NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical circuit that controls the radiator fan can overheat, potentially causing the fan to malfunction or fail.
This page covers 12 recalls and 37 owner complaints for the 2018 Ram Promaster.
Complaints about the 2018 Ram ProMaster cluster most heavily around the engine and drivetrain. On the engine side, owners report smoke from the exhaust, high-revving behavior, and general cooling-related concerns. Powertrain complaints describe sudden loss of drive gears at highway speeds, with the transmission failing to re-engage even after cycling through gears, owners report having to pull over and shut the vehicle down. A handful of visibility and wiper complaints round out the volume. Outside the top systems, a recurring mechanical issue involves the rear parking brake linkage corroding and sticking in the applied position, which owners say happens at relatively low mileage. One isolated report describes power steering locking up, with a dealer attributing it to corrosion in an electrical connector.
37
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
By System
The 2018 RAM ProMaster has 12 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks tied to the radiator cooling fan circuit, where overheating wiring or a seized fan motor can ignite a fire under the hood.
A separate electrical concern involves underhood wiring that can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. On the drivetrain side, the transmission shifter cable on 3.6L engine models can detach from the transmission, leaving the gear indicator out of sync with the actual gear and potentially allowing unintended vehicle movement. Several recalls involve front door impact sensors where the fastener or rivet can crack the sensor housing, preventing side airbags from deploying correctly in a side collision. Three recalls cover modified vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats, where the seat back cushion can fail to lock in place when the seat is in use, leaving an occupant unsupported in a crash or hard stop. There is also a recall for certain ProMaster-based vehicles fitted with an aftermarket backup camera monitor that can display a mirrored image, causing a driver to steer the wrong direction while reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical circuit that controls the radiator fan can overheat, potentially causing the fan to malfunction or fail.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cooling fan module and fuse, and provide updated manual documentation and labeling for the power distribution center.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radiator cooling fan's wiring may lack proper protection, and the fan bearing can fail. This combination allows wiring to overheat and melt before the fuse can shut off power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cooling fan module and fuse, install a warning label on the power distribution center, and add information to your owner's manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shifter cable can separate and disconnect from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting gears as the driver intends and causing the gear lever position to not match the actual transmission gear.
What the fix does
Ram dealers will repair the transmission shifter cable connection at no cost. Contact Prime-Time customer service at 1-574-293-9191 for service scheduling.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shifter cable can separate and disconnect from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting gears as intended and causing the gear shift lever position to not match the actual transmission gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission shift cable at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cooling fan can seize, causing the fan motor to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera monitor may reset to factory settings, causing the camera image to display in reverse.
What the fix does
The monitor will be corrected to display the backup camera image properly. The fix is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The back seat cushion on Freedman Go-ES foldaway seats may not stay locked in place when rotated from stowed to upright position, especially during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Freedman will repair the foldaway seats at no cost. Contact Freedman at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat cushion may not lock securely when rotated upright, potentially shifting during crashes or sudden stops.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat back cushion may not lock securely when rotated to the upright position, risking dislodgement during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Freedman dealers inspected and repaired the foldaway seats at no charge to restore secure locking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail, causing the engine to stall or not start.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners holding the front door impact pressure sensors may crack the sensor housing. A cracked sensor could prevent side airbags from deploying properly in a crash, increasing injury risk for front seat occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front door impact pressure sensors and install the correct fasteners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front door impact sensor may be attached with an incorrect rivet, causing the sensor housing to crack.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front door impact sensors and secure them with correct rivets at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
