had sent emails directly to the factory and never got any response so now im sending this to you. i know its late but anyways here is all attached on a pdf format
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 3500 equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire Line: Rodian HT, Tire Size: 225/75/16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side tires showed evidence of tread separation. The tires were replaced. On another occasion, the contact became aware that the rear tires had started to disintegrate. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the tires were defective and should not have been installed on the RV. The failure mileage was 20,000. UPDATE 06/15/23- Consumer states " I had subsequent correspondence with Winnebago. They claimed no responsibility for the excessive tire wear. They stated that they buy the chassis from Promaster with those tires in place. I filed a warranty claim with Nexan. They responded that the tire warranty was null and void because these tires are not to be used on a motorhome. They provided me a copy of the warranty. The representative told me the tires had never been tested or approved to be used on a motorhome. They claim to have given Winnebago notice. There were numerous discussions with Promaster, Winnebago and Nexan. Promaster did not claim any responsibility in the matter. Their position was that they sell the chassis to Winnebago and have no knowledge of what they build on the chassis. Winnebago said that they would refer the matter to their engineering department. Nexan stated that as an act of "goodwill" they would rebate me. The point of contact with Nexan was Aaron Wilson @ 330-949-2829 ext 165. [email protected]. He reiterated that these tires were not designed for the motorhome due to the excessive weight. Unloaded the motorhome is 9,600 lbs. The tires were never tested on this unit. He stated that he had documentation that Winnebago was advised accordingly."
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
This a Window Model the fixed windows are coming out of the van. Vehicle has never been wrecked. Took the vehicle to the dealership they do not how to repair. Spoke to the manufacturer they refuse to assist even though it is under warranty. This is a serious safety issue if the Fixed Windows are detaching from the body they will fall into the Van causing injury to passengers. If they fall outward it would cause a traffic accident. There is no known repair for this as the dealers/manufacturer have no guidance published. It has been to two reputable glass installation companies they cannot repair.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Aftermarket seat swivels were installed in a 2019 Promaster 3500-based RV, in mid-2020. Were swivel seats required to be equipped with gear shift lockouts that engage when the seat is not locked in the full forward position, and if not then, are lockouts now required? I do know that the gear shift lockout is a feature of the 2020 Promaster 3500 equipped with factory installed swivel seats.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The subject vehicle, according to the third party administrator for the vehicle's insurance co. had a transmission malfunction. The vehicle is owned by a subcontractor for the purpose of delivery for a seller. The vehicle, according to the TPA, was put in park and the emergency brake was applied, as shown by the interior video camera, and the vehicle went in reverse while the employee was in the back of the van, getting the order ready to deliver. The vehicle travelled in reverse approximately 90 feet down a 40 degree grade, making a left turn into my yard, and slammed into my side porch, making a very loud noise as if there was an explosion. I was sitting approximately 30 feet away in my back yard, and several children were playing in the yard across the road from the accident location. If the vehicle had travelled several more feet down the road and then turned left into my yard, it may have hit the gas meter and caused an explosion, possibly lethal to me, my neighbors, the driver, as well as destroyed my home. This vehicle had been recalled twice previously for problems with the transmission. See "WOO/NHTSA 20V-036" and "61A/NHTSA 23V-301."
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .