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

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where there were no codes retrieved; however, the contact was informed that the failure was related to the power control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Scottsdale (3800 89th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480)424-3559) and Tempe Chrysler Jeep Dodge (7975 S Autoplex Loop, Tempe, AZ 85284, (480)496-4000) however, the mechanics were unable to retrieve fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491368

Propane monitor alarm went off while driving and continued while parked. RV tech found that LPG line leading to Truma Combi water heater/furnace kinked, cracked, and leaking propane gas. Tech disconnected propane and recommended the RV be returned to the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11489501

While driving my winnebago Travato, we heard a sudden loud noise from the passenger side. We immediately stopped the van in the middle of the street, looked out the side and noticed that our awning was hanging off the side of the RV We turned on the hazard lights and went outside. Once outside, we realized the awning had completely broken down, unfurled, and was dragging on the street. One of the arms even broke in half and fell off. There was absolutely no warning whatsoever and we were in shock when it happened, especially since we were in the middle of a busy street and there were many cars around us.

NHTSA ODI 11488713

The lugs become detached from rim and anchor stubs are reaped off for pressure. All lugs on torqued to specification however the issue is the wheel become to wobble and breaks off. This is one of 5 Ram Promasters 2021 - 3500 cargo vans.

NHTSA ODI 11488548

LUG NUTS ARE LOOSE ON RIMS, NO SPECIFIC ONES HOWEVER UPON CHECKING IT IS AT TIMES ONE, TWO OR THREE AT A TIME LOOSE. LUGS ARE TORQUED ACCORDING TO SPECS BUT BOCOME LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. ONCE IT HAPPENS RIM DETACHES FROM HUB AND BREAKS STUBS OFF MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. VEHICLE WOBBLES

NHTSA ODI 11488551

LUG NUT ISSUE ON THIS ONE AS WELL. LUG NUTS FALLLING OFF HUB. DETACHES THE RIM OR HUB AND VEHICLE MAKING IT WOBBLE.

NHTSA ODI 11488552

LUG NUT LOOSE ON HUB AND RIMS. LUG FALL RIGHT OFF WHILE DRIVING PUTTING STRAIN ON OTHERS AND RIM BECOMES DETACHED FROM HUB, STUB BREAK OFF AND VEHICLE BEGINS TO WOBBLE.

NHTSA ODI 11488554

The driver side lugs keep coming off even when torqued correctly. It causes the vehicle to put pressure on the small stems which are breaking off or sheared off due to the heat and pressure. Vehicle wobbles immediately making the vehicel unsafe to drive. Several drivers have reported the issue to us. this is a fleet vehicle. Ram Promaster 3500 - 2021. We have documented invoices with this issues on 4 other Ram Promasters 3500. Please help as this is causing a serious problem with these vehicle going into the community. I can provide all other vins and invocies.

NHTSA ODI 11487635

Blind spot warning randomly disables itself and has to be enabled again through the control panel.

NHTSA ODI 11485746

Blind spot monitor system was disabled until recently since I purchased the 2022 Jayco Swift January 2022. Went to local Dodge dealer on July 11, 2022 to have them look at the Blind spot monitor and other items, see attached document item #3. I then learned from the Dodge Promaster Forum that many other owners had the same problem with the blind spot monitor would get disabled while driving with Promaster vans going back to 2016 at least. The Dodge technician could not diagnose the problem due to the original radio being replaced by the Jayco RV company, he could not see the signal from the computer to the blind spot sensors see note in item #3 from Rainier Dodge. I took the RV into the dealership that I purchased the RV from Valley RV Supercenter in Kent, WA on August 17, 2022. The technician there showed me how to activate the blind spot monitor system through the installed radio, but we were not able to verify it was working in the deal's lot. So it was agreed that I would verify that it was working on the drive home. Got on the road and it was working great, but while driving south on I-5 I hit some traffic and while driving in traffic I witnessed the system turning itself off in heavy traffic when it was most important to have it on. It made making lane changes in traffic more difficult and more dangerous. Could not turn on the system again while the vehicle was moving. I believe that repeated hitting the brakes turned the system off. I had to pull off the interstate and stop to turn on the blind spot monitor again. When I called the dealership and explained what had happened they told me I had to take it back to the Dodge dealership for them to look at it again.

NHTSA ODI 11481911

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

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

NHTSA ODI 11477440

We took the van on a trip out West in May 2022. During that time the Blind Spot Monitoring System would randomly shut off during our travels. It was random. Would happen a few time one day and none the next day. There were no warnings but the system alarm would ring when blind spot was disabled. I just had neck surgery and relied on the system during heavy traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11474948

Blind Spot System constantly disables while driving under varied circumstances.

NHTSA ODI 11468203

Most times when going down long grade over 6 + percent a dash warning comes on about service brake system. Once we get to flat area and turn ignition off the message goes away. We haven't had an issue braking. We are on Facebook group with other promaster 3500 and over 80 other similar vehicle owners stated this happens to them. Everyone says it's a "known problem" and not an issue and just ignore. We are worried what happens if it really is a problem. It happens every time we do mountain driving. I'd say over 10 times this year.

NHTSA ODI 11466828

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

The vehicle that I have is the very short wheelbase of the Ram Promaster, the 118” one which is shorter than anything that Ford Transit of Sprinter has. The issue is that the steering is horribly sensitive, meaning that if you move the steering wheel even a tiny bit the vehicle moves a lot. It is similar to the old days of those short wheelbase Jeeps and you hear of people complaining in about steering themselves off the road. I also own a short vehicle being a Volvo XC60 but that is fine compared to this. The safety issue here, is that if a driver is not as experienced and takes their eyes off the road even for an instance that any normal reaction to the steering wheel could be deadly. I am older, in my 50’s with a a lot of experience driving and even I am nervous about this, to the point that if I sneezed I would worry about a slight movement pushing me off the road or into oncoming traffic. My question is, is there oversight on standards for a minimum amount of steering per how it affects the vehicle? I have talked with other owners of same vehicle, but they have the longer wheelbase, they have no issues, so it leads me to wonder if Ram uses the same steering on all vans, which would explain the problem, as there needs to be different steering for a very short wheelbase like mine vs a longer wheelbase vehicle. It is so bad that I will not let any of my 3 daughters drive this van. Also, when I first purchased this van new, I did reach out to Ram about this and never heard any reply, this is unacceptable. My plan going forward is to sell this van, as I recently drove a standard length Ford Transit and it drove so much safer than mine!! My hope in this email, is that the Board investigates this for safety issues, I certainly hope that no lives have been lost, and if my email can save anyone somewhere then that is a mission accomplished; And if anyone at Ram know about this and didn’t do anything then they are liable.

NHTSA ODI 11455402

When driving on the expressway at highway speeds in this 2021 Ram 2500, the side mirrors started to vibrate and folded/slammed into the vehicle. Rear and blind spot visibility was eliminated. Fortunately, a passenger could adjust passenger side and driver could adjust driver sidemirror, but they are now damaged and do not properly stay in position. A online Dodge Ram Forum indicates this is a common problem. DANGEROUS!

NHTSA ODI 11447829

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the blind spot monitoring system was not working properly. The system continued to play an audible chime. The system was registering that vehicles were nearby even though there was none. The contact spoke with an unknown local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

NHTSA ODI 11444540

Since brand new, blind spot monitoring system would turn itself off repeatedly after being turned on. I cannot replicate how or why it occurs and it has happened at various highway and lower speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11443981

The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while there were passengers occupying the dinette booth, the seat belts failed to accommodate the passenger. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 1,200. Consumer stated he would like to withdrawal the complaint.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11441581

After van was put in reverse, when put in forward, the left rear caliper seized up and wheel would not turn. Was able to free wheel after putting in forward and reverse a few times. Seized again later that day. Was able to free up again and drive to dealer. Dealer stated rear and front driver-side calipers were not functioning correctly and will need replaced. Currently, van is at dealer awaiting repair. There was no accident. I don't recall any warning lights.

NHTSA ODI 11439264

The Blind Spot Detector is not working. The van can be inspected upon request. This is a large vehicle and blind spot detection is an extremely important safety feature. A Dodge dealer found the following stored codes: U1700-87, c100B29, and c100e29 - I don't know if these are blind spot sensor codes or not. They have indicated they do not know how to fix it. This van is a Ram ProMaster 3500 that Jayco has converted to a class B RV (Jayco Swift T). It has not been inspected by Jayco or any others. The message center in the dash indicates the Blind Spot Detector is Disabled each time the van is started. This has appeared from the time of purchase of the van in early July. It continues to this day.

NHTSA ODI 11435496

RV build from Forest River/Coachmen. Nova model. Inverter settings were incorrect from the factory. This in turn caused too much voltage to go to house battery. House battery was then out gassing hydrogen into the coach. This hydrogen collected inside and was setting off the CO detector.

NHTSA ODI 11431120

THOR cabinet fell off also pulling down microwave. This cabinet contains all the HVAC controls, wifi connectivity, system control panel, and solar control panel. The passenger bench seat with seat belts is across from this cabinet. No one was hurt. The cabinet was hanging by its wires. The dealer came to our house to examine damage. No warning, No visible signs that it was coming apart.

NHTSA ODI 11430637