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
- Steering3931.7%
- Electrical2520.3%
- Engine2520.3%
- Driver assistance118.9%
- Fuel system108.1%
- Powertrain (other)43.3%
- Brakes43.3%
- Visibility10.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Body & structure10.8%
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
RAM is or was (I hope someone checks) still selling the part with the defective recalled steering assembly for the issue with the corroded wiring harness. My van has been sitting in the shop for nearly a month disabled due to their entire steering system failing from this recalled issue, on top of the two week wait it was disabled waiting for the mechanic to fit it in their schedule. A little over two weeks ago from this day, October 17th, the mechanic ordered that part which makes no sense since the recall occurred at the end of last month yet the company the mechanic was buying from was still selling the part. Once the mechanic shop retrieved the part it was only then when I was told that they were not going to put the part on, for 2600 dollars total in repair, rather they would give me the van back still disabled to wait for the recall repair. Now the van sits for an undetermined length of time until Ram gets around to issuing a recall letter then yet more time when the corrected part becomes readily available on top of the wait for the RAM dealer nearby to have the time get my van in to be worked on which could be two to three weeks wait to get it in their shop. A likely third of an entire year or more my vehicle is disabled waiting for repairs! What's more is two sellers, one could suppose, were able to clean the wiring harness to mask the problem just long enough for the buyer (the dealership I bought the van from used) to buy it then for that dealership, one could suppose, to clean the harness again to mask the issue just long enough for me to buy it used, a dangerous vehicle, and get the van back to my town before becoming disabled. Meaning the dealership sold me a van that had an active investigation of a malfunction that could have had me crash on the way home and they don't have to mention that to the potential buyer?? That's outrageous! Obviously it should be mandatory for a dealership to tell you that information before the sale, not optional.
Power steering became inoperable requiring force to steer, with pulsing resistance against the direction being turned. Wasn't a large safety concern, as I was trying to maneuver in a parking lot. Happened suddenly.Lights showed power assistant needs serviced. Had it taken to a dealer where it was determined that water intrusion was the cause. Quoted at $6,500. Can't afford that. Had it taken home
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power steering became inoperable requiring force to steer, with pulsing resistance against the direction being turned. Wasn't a large safety concern, as I was trying to maneuver in a parking lot. Happened suddenly.Lights showed power assistant needs serviced. Had it taken to a dealer where it was determined that water intrusion was the cause. Quoted at $6,500. Can't afford that. Had it taken home
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water intrusion into the electric power steering rack/harness causing failure. The steering wheel was shaking violently and rendering the vehicle completely undrivable. Once the vehicle dried out, the symptoms went away.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel tank leaking (dripping) gasoline at tank and filler neck
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle there was a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
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
This vehicle was a rental RV from Roadsurfer in [XXX]. Electronic issues caused a fault in the ABS brake system that eventually damage the front axle assembly, which was replaced during our vacation. The electronic issue was not addressed so the ABS brake problem continued throughout the trip, causing major safety issues as the brakes kept trying to set while driving at highway speeds. After the repair was completed, we went to an auto repair store to see if we could see codes that were being thrown, and there were multiple codes already present for this issue when we rented the RV. We also discovered an airbag sensor signal that had not been addressed. we then went to a dealer for this model Van and got an additional list of airbag and driver seat sensors that had active codes. The ABS brakes continued to have issues up to every 20 minutes during the entire six day vacation. The rental company was called multiple times and a claim was filed. These issues began with an 80 miles of picking up the RV on XXX and continued until we returned it on XXX. I inquired multiple times throughout the trip if we could return it have a new Van brought to us exchange it, and no options were given. Even issues that are noted in the rental contract are not addressed as repairs are not being done as documented through conversations on social media. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear backup camera fails intermittently when shifting into reverse. Failure is a blue screen on the driver display. Seems the same problem is currently under recall for other Ram models.
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.
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.
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 .