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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-RAM-PROMASTER-CITY NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
RAM

2016 RAM Promaster City problems

The 2016 RAM Promaster City has 56 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

The 2016 RAM Promaster City has 56 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 15 complaints, typically surfacing around 43,436 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

RAM Promaster City owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2015 Promaster City 87 4
2016 Promaster City (this page) 56 4
2017 Promaster City 76 3
2018 Promaster City 1 2
2019 Promaster City 5 1
2016 RAM Promaster City
Photo: Bull-Doser / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · representative photo of the RAM Promaster City
0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Promaster City?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2016 RAM Promaster City? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2016 RAM Promaster City

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Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2016-ram-promaster-city/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2016 RAM Promaster City reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2016-ram-promaster-city/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2016 RAM Promaster City reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
15 reports · fails ~43,436 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
12 reports · fails ~71,938 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
9 reports · fails ~61,350 mi · avg $850
moderate
lighting
6 reports · fails ~68,000 mi · avg $250
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Promaster City's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Promaster City?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Promaster City · engine
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster City. The contact received a Catalyst Efficiency campaign program notice for Catalyst Efficiency; however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
2016 Promaster City · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram promaster city van. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled and the speed decreased without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic stability control unit failed and needed to be…
12/19/2016 · at 2,500 mi · NHTSA ODI #10936271.0 · see electrical pattern →
2016 Promaster City · engine
The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact was informed that no…
12/13/2021 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11443702.0 · see engine pattern →
2016 Promaster City · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram promaster. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving approximately 35 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The contact stated that this was the second instance of this failure. The vehicle was…
12/12/2017 · at 18,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11054122.0 · see electrical pattern →
View all 56 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 RAM Promaster City? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 17V824000 December 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
severe NHTSA 17V601000 September 26, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicles

The incorrect tire placard can cause the operator to exceed the vehicle's weight capacity, or inflate the tires to an incorrect pressure, affecting vehicle handling, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect tire placard with a corrected one, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T62.
severe NHTSA 16E039000 April 28, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain RAM ProMaster Trailer Light Modules, part number 68229650AB

Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will mail letters to owners to try to notify the purchasers of the modules, and dealers will replace the Trailer Tow Light Control Modules, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S29.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 RAM Promaster City reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 RAM Promaster City is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2016 RAM Promaster City?

The 2016 RAM Promaster City is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 RAM Promaster City?

Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 15 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 43,436 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2016 RAM Promaster City a good used car to buy?

It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 56 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 43,436 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 RAM Promaster City?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 15 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 43,436 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 43,436 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my RAM Promaster City has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 RAM Promaster City?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 56 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/RAM/Promaster City. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with RAM. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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