2018 Ram Promaster Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/18/2026

Gas tank connection from fill tube to gas tank has a bust on plastic gasket. Leaks gas near the muffler. No replacement part, only option is a new $1,300 gas tank that is back ordered probably due to this issue. I have two vehicles of the same year that are doing the same thing.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 03/19/2026

My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. However, the open safety recall remains unresolved, and because no remedy exists yet, the recall cannot be completed. This is my sole work vehicle, and the unresolved recall is preventing lawful completion of the import/registration process in Canada and preventing me from using the vehicle for work. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer and an authorized dealer as an open recall with no available remedy at this time. I am reporting that the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall.

STEERING — Filed 03/16/2026

My power steering locked up and almost caused an accident. The dealer said they are having trouble with this component (corrosion in plug). I have a fleet of trucks, and I just had the same issue with a 2023 model which I also almost lost control of the vehicle. This is a defect or poor design that needs to be recalled before someone get seriously hurt.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 08/20/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was started, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an AAA location and was informed to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-speed radiator cooling fan failed to engage as designed, causing the engine to overheat. Due to the overheating, the engine became warped, causing a coolant leak into the cylinder, and causing escaped gases to enter the cooling system. The contact was informed that the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,584.

TIRES — Filed 10/14/2025

See attached document for complaint.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/31/2025

The rear parking brake pivot point gets stuck in the on position. After some research, this is VERY common on these vans and is going to cause wrecks or deaths. The pivot point where the parking brake connects to the rear parking brake linkage rusts and gets stuck VERY easily. My van only has 60,000 miles on it. There is no sensor in this pivot point, so when you release the parking brake, it seems like it is off—but it is not. No indication no warning.. Tire spun and van drove fine until the breaks failed. 100 miles down the road, my rear calipers were glowing red, which caused my rear parking brake to catastrophically fail, causing the rear tire to seize and almost leading to a wreck. Luckily, I had plenty of water on board to put out the rotor fire.

ENGINE — Filed 07/08/2025

Hello, my 2018 Ram Promaster is exhibiting the same symptoms as recall 44A: metal debris in the transmission, which could possibly impact the parking pawl I believe. I have experienced transmission issues for the past 12 months and the Ram dealer in Carson city has identified the same metal debris as seen in recall 44A for 2019-2021 vehicles. I respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation consider reviewing this complaint and evaluating whether the scope of the recall should be expanded to include my vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation would be helpful.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/06/2025

I was Driving down the highway at 45-50 mph when the truck suddenly the engine started to rev very high approximately 5000-5500 rpm and the truck lost all Drive gears. I immediately put it in neutral and tried again to put it in drive and nothing happened. I immediately pulled over to the shoulder and shut the truck off. I waited and restarted the truck but the truck did not have any movement in any gear. I had to get it Towed to a local shop.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/23/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The contact attempted to remove the key from the ignition; however, the key was stuck for several minutes before the contact was able to remove the key. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition warning harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and found an undisclosed NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/07/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service Hill Holder, Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with codes HAF, DTC, P0740, TCC clutch performance, and metal debris found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/26/2024

THE VEHICLE SHIFTS OUT OF PARK ON ITS OWN , IT HAS ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE AND HIT MY MERCEDES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THE STEVENS CREEK RAM DODGE DEALER IN SAN JOSE TOLD ME , THERE IS A RECALL ON THE COMPUTER CAUSING THE MALFUNTION FOR VEHICLES MFG FROM JULY 2018 TO 2022 , BUT ACCORDING TO MY VIN ITS NOT A RECALL, ONLY THE SHIFT CABLE , VIN [XXX] . HOWEVER MY DATE OF MFG IS JULY 2018 , AND SHOULD TO FALL IN THE RECALL EVENT 44A YES STEVENS CREEK DODGE CHECKED IT , THEY WILL ONLY REPALCE SHIFT CABLE NO WARNING LAMPS COME ON, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS STAYS ON INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 03/15/2024

Vehicle is experiencing misfires code P0300 and P0302. Performed the usual repairs listed: 1. Coil pack, 2. Spark Plug, 3. Injector. Inspected cam, rocker arms and lifters. All checked good. Codes still remain. After further inspection, the exhaust valve is cracked/broken on #2 cylinder. This appears to be an issue as many others are experiencing the same problem. This vehicle only has 86k miles, oil changed at scheduled intervals.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/18/2023

Service lights for ABS, HILL ASSIST, and ESC on frequently emergency brake and ABS failed locking left rear wheel causing tire to explode. repair parts are not readily available van is currently undriveable.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/15/2023

As of approximately around the 15th of April 2023, we realized suddenly that our lithium battery in our 2019 Winnebago Travato was not being replaced with charging from our Volta alternator from driving or from our solar as it has always done. The KISAE DC to DC charger and the Volta system show an error message that they were/are ‘overheated’. Testing of the DC to DC charger shows that it’s receiving far over the correct voltage. Upon diagnostics at a RV dealership they found the alternator is being overcharged. The alternator must be replaced before it can be determined why the alternator is overcharging (since obviously safeguards are meant to be in place to prevent this). We discovered through online research of the NHTSA Recall ID Number 21V793 on Boldt 2021-22 and Travato 2019-22 with Volta Power Systems; Manufacturer; Winnebago Industries, Inc. Subject; Wire Harness Built Incorrectly; loss of over-current protection can cause the wires to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. There was also another subsequent recall for Winnebago Travato 2021, Winnebago Boldt 2021, and Storyteller Overland Vans 2021 of the seemingly same exact issue again, “In the case that power connections are not properly seated severe voltage spike by intermittent connections could damage the filtering diode in the the alternator control harness (10001447) resulting in the possibility of a shorted wire, on the same circuit the order of the fuse and diode were reversed. In the case that the diode is broken in a closed condition, the sense wire could be shorted to ground resulting in an overheated wire or broken wire. The identified cause of the diode failure was excessive overvoltage spikes. When the diode failed, it failed closed and with the diode and fuse being reversed the wire continued to heat up instead of breaking the fuse. With evidence from our van I believe in a strong probability the scope of the recall should be widened to include more units, such as ours. We are proof

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 10/15/2020

Driver's side exterior mirror design flaw/failure. Safety of self and others at risk due to lack of visibility in checking for clear rear and lateral traffic. Mirror shakes uncontrollably and or is unable to be adjusted for proper viewing of rear and lateral traffic. Many warranty claims have been submitted through dealerships as well as various online complaints having been issued. No in-dash warning lamps or messages would appear for this type issue. This issue appears to be affecting driver's side mirror only and not passenger side. Symptoms of driver's side mirror failure do exist in various stages prior to overall failure. Considerable mirror shake and inability to keep mirror adjusted due to such shake. Problem has been ongoing with some reports having detailed up to 3 changes of driver's side mirrors by dealership for single vehicle.

TIRES — Filed 10/30/2022

LT225/75R16 We started experiencing very noticeable vibrations when driving at highway speeds. We brought the van to our dealer for service and they responded "Please replace at least both rear tires. Right rear seems to have ruptured internally?" "Please replace that right rear tire asap." We had the tire removed and you can see the attached photo of the inside of the tire where something has obviously failed. These tires only had about 17,000 miles of use. I still have the bad tire.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 12/22/2022

-Vehicle shut off on highway, lost power steering Vehicle fan sounds like it's running full speed after turning off engine. Turning key off and pulling out did not shut off engine. Engine appeared to be overheating. Electric system was making lots of clicks and odd noises. Power steering pump went out in intersection. Police helped push van out of traffic.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/22/2022

During some cases of downhill driving, the Brake system warning light will come on. I believe this issue is tied to a combination of longer and steeper downhill drives when the angle indicated in road side sinage is no less than 6%. Minimal braking ton control the decent is used. Each time this occurs, I take the nearest off ramp to pull over to a stop and turn off the engine. My visual and hand-test of each wheel/tire temperature finds in my opinion, the temps to be quite nominal. On the last trip, a digital laser thermometer also indicated a good balance across the four wheels/tires, with no issues to be concerned with. Under the hood, the Master cylinder, ABS controller, Power Brake unit, brake fluid vessel and brake lines were all cool to the touch. Brake fluid in the vessel is clear and full. Each time the engine is restarted, the warning light is off and the drive can be continued with no further incident unless a similar long and relatively steep downhill is encountered. Time of day and outside temperature seem to not matter. Safety is compromised when I cannot trust that the warning light is, or is not indicating a real problem Reference RAM PROMASTER 3500, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 03/03/2022

Vehicle Electronic throttle control had a malfunction and system went into limp mode on a highway at highway speeds of 70mph. The engine destroyed itself instead of limping. Lost power and almost got hit by a semi truck and other vehicles when this happened. Ended up getting a used engine due to current remanufacture costs etc. Total cost out of pocket because the dealership lied about my warranty and what was covered and for how long was around $7,000 parts lanor etc. Limp mode is dangerous and the way it happened on a highway could have gotten me or others seriously hurt or killed. Also now there is an electrical error code P0482 which is electronic coller fan issue other rams are having. All vehices in this series that have the recalled fan should be included the 2018 has issues but no recalls but has the same components of other recalls.. doesn't make sense.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/05/2022

The 2018 Ram Promaster 1500 appears to have a manufacture defect with the Engine Coolant Reservoir bottle. Based on my research and due to the lack of national shortage of the OEM coolant reservoir replacement (even after market are out of stock), the reservoir has a soft spot on the tank which allows coolant to leak. The leak appears to be in the same location/spot with my leak in conjunction with others who are experiencing this issue.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/13/2021

Rear emergency brake locked up only on the passenger side, causing the brakes to be ripped off the shoes and destroying the springs and hardware. This also caused the wheel bearing to lock up and it was destroyed as well. I could no longer spin the wheel freely.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/27/2021

My Ram Promaster van is NOT covered under the existing cooling fan recall but has the exact same problem! The dealership has seen the vehicle three times while it was under warranty and did not report that the drivers side cooling fan was not working! Now they tell me that the warranty has expired due to time. I took it to an independent shop for repairs. The cooling fans are made by Mahle in Spain. Part number LB498001 manufactured 2/2/2018 10:20 No. 0010481 Part number LB480002 manufactured 6/2/2018 16:48 No. 0010773. The independent shop told me that the fan was drawing too much voltage and melted the resistor. This is the same issue as the recall. How is it that my vehicle is excluded? In my opinion this recall needs to be expanded! https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V818-3007.PDF https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCRIT-19V818-5515.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCRIT-19V818-4026.pdf

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/24/2019

OUR 2018 PROMASTER VAN WAS IDLING IN OUR DRIVEWAY IN PARK, NO EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AS I RAN ACROSS THE FRONT OF IT TO GRAB A SHIRT/PANTS FOR THE CLEANERS. IT WAS HOT AND WANTED THE VAN TO COOL OFF IN AUGUST IN EL DORADO HILLS, CA. THE VAN WHICH WAS POINTING DOWNHILL TOWARDS OUR BACKYARD AND I WAS IN THE HOUSE AND BACK OUT IN 30 SECONDS AND THE VAN MOVED ON ITSELF DOWN THE HILL, THROUGH THE BACKYARD INTO MY NEIGHBORS PROPERTY INTO A OAK TREE. WHEN I GOT DOWN WITH MY NEIGHBOR, A RETIRED POLICEMEN, VERIFIED IT WAS STILL IN PARK. THIS WAS A TOTAL LOSS FOR US AND NEED DODGE TO RESPOND ON HELPING US RECOVER OUR LOSSES.

SEATS,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 07/07/2018

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT FOR THIS VAN. THERE ARE TWO VISIBILITY PROBLEMS THAT MAKE THIS TRUCK UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAYS. FIRST, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO GIVE A FULL VIEW OF THE ROAD. IT IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO SEE OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS. ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES HAD AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 7, 2018 DUE TO THIS VISIBILITY PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD THE DRIVER MUST ASSUME A BENT OVER POSITION WHICH MAKES IS DIFFICULT TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THE POSITION ALSO CAUSES BACKACHES AND EXTREME DRIVER FATIGUE. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME TO JUST ADJUST THE SEAT LOWER. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT ON MY MODEL. SECOND, THE VISIBILITY OUT THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS SEVERELY OBSTRUCTED BY A THICK DOOR PANEL AND IMPROPERLY DESIGNED REVIEW MIRROR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VAN SHOULD BE RECALLED FROM U.S. ROADWAYS. IT IS SO BAD THAT I AM SELLING MINE AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF TAKING POSSESSION OF IT. I WISH THAT I HAD NOT WASTED MY MONEY ON THIS HAZARDOUS PRODUCT. EVEN THOUGH ITS TOO LATE TO HELP ME, PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO PROTECT OTHER OWNERS AND THE PERSONS THEY MAY INJURE.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 09/01/2018

THE WINDSHIELD DESIGN PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO LOW TO ALLOW THE DRIVER TO SEE OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS. DODGE HAS TOLD ME TO LOWER THE SEAT TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY, BUT ON MY MODEL THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT. IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE THIS ADJUSTMENT ON OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT MINE.