2019 Ram ProMaster: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 60
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 2 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Ram ProMaster: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which ProMaster is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Ram ProMaster. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 24 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A ProMaster that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Transmission failure
24,000–65,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Ram ProMaster, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission20No crashes
Transmission failure is the main problem. Reported symptoms include delayed or harsh shifts, a long hesitation before engaging drive or reverse, no reverse at all, getting stuck in 2nd gear at highway speed, grinding or rattling, and losing power until the van can't keep up with traffic. Some owners say the replacement transmission failed too. Many complaints are about an open transmission recall. Parts are on back order, so vans sit at dealers for weeks or months with no repair date. One owner also reports a transmission oil leak.
Engine111 crash
Most of these complaints are about a recall on this system that dealers can't complete because parts are unavailable. Few of these owners report an actual failure. One report describes an electrical burning smell, a radiator fan that never shuts off, a loud fan on the other side, and engine ticking. One crash report involves transmission slipping and repeated stalling. In that case the van stalled going downhill at low speed and struck a tree.
Coolant leaks come back after repeated dealer repairs, sometimes at low mileage. One fleet reports overheating that ended in engine replacements, sometimes with no warning light. Oil leaks at the oil cooler are another pattern, costing over $800 each to fix. The oil pan sits exposed underneath, and road debris can punch through it, drain the oil, and seize the engine. Some owners also report the van accelerating while the brake is pressed, with a hill holder service message.
Electrical5No crashes
Rainwater getting into the engine bay is a recurring complaint, most often blamed on the windshield cowl. It leaves wiring soaked. One owner says a dealer sees the problem often but has no fix. Other reports describe the whole dash going dark, the speedometer quitting, and a brake warning light on steep descents with no loss of braking. On one motorhome conversion, the house battery and charger set off the CO alarm while charging.
Brakes4No crashes
Rear brakes can seize because of an internal parking brake failure, locking the rear wheels and making the van hard to control. One case came at 19,400 miles with no warning beforehand. Some brake pad shims reportedly slide off and cut into the rotor. A separate pattern is the van creeping forward or speeding up at stops with a "Hill Holder" service message. Dealers often can't reproduce it. One owner says dealers could not complete a recall repair.
Airbags31 crash
Reports cover both failure to deploy and unwanted deployment. In one frontal crash at 40 to 50 mph, the air bags did not deploy and the driver was injured. In another case, the front air bags went off after the van hit a bump at about 3,000 miles. One owner describes a passenger air bag warning light and chime that keeps coming back after at least 6 dealer visits.
Steering3No crashes
Water leaking past the windshield cowl can soak the crankshaft position sensor. That can stall the engine while driving and take away power steering and power brakes. Other reports describe a noise and chattering in the steering wheel during sharp turns, on hills and on flat ground. One complaint filed here is really a brake problem: the ABS light came on and the brakes overheated near 82,033 miles, which a shop blamed on poor maintenance.
Body and structure2No crashes
On window vans, the fixed side windows can pull away from the body. Dealers and glass shops have not found a repair, and one owner says the manufacturer refused help under warranty. A loose window could fall into the cabin or onto the road. A separate report describes a spare tire stuck in its carrier at about 20,000 miles. The dealer had to cut the storage area to get the tire out.
Equipment2No crashes
These complaints involve motorhome conversions, not the base van. The motorized Carefree awning can open on its own, sometimes at highway speed. The fabric can tear loose and support bars can break and hit the side of the van. Owners describe broken motor tabs and bent end plates. One owner says their awning was not included in a recall that covered other units.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints ProMaster owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Responded to recall letter - park engagement by making appointment at York Chrysler dealership where I purchased vehicle brand new. Dropped off on 4/11/24 I still do not have vehicle back as of today 7/30/24 with NO ETA waiting on transmission from Fiat Corp of American and the recall has been closed. NOT CLOSED how could be closed when I dropped a perfectly good vehicle at recall appointment and have no vehicle
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Called local dealer to have repair done, they put me on the list because they did not have the parts, said they would call to set up my appointment when it came in. This was almost two years ago and i have not got the call yet. It was Huntington Beach Chrysler,Dodge, Jeep, Ram.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
When it rains water runs into the engine compartment and all of my wiring is dripping water. The service manager told me that they see this problem a lot and that they don't know how to fix it. I have looked online and there are many people complaining about this. Most people think it is the cowl leaking on the bottom of the windshield. I feel like if my wiring gets wet enough that I will have a malfunction.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
On steep road descent, brake warning light came on. No loss of brake function. No incident. Cycling engine off then on clears warning light. Parking brake was off, and brake fluid was completely full. No excessive brake heat or smells. This situation has occurred twice separated by a month's time. Both cases on steep descent. Warning light cause unknown.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2021
Emergency brake internal failure caused brake rotors to seize. Rear wheels lock up causing inability to control vehicle. Vehicle only has 19,400 miles. Dealer will provide photos and parts. No warning lights or messages occurred before the failure. There are many reports on road trek owners forum and promaster ram owners forum of this same problem happening to these vehicles with low mileage. Not covered under warranty.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
These brake pads have a stainless steel shim that is attached in such a way that the shim can slide off the back of the brake pad, and slides down and cuts against the brake rotor, effectively cutting the hub away from the rotor braking surface. Creating a very dangerous braking situation.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2021
How the 2019 compares with other ProMaster years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks second for owner complaints among 9 ProMaster years, about 2.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission202
- Engine113
- Electrical55
- Brakes42
- Airbags30
- Steering33
Where the 2019 fits in the ProMaster's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the seventh model year of the ProMaster's first generation (2013–2022).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2019
- Updated front fascia
- Revised interior materials and features
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V876000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityDec 2025
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
25V720000EngineOct 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2026 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The electrical circuit for the radiator fan may overheat.
Risk: Electrical circuits that overheat increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cooling fan module and fuse. In addition dealers will provide an addendum for the manual and label for the power distribution center. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 11, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Additional owner notification letters were mailed in January and March 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 67C, B3C, and C9C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
25V552000Backup cameraAug 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
23V301000TransmissionApr 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with a 62TE transmission. The park pawl may not fully engage the park gear due to debris inside the transmission.
Risk: A partially engaged park pawl can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace, as necessary, the transmission or components within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 44A.
21V728000Exterior lightsSep 2021
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.
Fix: 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.
20V582000TransmissionOct 2020
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.
Fix: 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.
20V250000Seat beltsMay 2020
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van Builders) is recalling certain vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit and 2019 Ram Promaster vans equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies.".
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
20V222000Seat beltsApr 2020
TransitWorks is recalling certain Driverge vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit vans equipped with Freedman Seating Company (FSC) PT Foldaway and GO-ES 3-point Foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies.".
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.
20V036000TransmissionJan 2020
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.
Fix: 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.
19V333000SeatsApr 2019
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
Also looking at these instead of a ProMaster?
Cars shoppers compare with the Ram ProMaster, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
- 2019 Ram ProMaster60
- Toyota Tundra69
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- Ford F-150972
- Chevrolet Silverado1,043
