Ram Promaster City Best and Worst Years (2015–2022)
Ram Promaster City 2015 and 2016 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86 and 27 and 25 complaints, led by transmission and electrical problems. 2021 is the Best year (complaint index 14), and 2018 is rated Good (index 43).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 8
- 2015–2022
- NHTSA complaints
- 100
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 3
- Top problem area
- Engine
Promaster City Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ram Promaster City problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Avoid | 100 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 86 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 24 | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 57 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2018 | Good | 43 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 71 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 24 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Structure & Body | 24 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 29 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 24 | — |
Promaster City years to avoid: what went wrong
2015 Ram Promaster City Index 100 · 27 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2015 Promaster City has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall. Owners report transmission and powertrain failures, including vehicles that rolled forward unexpectedly while parked, accounting for 56% of that year's complaints at a median mileage of 38,850. Electrical system issues, including battery acid leaking onto the transmission cover and causing fluid loss, made up 44% of complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year, including one for a trailer tow light control module and one for incorrect tire placard information.
2016 Ram Promaster City Index 86 · 25 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2016 model year ranks second worst with a complaint index of 86. Electrical system problems lead at 40% of complaints, including speedometers that would not illuminate, with a median failure mileage of 57,226. Engine complaints follow at 36%, and transmission problems, including vehicles getting stuck in 8th gear, make up 28%. This year carries the same 3 recall campaigns as 2015, covering the trailer tow light module, tire placard, and Kidde fire extinguishers.
Most common Ram Promaster City problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine40 (40%)
- Electrical System36 (36%)
- Transmission & Powertrain25 (25%)
- Other10 (10%)
- Brakes4 (4%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
- Fuel System3 (3%)
- Seat Belts3 (3%)
- Steering3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ram Promaster City should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2015 and 2016 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, the two highest in the lineup.
- What is the best year for the Ram Promaster City?
- 2021 is rated Best with a complaint index of 14, the lowest among all years covered. 2018 is rated Good with a complaint index of 43.
- What problems does the Ram Promaster City have?
- Across all years, engine issues account for 40% of complaints, electrical system issues 36%, and transmission and powertrain issues 25%, out of 100 total complaints.
- Are there recalls on the Ram Promaster City?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns across the 2015-2022 model years, including electrical system, tire placard, and fire extinguisher recalls, with none of them classified as do-not-drive.
- Is the 2015 Ram Promaster City reliable?
- The 2015 model year has the highest complaint index (100) of any Promaster City year, driven mainly by transmission and electrical complaints, and is rated Avoid relative to other years.