2023 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 2023 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
- Steering3732.7%
- Engine2522.1%
- Electrical2421.2%
- Driver assistance108.8%
- Fuel system65.3%
- Powertrain (other)43.5%
- Brakes32.7%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
- Other / unspecified10.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on back order. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that the emergency control system was inoperable. While driving 3 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel locked up. While driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred. Additionally, while reversing, the vehicle stopped suddenly. Prior to and after the failures, an unknown yellow warning light illuminated accompanied by an abnormal dinging sound. Additional warning lights illuminated associated with the steering, hill assist, and emergency control system, and an abnormal brake odor emanated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was scary and dangerous. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a reset switch, and that the contact might have jerked the steering wheel. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was fully inspected. The approximate failure mileage was 5,604.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure and extended damages were associated with the unrepaired recall. The contact researched and discovered recalls, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V330000 (Back Over Prevention); that were associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
While operating a 2023 Ram ProMaster 2500 (3.6L V6) for normal commercial use at approximately 39,129 miles, the coolant began bubbling and engine temperature spiked suddenly while driving. The vehicle was immediately parked and towed to an authorized Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership as it was completely undrivable. This created a serious safety risk as the vehicle lost drivability suddenly on public roads during active commercial operation. Upon teardown the authorized dealer documented: coolant leaking into cylinders 3 and 4, coolant coming out of exhaust, stretched engine bolts, warped block and head, and internal coolant leak causing overheat. No external leaks from the cooling system were found. The internal component failures caused the overheating not the reverse. The vehicle was still within its active powertrain warranty at time of failure. Stellantis denied the warranty claim under TSB D-23-20 claiming an undetermined overheat caused the engine failure directly contradicting their own dealer's findings which show zero external cause. I have paid $9,000 out of pocket for repairs that should be covered under active powertrain warranty on a 3-year-old vehicle under 40,000 miles. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this failure pattern in the 3.6L V6 Ram ProMaster 2500 as other commercial operators may face the same sudden dangerous failure.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that the emergency control system was inoperable. While driving 3 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel locked up. While driving 65 MPH, the failure recurred. Additionally, while reversing, the vehicle stopped suddenly. Prior to and after the failures, an unknown yellow warning light illuminated accompanied by an abnormal dinging sound. Additional warning lights illuminated associated with the steering, hill assist, and emergency control system, and an abnormal brake odor emanated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was scary and dangerous. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a reset switch, and that the contact might have jerked the steering wheel. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was fully inspected. The approximate failure mileage was 5,604.
Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked up the issue and found that there is an active preliminary investigation going on for the same issue on the same vehicle, the investigation coded PE26002. Once I handed the vehicle over to the dealer, they found that the power steering had an open circuit on the steering gear. Once they took the connector off they found that the connector was corroded and the wires were burned on the steering gear and main harness side. I had to have them replace both the steering rack, and the main harness.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The collision warning system fails to work around 90% of the time. This has been reported to the dealer with no resolution. This is a known problem issue on all Promaster vans and Stellantis refuses to fix the software.
Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked up the issue and found that there is an active preliminary investigation going on for the same issue on the same vehicle, the investigation coded PE26002. Once I handed the vehicle over to the dealer, they found that the power steering had an open circuit on the steering gear. Once they took the connector off they found that the connector was corroded and the wires were burned on the steering gear and main harness side. I had to have them replace both the steering rack, and the main harness.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel tank leaking gasoline badly, where tank and fuel fill are connected. This is our 6th Pro Master out of the 41 we have so far. This is a very dangerous gasoline leak and, so far we have been lucky with no bodily injury, death or fires
Fuel tank leaking at inlet port, dripping gasoline on the driveway and making vehicle not drivable due to the risk of fire. Independent service center replaced fuel tank to fix issue. No warnings 6/25/2026
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving the dash screen show a caution with a note that vehicle is in "Limp Mode" as I was on a freeway this became a huge problem putting my life at risk and for others moving at the speed of traffic then suddenly having to decelerate in order to move around me. This problem has been reported to the dealership and confirmed that this is a common issue, there was no warning ahead of time.
While driving in forward motion, the van seems to brake or downshift for a brief second. Seems to pull to left a little. Could be very hazardous if this isn’t fixed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving in forward motion, the van seems to brake or downshift for a brief second. Seems to pull to left a little. Could be very hazardous if this isn’t fixed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s Collision Avoidance / Automatic Emergency Braking engaged on highway. The van is available for inspection at anytime. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership was unable to duplicate issue on a test drive, but an independent service center (Safelite Auto Glass) detected a fault code (C14A5-92) related to Lane Departure and Automatic Emergency Braking. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not at this time Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The “Collision Avoidance OFF” and “ESC” lights illuminated when the Automatic Emergency Braking engaged while vehicle slid into an adjoining lane on the interstate.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I finally found a place to report issues with my 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500. I have experienced different issues with this vehicle. The turn indicator failure first started around 8000 miles. The door ajar light for the sliding door started around 35000 miles. What I believe is the traction control, has been an ongoing issue unsure of when it started, but is the most common issue. 1) Multiple times, the left turn signal randomly fails, the bulb indicator light turns on. The front left and mirror signal don't work. While the rear one does. Then out of nowhere, it starts to work again. Has happened multiple times. 2) multiple times right side sliding door sensor fails. Can be up to 2 hours after driving, the door ajar symbol comes on. Making the user interface unusable. Stop the van, open and close the door, it clears it. Then shortly later, the door ajar indicator comes on. And with the door ajar light illuminated, it does not allow the doors to be locked. 3) the traction control (i believe), on one side or the other, will grab, making a grinding noise, slow the vehicle down slightly and pull it slightly in that direction. It happens on any surface type, dry, wet, or icy. And happens at highway speeds, 50-80 mph. I've notice it happen a quite a few times when passing another vehicle. Which ever side the vehicle is on that you are passing, that side will grind (activate)
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
Factory-installed Onan generator repeatedly throws fault codes causing complete air conditioning system shutdown. Defect present since early ownership. Three failed repair attempts at authorized Thor Motor Coach dealer La Mesa RV. Generator has never reliably held a load. Creates dangerous condition in extreme heat. Thor Motor Coach has refused to honor warranty.
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
I finally found a place to report issues with my 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500. I have experienced different issues with this vehicle. The turn indicator failure first started around 8000 miles. The door ajar light for the sliding door started around 35000 miles. What I believe is the traction control, has been an ongoing issue unsure of when it started, but is the most common issue. 1) Multiple times, the left turn signal randomly fails, the bulb indicator light turns on. The front left and mirror signal don't work. While the rear one does. Then out of nowhere, it starts to work again. Has happened multiple times. 2) multiple times right side sliding door sensor fails. Can be up to 2 hours after driving, the door ajar symbol comes on. Making the user interface unusable. Stop the van, open and close the door, it clears it. Then shortly later, the door ajar indicator comes on. And with the door ajar light illuminated, it does not allow the doors to be locked. 3) the traction control (i believe), on one side or the other, will grab, making a grinding noise, slow the vehicle down slightly and pull it slightly in that direction. It happens on any surface type, dry, wet, or icy. And happens at highway speeds, 50-80 mph. I've notice it happen a quite a few times when passing another vehicle. Which ever side the vehicle is on that you are passing, that side will grind (activate)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Factory-installed Onan generator repeatedly throws fault codes causing complete air conditioning system shutdown. Defect present since early ownership. Three failed repair attempts at authorized Thor Motor Coach dealer La Mesa RV. Generator has never reliably held a load. Creates dangerous condition in extreme heat. Thor Motor Coach has refused to honor warranty.
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 .