YearToAvoid

2021 Ram Promaster City Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

14/100

#7 most-complained of 8 Promaster City years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Ram Promaster City has 5 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls, with a complaint index of 14 — the lowest among the 8 model years with data, earning it a Best verdict relative to other years.

Complaints
5
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
24
21 city / 28 hwy

Top 2021 Ram Promaster City problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine3 (60%)
  2. Electrical System1 (20%)
  3. Other1 (20%)
  4. Seat Belts1 (20%)

What owners report

  • Owners report engine oil leaks at the oil filter due to a mounting surface that isn't flat, letting oil push out.
  • Some owners describe cracked cylinder heads requiring full engine replacement, in cases noted around 80,000 miles.
  • One owner reported delays getting seat belt recall parts after being notified of both an exterior lighting recall and a seat belt recall on the same vehicle.
2021 Ram Promaster City complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2021Dec 2021Apr 2022Dec 2024
6 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Dec 2024; peak Dec 2021 (2).

2021 Ram Promaster City recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V728000Sep 21, 2021Electrical System23,853 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:turn signal

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y71.

  2. NHTSA 21V699000Sep 9, 2021Seat Belts10,372 vehicles

    Seat belts:rear/other:retractor

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram ProMaster City and Ram ProMaster vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853- 1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y61.

  3. NHTSA 21V147000Mar 9, 2021Brakes4 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.

    Risk: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.

    Remedy: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

2021 Ram Promaster City fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other Promaster City years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020152016201720182019202020212022
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019Caution715124
2020No verdict01224
2021Best145324
2022No verdict292024

All Ram Promaster City years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ram Promaster City reliable?
Compared to other Promaster City model years, 2021 ranks best, with a complaint index of 14 and only 5 NHTSA complaints, versus indexes as high as 100 for 2015.
What problems does the 2021 Ram Promaster City have?
NHTSA complaints for 2021 center on the Engine (60% of complaints, including oil leaks and cracked cylinder heads), plus one Electrical System complaint and one Seat Belts complaint.
Does the 2021 Ram Promaster City have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for 2021: an electrical system turn-signal flasher issue (21V728000), a seat belt automatic locking retractor issue (21V699000), and an ABS module issue (21V147000).
How does 2021 compare to other Ram Promaster City years?
The 2021 model year has a complaint index of 14 and ranks 7th worst (meaning near the best) out of the years tracked, well below 2015's index of 100 and 2016's index of 86.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.