Emissions Recall U90 - Catalyst Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 RAM Promaster City engine problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2015 RAM Promaster City, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Emission Recall U90 Catalyst Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ? Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ? Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Ram ProMaster City engine complaints center on three main problem clusters: emissions and power loss, cooling fan failures, and oil-related issues.
Owners consistently report LIMP mode activation, where the vehicle limits power to 5 MPH or less, often triggered by DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) warnings or EGR cooler faults. These failures occur across different mileage ranges—98,000 to 150,000 miles—and multiple owners describe dealer service that either fails to diagnose the problem or provides only temporary fixes before the failure returns. One owner's vehicle sat at the dealer unrepaired for several months; another remained stuck in LIMP mode for two months while the manufacturer declined to assist.
Cooling fan failures are widespread. Fans fail silently, make loud noises, short out fuses, or cycle constantly. The fan problems feed into LIMP mode and prevent diesel particulate filter regeneration. Notably, several owners cite specific recalls (VB1, VB2, W80) that address these exact issues on ProMasters or related vehicles, yet their VINs were excluded—sometimes because their vehicle was made at a different plant. Warranty denials followed.
Separately, owners report oil loss at abnormal rates, burning smells, and an oil cooler housing leak that caused shuddering at highway speed. One owner's engine shut down completely mid-drive as if the battery had died, though it restarted minutes later. Another describes rough idle, stalling, and engine surge that nearly caused a collision—despite four recall notices, the dealer had no parts available.
Rocker arm and camshaft wear rounds out the reported failures.
Same RAM Promaster City engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
LIMP Mode / Reduced Power & DEF System Malfunction
Vehicle enters LIMP mode with severe power loss (5 MPH or less), often triggered by DEF warning light or EGR/emissions system faults. Check engine light illuminates. Some owners report dealer inability to diagnose or repair; failures recur after dealer service.
When: 98,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Vehicle limited to 5 MPH or below; DEF warning light or 'fill DEF' message persistent despite full tank; Countdown/LIMP mode message displayed; Engine cannot accelerate normally
Codes mentioned: P0481
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler, tube, and gaskets replacement quoted at $2,918.27 by dealer. One vehicle remained unrepaired at dealer for several months; another stuck in LIMP mode for two months at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall VB1 cited by one owner for EGR coolers on Ram 1500s with EcoDiesel; however, MOPAR stated recall does not apply to this owner's ProMaster 1500 despite same engine. Manufacturer provided no resolution in multiple cases.
Cooling Fan Failure & Electrical Issues
Electric cooling fan malfunctions, either failing completely, making loud noises, shorting fuses, or cycling constantly. Fan failures trigger LIMP mode and prevent diesel particulate filter regeneration. Some owners report fan was subject to recall for other vehicles but their VINs excluded.
When: Not specified; some noted in first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud or abnormal fan noise; Fan not operating despite engine heat; Engine running hot; Constant fan cycling; Fan shorting/blowing fuses; Relay issues
Codes mentioned: P0481
Repairs/costs cited: Fan replacement performed at dealer. One owner noted repair cost was covered after warranty denial, but details of total cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall VB2 exists for constant fan cycling on ProMaster; however, multiple owners report their VINs do not qualify. Recall notice issued for identical vehicle made at different plant but not for subject vehicle. Chrysler warranty denied claim citing manufactured at different plant.
Rough Idle, Stalling & Engine Surge
Engine surges forward, stalls intermittently, or makes loud banging noise during gear shifts. One owner nearly hit building due to unexpected surge after engine lag. Multiple recall notices issued but dealer unable to source parts; service repeatedly delayed.
When: Noticed after first purchase; ongoing over several months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surge or stall from idle; Loud banging noise when shifting to Drive; Engine lag followed by unexpected surge; Intermittent stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated parts not available; owner received four separate recall notices over several months but no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recall notices issued but parts unavailable at dealer; service repeatedly deferred.
Oil Loss / Burning
Engine loses oil at abnormal rate, dropping nearly 2 quarts in 3,080 miles despite regular checking. Owners report recall W80 exists for similar symptoms but their VINs not listed. Separate reports of burning smell from engine bay.
When: 3,080 miles into ownership (one case); unspecified timing (burning case)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly; Burning smell from engine; Engine running hot
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; owner directed to NHTSA after Chrysler stated VIN not listed in recall W80.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall W80 issued for oil loss in some ProMaster City vans, but subject owner's VIN excluded despite matching symptoms.
Oil Cooler Housing Leak
Oil cooler housing leaks during normal highway driving, causing abnormal shuddering and loss of performance. Owner notes this is a known design flaw that can lead to engine damage or sudden loss of power while driving.
When: 55 MPH highway driving; timing from purchase unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shuddering while driving; Vehicle pulling to shoulder; Oil cooler housing leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Repair performed by mechanic after diagnosis; specific cost and parts not stated.
Engine Shutdown & Power Loss
Engine completely shuts down as if battery dead, though vehicle restarts after several minutes. Check engine and service warnings illuminate. Occurs intermittently over 6-month period, creating safety hazard on roadway.
When: Within last 6 months (at time of complaint); intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown; Check engine light; Engine service warning; Transmission service warning; Hill holder service warning; Intermittent loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service performed but issue unresolved; continues as intermittent failure.
Rocker Arm & Camshaft Wear
Rocker arms fail prematurely, causing intake and exhaust camshaft wear. All cylinder rocker arms require replacement.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rocker arm failure; Camshaft wear
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arms and camshaft replaced on all cylinders.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2015 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 MPH, the DEF warning light was illuminated. The contact added DEF fluid to the tank and continued driving; however, a message indicating that the vehicle was in countdown mode or LIMP mode was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer had informed the contact that the…
After first purchasing we noticed it tends to surge forward or stall out from time to time, and on a few occasions when putting it into drive, it sounds like a sledge hammer hit the engine. I have been to and called the local dealer in dunn nc and told them the issues and asked if the several recall notices I have gotten cover the issues we've have been experiencing. I was told we don't have…
The rocker arms were bad which caused the intake and exhaust camshaft to wear out and had to be replaced. And had to replace the rocker arms on all cylinders.
My 2015 promaster 2500 got a p0481 code for a faulty radiator fan. This is consistent with known defects in other makes and models in fca (Fiat chrystler automotive). Most notable is Jeep renegade fans (p/n: 623740)
Had engine trouble with your 2015 RAM Promaster City?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 RAM Promaster City?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 58,000 and 147,000 miles, with the median around 84,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 147,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/RAM/Promaster City.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.