Home · 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 · Complaints

What 104 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ram Promaster 3500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (104)Crash / fire / injury (4)Backup camera & sensors (23)Electrical system (19)Lane Departure (14)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Brakes (7)Engine & cooling (7)Wheels (7)Seat belts (6)Engine (5)Equipment (5)

19 of 104 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters

May 26, 2026Fuel System, OtherEquipmentElectrical system

I had NHTSA recall for this generator done (23E-030) which was to solve the same problem I just had. Apparently, they just moved to a smaller diameter fuel line to fit the fuel pump better. However, this hose also came off my Cummins generator fuel pump and was spewing gas all over the generator and the ground when we ran it. This is a very unsafe condition and I'm surprised, after the recall was performed by a certified Cummins dealer (verified by Cummins) that this "new" fuel line has also come off the fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI 11740172

Apr 12, 2026Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

My 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 has two open safety recalls with no remedy available: NHTSA Recall 25V-552 (rearview camera FMVSS 111 compliance issue) issued August 26, 2025 NHTSA Recall 25V-720 (cooling fan fire risk) issued October 23, 2025 As of April 2026, no remedy has been provided for either recall. The vehicle is used commercially for rental income, and the lack of a repair has caused financial loss of approximately $500–$1,000 per month. One of the recalls involves a potential vehicle fire risk. The prolonged delay without a remedy is concerning for both safety and financial reasons.

NHTSA ODI 11730629

Jan 27, 2026Electrical systemSeat beltsEngine

The 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 I purchased from a dealer on 12/6/25 now has a serious safety defect. The transmission began grinding when shifting into Drive on 1/27/26. Immediately after, the vehicle started rolling backwards while fully in Park with the engine running. This indicates a failure of the parking pawl or internal gearset. The backup camera also does not function, there are coolant and power steering leaks, and the axle/wheel bearing is failing. The dealer claimed the van passed a “120-point inspection,” but it is clearly unsafe and unfit for operation. This defect poses a risk of rollaway injury, crash, and property damage.

NHTSA ODI 11713763

Jan 20, 2026Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

The rearview camera intermittently fails when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The image flickers, becomes distorted, upside down, or goes completely blank. This is a known issue covered under Recall #59C, but the dealer stated there is currently no available remedy. The failure makes backing up unsafe and unpredictable.

NHTSA ODI 11712029

Jan 6, 2026SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of steering control during normal driving on a public roadway. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and the vehicle became immobilized, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. The vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership, where inspection confirmed a broken serpentine belt, abnormal alternator noise, and metal contamination throughout the entire power steering system. The dealer advised that the entire power steering system requires replacement. The presence of metal debris in a critical steering system indicates a pre-existing mechanical defect that could not reasonably develop within 27 days of normal use. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. At the time of sale, the vehicle was also subject to unresolved safety recall(s). The selling dealer refuses to rescind the sale or provide a refund.

NHTSA ODI 11709170

Jan 5, 2026Electrical system

This is in regards to cooling fan overheating and causing fire. My closest dealer scheduled me for the recall knowing why I was coming in. When I arrived they told me it was a lengthy repair but confirmed it would be done by the end of day. I changed my plans around this and when end of day came they said the did not have the parts on hand to complete the recall and needed to order them but confirmed the vehicle indeed needed the recall parts. why would they schedule the service, check on the timeline, and then figure out they didn't have the parts? I was down a work truck, work day, transport cost to and from dealer, added an oil change because I would be there only to be let down like this. I have heard nothing from the dealer as a follow up on getting this resolved

NHTSA ODI 11708856

Dec 23, 2025SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a complete loss of steering control, rendering it undrivable and forcing it to stop on the side of a public roadway. This created a significant risk to my personal safety and to public safety. On the same day, the vehicle was towed to an authorized RAM dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed that the serpentine belt had broken, there was abnormal noise from the alternator, and the entire power steering system was internally contaminated with metal shavings, requiring complete replacement of the power steering system. The selling dealer has refused to accept rescission of the sale and has also refused to cover the necessary repair costs. The vehicle was unlawfully sold to me while it was subject to an unresolved safety recall, demonstrating a serious disregard for my safety and the safety of others.

NHTSA ODI 11706836

Nov 18, 2025Body & structureBackup camera & sensorsElectrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that the screen display was black and the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. Additionally, the speedometer was blinking and causing a distraction. The radio and hands-free calling were inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Structure). The contact called an unknown local dealer and was referred to a Dodge dealer for assistance. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 14,272.

NHTSA ODI 11700023

Jul 12, 2025Electrical system

The back up camera in the screen is upside down.

NHTSA ODI 11673078

Jun 4, 2025Electrical system

ABS ESC lights came on and near crash most likely due to loose ground wire. From unrepaired recall 24V-290 (43b)

NHTSA ODI 11664827

Aug 28, 2024Electrical systemBody & structure

Solar panel on RV roof detached and was hanging by connector only when flagged by other motorist.

NHTSA ODI 11611330

Jul 28, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemCrash

The driver was driving uphill when his RAM ProMaster suddenly lost power and rolled back down the hill, hitting a tree and stopping. During this time, the driver had absolutely no control over the vehicle, and the brakes didn’t work at all. The driver attempted to steer the vehicle, pumped the brakes, turned the key, and pulled the emergency brake, but nothing worked. Internal and external cameras captured the entire event. Will provide video upon request, cannot upload.

NHTSA ODI 11604983

Jul 2, 2024Electrical system

When we started the engine, the awning deployed and almost injured one of us. We have already supposedly had this problem repaired due to a recall. Obviously it is still a danger to ourselves and others.

NHTSA ODI 11598417

Mar 19, 2024Electrical systemFire

The contact owns a 2022 Jayco Entegra hauled by a 2021 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact initially heard an alarm sound coming from inside the RV. Upon opening the RV door, heavy, white smoke filled the entire RV. The fire department was called to the scene where they discovered the source of the smoke coming from the RV's battery; however, no flames were seen. The fire department was able to extract the battery from the RV and let the battery air out in an open field until the smoke dissipated. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact later received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V160000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle remained in the owner's possession where it had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 10,589.

NHTSA ODI 11578316

Feb 24, 2023Electrical systemLane Departure

blind spot alert disables itself. had vehicle back to dodge dealer three times . dealer resets but blind spot disables itself ,sometime it is ok for days sometimes only hours very random.very dangerous, and unreliable almost had accident .

NHTSA ODI 11508911

Aug 30, 2022Electrical systemLane Departure

The Blind Spot Monitor turns itself off spontaneously. Complained to dealer for 18 months but they were unable to replicate. I finally realized I could lock in the "fault" if the headlights were left ON. Mechanic was able to determine the vehicle thought there was a trailer attached which disconnects the monitor intentionally. Cause could not be determined but a lighting module was replaced as it was their best guess. It has not reoccurred since and may have been resolved but I am reporting this as many owners of '21 Promasters have reported the same issue on a model specific forum.

NHTSA ODI 11482075

Aug 3, 2022Electrical systemLane Departure

Blind Spot Warning disables many times over an hour. Most obvious seemed to be related to braking.

NHTSA ODI 11477440

May 15, 2022Electrical systemLane Departure

The blind spot detection system randomly turns itself off. The problem is the van is quite large with lots of blind spots, and you think the system is working because you have it turned on and it turns off by itself. Chrystler is not concerned with the problem, nor do they have a fix for it. This a safety concern that needs an immediate fix. The potential for loss of life is extremely high with this defect.

NHTSA ODI 11464719

Aug 6, 2021Electrical system

August 6, 2021 NHTSA Safety Issue ID: 21V3960000 As a first-time purchaser of an RV, what I had hoped would be an answer to some of my life’s difficulties has turned out to be a nightmare. I walked into nothing less than a predatory vehicle purchasing experience with General RV in Ashland VA and the worst customer care experience ever from Thor Motor Coach, based in Elkhart, IN. Currently, I am stuck with a brand new 2022 Thor Scope Class B RV that has been sitting in my driveway since the day I purchased it on June 29th, 2021. Between July 1st and July 7th 2021, I have spoken with Thor Motor Coach customer care many times. On July 15th, I wrote a letter to Thor and delivered it by email per a rep's suggestion. 1.There’s a Safety Recall on Thor Motor Coach Scope 18M I learned through the Thor Motor Coach owner’s blog that there is a safety recall on some of the Thor Scope 2022 vehicles. The article dated June 5th 2021 https://www.rvtravel.com states that letters would go out to owners about the safety recall by July 26th 2021. I contacted Thor Motor Coach and spoke to a customer care rep, who verified on July 12, 2021, that there is a safety recall on the VIN associated with the vehicle I purchased, specifically that the Flex 190 solar panel junction box may overheat due to an electrical short and cause a fire and potential injury. Thor Motor Coach customer care recommended that I not drive the vehicle due to the safety recall, so in addition to the low clearance generator/batteries, and bottoming out issue that I've reported to NHTSA, the vehicle is not in safe driving condition and therefore remains in my driveway. To date, I have not received any written notification about the problem nor potential unsafe condition of the vehicle although NHTSA has posted notices under the Safety Issue ID number 21V3960000, but not the VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11428036

Working with the data? Download all 104 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 verdict →