What 56 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ram Promaster 1500

I own a 2019 Ram ProMaster. The vehicle previously received the manufacturer recall repair for the transmission park issue (software update). After the recall repair, the vehicle experienced a safety issue where it would roll freely while in “Park,” as if it were in neutral, even though the dashboard indicated “P.” This created a rollaway risk. This happened August 2025 intermittently. Miles on the vehicle 68k. I recently (4/17/2025) serviced the transmission (approximately 73,000 miles) and found significant internal damage evidence. The transmission fluid was heavily contaminated, and I found approximately 11 square metal fragments around 1/4 inch in size inside the transmission pan and filter. This amount and size of metal debris indicates internal transmission failure. The prior rollaway condition combined with internal debris suggests the recall repair did not fully resolve the defect. Although the vehicle is currently engaging Park, the condition was intermittent and may reoccur without warning. This presents an ongoing safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. I am concerned that the recall remedy (software update) is insufficient to address mechanical failure inside the transmission, and that other vehicles may have the same unresolved defect.

NHTSA ODI 11732183

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11724671

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11724673

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. While driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal electrical burning odor coming from the vehicle. The burning odor was also coming from the vehicle when the vehicle was turned off, and the hood was raised. Additionally, the driver's side radiator fan was constantly running, and the passenger's side radiator fan made an abnormally loud sound while running at high speed. There was a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact used an OBD reader and became aware that the engine temperature was approximately 226-degrees. An independent mechanic determined that the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test to determine whether rental assistance would be provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive to the dealer because the dealer was approximately 1 hour away. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11721533

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to shift to 3rd gear. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving on one occasion, which required the driver to pull over and to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop in highway traffic, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 10-12 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled, and the passenger's side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the back window was fractured. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. The police officers were contacted, and the police officers sent a tow truck was sent, but it did not arrive at the scene. No police report was filed. The vehicle was pulled out, and the contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11717194

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11714933

The powertrain transmission failed after a prior warranty replacement. The vehicle began experiencing improper and delayed gear shifting, loss of power, and inability to maintain speed. This condition made the vehicle unsafe to operate, especially in highway traffic, as it could not respond properly to normal driving conditions or surrounding vehicles. The problem was confirmed by a dealership, and all diagnostic procedures and documentation requested by the manufacturer were completed. The vehicle has been out of service for several weeks awaiting another warranty transmission replacement, with no estimated timeline provided. The transmission is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. No crash occurred, but the failure created a serious safety risk due to loss of drivability in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11712183

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11709106

The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. Additionally, this vehicle has 2 open NHTSA safety recalls that were not repaired before the sale, which indicates the dealership delivered the vehicle without completing mandatory safety repairs. This creates a serious safety hazard and could lead to total brake failure while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11698031

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500 Promaster. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the engine only revved. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to shift the vehicle to drive(D) but was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer and was unable to shift into reverse(R)while at the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed. The contact was aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train), but after asking the dealer about the failure, the contact had not gotten a clear answer. The contact was later advised by the dealer that the manufacturer stated that the contact had to pay for the transmission reassembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that confirmation from the dealer that the failure was related to the recall was needed. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695479

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the gear shifter became stuck, with a rattling sound coming from the transmission. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be inspected or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the dealer had cleared the recall, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and reached out, but was unable to speak with the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689899

The subject vehicle, according to the third party administrator for the vehicle's insurance co. had a transmission malfunction. The vehicle is owned by a subcontractor for the purpose of delivery for a seller. The vehicle, according to the TPA, was put in park and the emergency brake was applied, as shown by the interior video camera, and the vehicle went in reverse while the employee was in the back of the van, getting the order ready to deliver. The vehicle travelled in reverse approximately 90 feet down a 40 degree grade, making a left turn into my yard, and slammed into my side porch, making a very loud noise as if there was an explosion. I was sitting approximately 30 feet away in my back yard, and several children were playing in the yard across the road from the accident location. If the vehicle had travelled several more feet down the road and then turned left into my yard, it may have hit the gas meter and caused an explosion, possibly lethal to me, my neighbors, the driver, as well as destroyed my home. This vehicle had been recalled twice previously for problems with the transmission. See "WOO/NHTSA 20V-036" and "61A/NHTSA 23V-301."

NHTSA ODI 11687647

Transmission oil leak on my 2019 Dodge Promaster 3500 van - please see attached: pdf 1 Safety Recall 61A info, pdf 2 for Bud Clary recall work done, pdf 3 for when leak 1st seen at Tacoma Dodge, and pdfs 4&5 for fix at Tacoma Dodge On [XXX], odometer 39,764 mi, Safety Recall 61A done (debris in the transmission may prevent the park pawl from fully engaging, which could cause the vehicle to roll away. ) by Bud Clary Dodge, 2925 Auburn Way N., Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 833-2485 On [XXX], odometer 49,672 miles, at engine oil change, transmission oil leak noted by Tacoma Dodge, 4101 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 475-7300 On [XXX], odometer 51,582 Tacoma Dodge verified transmission oil leak, transmission service done to replace oil and reseal leaking pan. A test drive showed additional leak at upper transmission pan and that was resealed and passed 2nd test drive showing no leaks. I was charged $256.70 for a "transmission service", normally part of scheduled maintenance at 60,000 miles, and not associated with leaks. I believe I should not be charged for this since the leakage was seen after only (about) 10,000 miles after the transmission serviced for the recall. There are known issues with the RTV sealant used leaking if not not installed correctly. I am also concerned if the Safety Recall 61A was implemented properly. Not clear how to verify that. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11682713

The oil pan for the van was damaged due to debris pick up on the road resulting in a hole, which in turn drained the engine oil and jammed the engine preventing from operation. The lack of protection to the oil pan which is exposed, caused the debris to damage the oil pan. Ford Transit vans have a protection under the oil pan which prevents these type of incidents to happen. This vehicle was taken to the repair shop and they want $18527.10 to fix this problem. A small fix of few hundred should have solved the problem, if the manufacturer had the trouble to think through the design phase.

NHTSA ODI 11680539

hello this is a report for you to please recall all these tires this is very unsafe. i had sent emails directly to the factory and never got any response so now im sending this to you. i know its late but anyways here is all attached on a pdf format

NHTSA ODI 11664923

Transmission is slipping and it didn't indicate that there was a shifting problem

NHTSA ODI 11648510

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the center console. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 302,351.

NHTSA ODI 11636162

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11634546

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the RPM’s increased, but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be replicated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 2nd gear and remained stuck in 2nd gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the workplace, and the contact added transmission fluid to the vehicle. The contact resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated upon returning to the workplace, the contact noticed that the transmission fluid had leaked into the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Future Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Concord (2121 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520), where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the transmission warranty because the contact had personally replaced the transmission fluid and filters. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train); and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615651

Owner of 2019 Promaster 1500 Transmission failed at 24K, Took to Hilltop CDJ in Richmond Ca. Transmission, under warranty, replaced. 6 Months later I took back to them, As when I engaged the transmission to drive or reverse, There was a 2 min hesitation before the trans kicked into gear. It was never in park. Hilltop kept for 1 week, stated they could not replicate. I drove it that way for over a year. 6 months ago my transmission would not stay in gear, and in calling Hilltop was told the newer trans was not under warranty. I was advised by Warner Transmission that my issue might be caused by a clogged trans fluid. I did a trans fluid and filter replacement. I had the truck towed to their Concord Ca dealer, who told me I was under warranty, but because changed the trans fluid and filter, I had void the warranty. The recall calls for Trans Replacement. I spoke to a Recall manager regarding the trans and the issues I had right after. They agreed the truck is under recall. When calling dealer with this information, they refused to accept

NHTSA ODI 11614961

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.

NHTSA ODI 11607812

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

NHTSA ODI 11605514

There is a known defect of the windshield cowl and compartment not being water tight. The defective cowl and compartment cause water to leak into the engine bay, which saturates the engine and various components. The defect resulted in the crankshaft position sensor getting wet. The wet sensor caused the engine to stall WHILE DRIVING, which resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11595213

No incidents but dealers have been unable to fix the recall problem.

NHTSA ODI 11588260

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500 Promaster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11588070