2016 Ram Promaster Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
9/100
#11 most-complained of 12 Promaster years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Ram Promaster ranks Best among Promaster years, with a complaint index of 9 and 32 complaints across 14 recalls, ranking 11th worst out of 12 model years. Engine issues make up 47% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,000.
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Ram Promaster problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (47%)
- Electrical System11 (34%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (25%)
- Other7 (22%)
- Brakes3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Steering1 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
What owners report
- Throttle response is unpredictable, with delayed or no response followed by sudden lurching when the vehicle is in motion.
- Owners report the cooling fan module fails, triggering a check engine light and causing the engine to overheat.
- Some vehicles experience a complete loss of power while driving around 35 mph, with no warning before the failure.
- The flywheel has cracked in at least one case at 55,600 miles, producing a rattling noise before failure.
- Transmission shifting has been described as a violent jolt forward, as if the vehicle was struck from behind.
- Several owners report long delays getting recall parts, with some dealers unable to source the module needed for electrical system repairs.
2016 Ram Promaster recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V582000Oct 15, 2020Transmission & Powertrain20 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Paratransit vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Risk: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Prime-Time will notify owners instructing them to take their vehicles to Ram dealers for the necessary repairs, free of charge. Owners may contact Prime-Time customer service at 1-574-293-9191. Prime-Time's number for this recall is W00.
- NHTSA 20V036000Jan 23, 2020Transmission & Powertrain222,207 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Risk: The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ram Trucks at 1-866-726-4636. Chrysler's number for this recall is W00.
- NHTSA 19V818000Nov 15, 2019Other99,128 vehicles
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel or 3.6L gasoline engines and air conditioning (A/C). The engine cooling fan may seize which can cause the cooling fan motor to overheat.
Risk: An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will inform owners, and dealers will replace the engine cooling fan module, free of charge. Interim owner notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 10, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB2.
2016 compared with other Promaster years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ram Promaster reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ram Promaster has a complaint index of 9, the lowest of any Promaster year, and is rated Best among the 12 model years covered.
- What problems does the 2016 Ram Promaster have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the Engine, at 47% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 34% and Transmission & Powertrain at 25%. Median mileage at engine failure is 80,000.
- Does the 2016 Ram Promaster have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 14 recalls tied to the 2016 Ram Promaster, covering areas including transmission shift cables, engine cooling fan modules, and foldaway seats.
- How does the 2016 Ram Promaster compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 9 and 32 complaints, the 2016 model has far fewer reported issues than years like 2021 (index 91) or 2023 (index 100), which are rated Avoid.