What 104 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ram Promaster (passenger Double Seat)

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

NHTSA ODI 11611330

I had to replace my backup camera as it was faulty and the newer models had a recall. My blind spot monitoring system cuts off randomly going down the road. We have paid out of pocket for a new camera and the dealership can't figure out why the blind spot indicator cuts off.

NHTSA ODI 11605890

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

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

There were two recalls for the Carefree Awning unexpectedly deploying on Winnebago Travato camper vans. I recently went in for the 2nd recall and after completing it, the awning failed when the shop was testing it after completing the recall. Recall letter arrived on April 8th and called my dealer (McLain’s in Denton) on April 9th, and they ordered parts. They texted on June 13th to say the parts had arrived. I called and scheduled the first slot. I arrived on Jun 24th at 9am. By early afternoon, the lead tech came to visit me and said this recall was very complicated, and it appeared it would not be complete that day. My wife drove the 80+ mile round trip to pick me up that afternoon. On Tuesday (6/25) about mid-day they called and said they were done, but when testing it, the awning shot out at high speed. They said the wedge had been installed, which was supposed to prevent this issue, so I don’t understand how it failed. They said there were ordering a new motor. I sent emails to both Winnebago and Carefree to alert them to this failure and ask that they investigate how this recall did not solve the issue of awning deployment from a broken gear. Winnebago responded, "We would recommend McClain's review this issue with our tech support. If the awning recall is done properly, this should not happen. The recall remedy has been thoroughly tested and approved by NHTSA.” I replied to them and ask them to reach out to McClain’s and do a thorough investigation. On Wednesday (6/26), I checked with McLain’s, and they said they were still waiting for Winnebago to approve the replacement motor. Friday (6/28). I got a text at 9am saying the part arrived. Carefree did respond and said they would need a photo of the wedge installation to make sure it was done correctly. Winn and Carefree should be taking this more seriously and investigating. They completed it and I picked it up on Sat (6/29). It is working, but I have no confidence they fixed the root issue.

NHTSA ODI 11598424

The blind spot monitoring function frequently disables while driving this vehicle. This occurs more often during warmer weather and in my case only seems to happen when the brakes are applied. For a few minutes after each "blind spot disabled" warning, you cannot reset the blind spot alert function through the touchscreen system. This is a safety issue because you often don't notice that the blind spot alert is disabled and expect to see or hear the blind spot warning when driving if an approaching vehicle is in your blind spot. This issue seems to primarily affect 2021 Ram Promaster vans. There are many posts in the ram promaster online forum about it @ [XXX] . My dealer connected my promaster to their computer just after the disable warning and there was no indication that it had happened--even though you could visually see that the blind spot monitor was off in the vehicle touchscreen monitor. They kept the vehicle for an afternoon and could not determine what was causing this malfunction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11595272

The Transmission in these vehicles have been known to fail. This is just one of 38 in our fleet. Currently there are 8 of these vehicles at dealerships with transmission problem. We also have 4 more now that have to wait for dealerships to have room for them. Between the 2 dealerships within 6 miles of our business headquarters, they currently have almost 70 ProMasters with transmission problems and can only fix one at a time due to lack of parts. Some wont shift out of first, some wont shift into drive at all, and only work in reverse. The danger comes from not being able to shift while on busy roadways. leaving drivers stranded sometimes many miles from our fleet people that can help them get back to headquarters. If this is not the proper agency to report this to, then may we kindly request being pointed in the proper direction

NHTSA ODI 11583142

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the back-over prevention camera failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the failure was stated as a manufacturer’s defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ODI 11582139

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

Every time the vehicle is driven downhill for an extended period, such as over a mountain pass, the brake system light comes on and can only be turned off by stopping the vehicle and turning the car off. This has happened every time I go over a mountain pass for the last 1-1/2 years. I have reported this to the Ram dealer and have been told that this is a known issue on Ram Promasters and that there is no resolution by multiple technicians. It is disconcerting every time it comes on, but I worry that when I really have a brake issue I will not know it since the brake light comes on all the time already.

NHTSA ODI 11564652

Sir/ma'am GM. The issue with the PROMASTER is water getting into the engine bay. It appears that gaps appear in between the windshield and the cowling. Researched multiple social media posts and this is a growing issue with the PROMASTER. Water flows through the center of the cowling and accumulates on the engine and other electrical components within the engine bay. This creates a safety hazard while not while driving but also while parked.

NHTSA ODI 11558193

Back brakes are locked up. Identical issue on the same 2021 promaster 2500 we have. I'll submit a seperate request

NHTSA ODI 11537346

The back brakes are locked up. The identical issue on the same 2021 promaster 3500 we have. I'll submit a separate request

NHTSA ODI 11537348

Seat belt doesn’t retract or extent when in use or not in use. When you break, it lets loose and when you are driving it locked down.

NHTSA ODI 11529834

Prior to receiving recall notice via email I noticed that the van didn’t fully engage being in “park” some of the time. I had to stop it from rolling.

NHTSA ODI 11524678

Solar panels blew off. Faulty bracket hardware

NHTSA ODI 11524558

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 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 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11524009

The contact owns a 2022 Winnebago Solis built on a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500 chassis. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V049000 (Equipment) 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. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the issue and was advised to have the technician call to order the parts. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11517600

The contact owns a 2022 Thor Scope RV constructed on a 2021 Ram 1500 chassis. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side seat belt was inoperable due to the length of the seat belt. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belt was installed as designed. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the seat belt was installed as designed. The failure mileage was approximately 3,072. The consumer stated the authorization to address has been declined multiple times.

NHTSA ODI 11511734

While driving Highway 95 in Bullhead City, AZ the awning deployed. I heard a very large noise and the BMPro making a noise as if the awning button was being pressed. I was in the middle lane of the 3 lane hwy and immediately pulled over to the right. My friend removed it on scene and put it in the van. 1. 12 Jan drove it to California. Turned in my van and awning to [XXX], Santa Fe Springs, CA on 13 January. I haven’t heard from the dealership but have a lot of email correspondence from the manufacturer, Thor. I don’t know what they did with the part. Mileage was 7,740 miles. I opened the awning once at my house right after I bought it. It’s never been opened since. 2. I could have been injured or died if it would have hit something or someone else and I would have been traveling at a higher rate of speed. Others driving could have been injured or died and at the very least a great deal of property damage. 3. I have no idea what Mike Thompson Dealership did when I dropped it off. My service advisor said they were going to have the local Thor Rep look at it to determine if it was under warranty. After service Rep told me this, I contacted Thor and described what happened and the lady said it was absolutely covered under warranty. I have been in email contact with Thor and have all the emails between us but can’t figure out how to get them in this report. 4. I don’t know when and if the local Thor Rep reviewed the damage. Dealership has not communicated with me. 5. Absolutely no warning this would happen. Like I said, as it was happening and when I pulled over, the sound of the awning deploying was coming from the BMPro. As a side note… this incident has given me PTSD feeling like I cannot trust that this will not happen again and that I might not be so lucky next time. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11509096

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

When the vehicle is being driven, if a person is sitting in the rear seat of the RV while wearing the seat belt, any slight bump or uneven pavement causes their body to repeatedly bounce erratically up and down. The RV is sold stating that they have seats in the rear (2 lap belts in sofa) which is why I purchased the vehicle. From my first experience of sitting in this seat, it is not functional and cannot be used when the RV is in transit without compromising someone's safety. This was brought to the attention of the dealer and the warranty company. They went for a test drive and experienced the same situation. At my appointment with the warranty company , they inspected it and confirmed my problem. They said it was not something they were able to fix, nor was it covered under warranty. They did state "test drove...the rear pull out bed does seem bouncy, it unfortunately appears to be the quality of this design" and suggested I call the manufacturer to discuss further. When I called the manufacturer, Thor Motor Coach Inc., the representative was unaware of this problem but thanked me for letting them know and said they would look to fix this problem in future designs. They proceeded to tell me there is nothing they can do for me and denied offering any compensation or adjustments with my vehicle. Therefore, I'm reaching out to you to see if there is anything that can be done to resolve this issue. I worked hard my entire life, finally retired, and bought this RV so I could spend time with my grandchildren and bring them along with me on trips. Now I will not be able to do this because the seat cannot be used safely. I would appreciate your assistance with this matter as I feel this is a safety hazard and would not want to see anyone hurt while sitting in these seats.

NHTSA ODI 11506714

While driving on a straight highway, no wind, no weather, 65 mph, both hands on wheel, the van started revving and lost power. I pulled over with engine still running. There were no codes or warning light. I tried to drive again. It continued to rev and not get up to speed. I pulled over again and shut it down. I waited a few minutes and then started it. When pulling back on freeway it ran normal with no more issues for another 700 miles. I took it in to the Dodge dealer on 1-13-23 to have it checked. They couldn't find anything. I'm reporting this because it was a very scary and dangerous incident. I was lucky to have a place to pull over and not be in heavy traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11502719

This vehicle is a new Thor motorcoach model 18m with onboard propane system. Within the first 2 weeks of ownership i turned on the propane and immediately a rubber propane hose burst at a bend and started leaking propane. I was able to shut off the supply at the tank and get it in for repair where they replaced the hose. On December 3rd we drove the van 9 hours to Disney and parked for check in. upon return from check in I smelled propane and heard hissing under the van again. The fire department was called to the scene and they found the main fitting on the inlet of the tank leaking. It bled about 3/8 of the propane before they secured it enough that I was able to get it home. I took it to the dealer again for repair yesterday and they made a repair. I left the dealer with 1/4 tank of propane. This morning there was a very strong smell of propane again and my tank is empty. I have notified them again and am waiting....... I am unaware of where it is leaking from now, but I have lost all faith in the safety of this propane system and thor motorcoach quality control.

NHTSA ODI 11499663

Blind Spot Detection (BSD) goes off randomly when driving. Not having the BSD on obviously makes the driver more likely to change lanes into another vehicle. In addition, when it goes off an alert sound and text scrolls on the dash, distracting the driver for several second. In addition, it takes the driver's eyes off the road to turn it back on (have to go through several pages to get to the BSD option). There are multiple PromasterForum complaints about this (many people are having this problem) - two solutions have been identified, but RAM has not acknowledged the problem. The shortest form is https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/blind-spot-detection-shutting-down-while-driving.95972/

NHTSA ODI 11495667