2021 RAM Promaster Powertrain (other) Problems

Vehicle experienced severe, premature component failures posing direct safety hazards while operating a commercial work van: 1. Parking Brake Seizure (01/25/2025 @ 49,197 miles): The parking brake pivot assembly completely seized, causing the rear brake assembly to lock up and rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. Replaced under Invoice #CHCS490962. 2. Catastrophic Transmission & Drivetrain Failure (05/15/2026 @ 66,082 miles): The transmission suffered recurring fluid leaks beginning at 49,197 miles (pan leak reseal) and 51,648 miles (complete front pump replacement). At 66,082 miles, the transmission suffered complete internal failure (burnt fluid, clutch metal material), resulting in total loss of reverse power and gear slipping while operating. Both front strut mounts failed on the same visit. Experiencing brake lockup and sudden total loss of transmission control under 66,000 miles on a commercial vehicle presents significant safety risks to vehicle operators and traffic.

NHTSA ID

11753014

Incident

May 15, 2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power without warning. The driver coasted off the road into a swale and required a tow to an authorized RAM dealer, December 9 2025 to CDJR of Tampa Bay, Tampa FL. The dealer initially indicated the failure was covered under Recall 44A, then changed their position and characterized it as a powertrain warranty repair. Following that repair the vehicle was returned immediately in January 2026 when it would not engage reverse. In May 2026 the vehicle experienced a CV joint failure at 20,411 miles — approximately 1,000 miles after the January repair. The RAM ProMaster 3500 is front wheel drive and CV joints connect directly to the transmission. The recurring failures following the repair present a serious safety concern. The December repair receipt is 10 pages and January is 5 the unit is currently at an authorized mopar shop. Please let us know if you require those receipts.

NHTSA ID

11739413

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

12/2020 First the TPS sensor failed at 1,000 miles and almost caused an accident. Would not go over 25mph, was shifting hard, and the service engine light was on. Verified and replaced at dealership. Second, the rear view camera stopped working while backing up and almost caused an accident - no back windows - major safety issue. Replaced by me as they have no replacement for it even though its under recall. No warnings. Third, the transmission was shifting hard and fell out while I was driving on the freeway at 55,000. Damaged transmission and crankshaft and joints. Verified and replaced at dealership. No warnings, no lights Fourth, the transmission bolt was found loose, hard shifts, and has an internal breakdown at 71,000 miles. Verified first by independent shop - they tightened the bolt for me and is now sitting at the dealership waiting on another transmission that has been verified and approved under warranty. No warnings, no lights

NHTSA ID

11736324

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 at highway speed in Florida, the van suddenly lost all power and came to a near stop, then re-engaged. Vehicles were in front and behind me, creating an immediate risk of serious collision, injury, or death. I pulled over ~30 minutes, restarted, but it could not exceed 20 mph while RPMs were high. AutoZone confirmed limp mode and advised a dealer. I drove it home to Port Charlotte, then had it towed to Gettel Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Punta Gorda, FL, where after two weeks it was diagnosed with a failed transmission requiring replacement. The transmission can be inspected at the dealership. No warning lamps appeared before failure. Problem confirmed by AutoZone and the dealer. I contacted Stellantis (Case #[XXXX], contact Regina Knox; dealership contact Noel), but repair assistance was denied. The van also has two active recalls, including risk of rolling out of park, unremedied. This transmission failure constitutes a serious and imminent safety defect, creating a hazard to myself and the public. I request NHTSA investigate this defect, compel Stellantis to repair it at their cost, and consider any further regulatory action necessary to prevent injury or death. Vehicle info: 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500, 130,000 miles, VIN [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11727047

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

I purchased the vehicle above used on 4/22/2024 with roughly 70,000 miles on it. At 121,000 miles I lost the reverse gear in the transmission and the vehicle displayed 2 code P0736 and P0792. I call my local Chrysler dealership and inform him of the situation, and the service manage advise me of a recall 44A / NHTSA 23V-301 and asks for the VIN. He tells me that the recall has been completed on the vehicle and the cost to fix (replace the transmission) the vehicle will cost me about $4,000.00. I read the recall notice, and it states the vehicle effected had roughly 133,000 miles. The recall must have been closed by the previous owner but that does not change the fact that the manufactures initial repair did not cure the problem being that my vehicle had the catastrophic failure close to when the manufacture stated the problem in the recall. There are many owners of the same vehicle out there that will attest to the transmission failure on these vehicles. I would hope your department will take a serious look into this matter and hold the manufacture accountable and reimburse the cost of the repairs to the owners.

NHTSA ID

11719287

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of steering control during normal driving on a public roadway. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and the vehicle became immobilized, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. The vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership, where inspection confirmed a broken serpentine belt, abnormal alternator noise, and metal contamination throughout the entire power steering system. The dealer advised that the entire power steering system requires replacement. The presence of metal debris in a critical steering system indicates a pre-existing mechanical defect that could not reasonably develop within 27 days of normal use. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. At the time of sale, the vehicle was also subject to unresolved safety recall(s). The selling dealer refuses to rescind the sale or provide a refund.

NHTSA ID

11709170

Incident

Nov 9, 2025

The vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a complete loss of steering control, rendering it undrivable and forcing it to stop on the side of a public roadway. This created a significant risk to my personal safety and to public safety. On the same day, the vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed that the serpentine belt had broken, there was abnormal noise from the alternator, and the entire power steering system was internally contaminated with metal shavings, requiring complete replacement of the power steering system. The selling dealer has refused to accept rescission of the sale and has also refused to cover the necessary repair costs. The vehicle was unlawfully sold to me while it was subject to an unresolved safety recall, demonstrating a serious disregard for my safety and the safety of others.

NHTSA ID

11706836

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

Ram Promaster van continued to roll (backward) when securely shifted into park

NHTSA ID

11679257

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The driver was driving uphill when his RAM ProMaster suddenly lost power and rolled back down the hill, hitting a tree and stopping. During this time, the driver had absolutely no control over the vehicle, and the brakes didn’t work at all. The driver attempted to steer the vehicle, pumped the brakes, turned the key, and pulled the emergency brake, but nothing worked. Internal and external cameras captured the entire event. Will provide video upon request, cannot upload.

NHTSA ID

11604983

Incident

Jul 28, 2024

The Transmission in these vehicles have been known to fail. This is just one of 38 in our fleet. Currently there are 8 of these vehicles at dealerships with transmission problem. We also have 4 more now that have to wait for dealerships to have room for them. Between the 2 dealerships within 6 miles of our business headquarters, they currently have almost 70 ProMasters with transmission problems and can only fix one at a time due to lack of parts. Some wont shift out of first, some wont shift into drive at all, and only work in reverse. The danger comes from not being able to shift while on busy roadways. leaving drivers stranded sometimes many miles from our fleet people that can help them get back to headquarters. If this is not the proper agency to report this to, then may we kindly request being pointed in the proper direction

NHTSA ID

11583142

Incident

Apr 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train) 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11524009

Incident

May 9, 2023