Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 RAM Promaster City electrical problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 18 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 RAM Promaster City, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2017 Ram Promaster City report a pattern of electrical failures across multiple systems. Headlight bulbs fail every one to two years or less, with one owner noting the bulb housing melted—a sign of voltage regulation trouble. The instrument panel lighting is too dim to read gauges in daylight, a design flaw both the dealer and manufacturer acknowledged they won't fix.
The cooling system stands out as a chronic problem. Engine cooling fans fail, causing overheating, blown thermostats, coolant loss, and suspected internal engine damage. Even after recall repairs, fans have failed again. Owners report dealerships refusing to cover damage from the failed recall part itself and denying loaner vehicles during extended repairs.
Transmission issues include unexpected neutral engagement and no-start conditions while driving, though shops find no fault codes. One owner reports a parasitic battery drain that persists despite battery replacement.
Other failures include the TPMS system going inoperable with no repair timeline, brake warning lights that come on for no reason and only turn off after restart, and a cooling fan relay that failed right after recall service. One owner reported complete engine stall while driving, losing power steering and brakes. Dealers have been slow to diagnose problems and reluctant to return calls.
Same RAM Promaster City electrical reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shifting out of gear / neutral engagement
Engine roars and vehicle coasts or shifts to neutral without driver input during normal driving. Transmission range sensor or solenoid failure suspected by owner. No fault codes detected by transmission shop despite scan of control modules.
When: May 2022 at 117,000 miles; April 2023. Intermittent, difficult to replicate.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine roars loudly; Vehicle coasts or shifts to neutral unexpectedly; P-R-N-D gear display backlight goes out; No check engine lights or codes appear
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shop performed road test, fluid check, and control module scan; found no error codes or inconsistencies. No repair made.
Engine cooling fan failure
Engine cooling fans fail during highway driving, causing rapid overheating. Thermostat blown through by pressure, all coolant leaked, head gasket and radiator damaged. Fans replaced under recall but stopped working again shortly after. Dealer refused warranty coverage for secondary damage despite recall on the part.
When: Failure during highway driving; appears related to vehicle design/durability issue. Mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cooling fans stop working; Engine temperature rises excessively; Coolant pressure ruptures thermostat housing; All coolant leaks out; Overheating warning lamp comes on only after coolant is lost; Post-repair loss of power, poor acceleration, engine shaking; Newly installed fans fail again after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced thermostat and radiator out of pocket. Dealer replaced cooling fans under recall but refused to cover secondary damage (head gasket, thermostat, radiator) and further diagnostics/repairs. Dealer also refused loaner vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for engine cooling fans (NHTSA campaign number not specified in narrative). Dealer replaced fans under recall but fans failed again. Manufacturer/dealer refusing coverage for secondary damage.
Cooling fan relay failure post-recall repair
After recall service for cooling fan, engine cooling fan relay failed. Check engine light illuminated and relay required replacement. Owner reports dealership became unreachable after recall work.
When: Occurred after cooling fan recall repair; approximately 50 miles post-service.
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light (check engine light) came on; Engine cooling fan relay failed
Repairs/costs cited: Second dealership diagnosed cooling fan relay as defective. Repair cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was serviced under cooling fan recall at dealership; dealership became unreachable after repair completion.
Engine stalling without warning
Engine shuts off completely while driving at normal speeds. Power steering and power brakes are lost. Engine will not restart for extended period. Failure appears sudden and without warning lights.
When: One incident reported; newer truck at low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine quits suddenly while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Engine will not restart for 45 minutes; No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to local shop rather than dealership; dealership could not schedule service for 3 weeks. No repair details provided.
Cooling fan bearing failure and recurrent electrical codes
Cooling fan bearing failed one year after purchase. Check engine light codes P0482 and P0696 appeared. After replacing fans, all relays, shroud, and sensors out of warranty, the new fans do not work at all. Codes P0482 and P0696 persist even after reset. Owner reports countless online complaints with identical symptoms.
When: 1 year after purchase; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan bearing failure; Check engine light codes P0482 and P0696; New fans installed but non-functional; Codes persist after reset
Codes mentioned: P0482, P0696
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced fans, all relays, shroud, and sensors. Work not covered under warranty. No resolution achieved despite component replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs, recalls (at time of complaint), or wiring diagram information available per owner.
Instrument panel brightness—speedometer not visible in daylight
Instrument panel illumination is too dim to read speedometer and gauges during daytime driving. Dealer and manufacturer both stated the vehicle was designed to operate with this dim illumination and no remedy is available.
When: Apparent from very low mileage (~600 miles); persists during daytime driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel illuminates too dimly; Speedometer difficult or impossible to view in daytime; Gauges not visible without warning in daylight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer at Sterling Heights Dodge stated could not service because designed that way. No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed contact that vehicle was manufactured in that manner and nothing could be done.
Vehicle shut-off during normal driving
Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving at moderate speed. TAG light warning illuminates. Vehicle restarts after several minutes. Dealer unable to diagnose.
When: At approximately 57,787 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off while driving at 35 mph; TAG light warning illuminates; Vehicle restarts after several minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Contact suspected association with NHTSA Campaign 16V202000 (power train, electrical system) but manufacturer not informed.
Brake light illumination without cause
Brake light illuminates while driving downhill with no actual brake system fault. Light cannot be turned off except by restarting vehicle. No diagnostic or repair performed.
When: At approximately 5,000 miles; problem has continued.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light illuminates for no apparent reason; Light persists during driving; Light turns off only after vehicle shutdown and restart
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired.
Headlight bulb premature failure and housing damage
Headlight bulbs fail frequently, approximately every 1–2 months in early ownership, then every 1 year with dealer-recommended 'heavy duty' bulbs. Repeated failures indicate voltage regulation issue. One instance melted the bulb housing, requiring complete assembly replacement. Owner perceives fire hazard risk.
When: Recurring issue starting in first year of ownership; multiple fleet vehicles (4 purchased). Continues into third-year ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs fail prematurely; Both standard and 'heavy duty' bulbs fail; Bulb housing melts from heat/electrical fault; Repeated failures every 1–2 months (early) then annually
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced headlights multiple times. When housing melted, complete assembly replacement required. Dodge recommended 'heavy duty' bulbs which last ~1 year and have 2-year warranty; owner must pay for replacements after 2 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged issue and recommended use of 'heavy duty' bulbs, but did not address underlying voltage regulation problem.
Headlight electrical short and bulb failure
Headlight bulbs blow out repeatedly due to electrical short. Owner reports thousands of online complaints for same issue. All headlight and high-beam bulbs have been replaced multiple times.
When: Recurring; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs blow out frequently; Electrical short in headlight circuit; Both low-beam and high-beam bulbs affected
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has replaced all headlights including high-beam bulbs multiple times.
Running lights warning lamp malfunction
Dashboard warning light for running lights comes on and off intermittently even though all lights are functioning properly. Light cycles when headlights are on. Vehicle does not have running lights, making the warning erroneous.
When: Recurring; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Running lights warning light comes on and off on dashboard; Light cycles on/off when headlights are on; All lights function normally; Vehicle does not have running lights
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted.
TPMS system inoperable
Tire pressure monitoring system is not functioning. Manufacturer (RAM) provided no repair solution for three consecutive months. Owner instructed to continue driving without TPMS functionality until engineer is available.
When: Ongoing for 3+ months; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS system inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: No repair provided for 3+ months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner instructed by RAM to continue driving until engineer is available next year.
Ambient temperature sensor failure in mirror
Ambient temperature sensor in side mirror has failed. Sensor is not serviceable; entire mirror assembly must be replaced despite mirror being otherwise undamaged.
When: Mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Ambient temperature sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire mirror assembly replacement required at cost of $389.
Parasitic battery drain
Persistent parasitic draw on battery causes slow discharge even when vehicle is off. Owner notes issue continues for over a year despite battery replacement. Related to transmission shift issues per owner.
When: Ongoing for past year as of April 2023; started sometime before November 2021 battery replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains while vehicle is off; Parasitic electrical draw
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced November 2021 (Interstate MTX-49 AGM), but parasitic draw persists.
Engine vibration and power loss
Engine exhibits vibration and shaking, with apparent loss of power during acceleration. Owner reports coolant loss (adding antifreeze every 10,000–15,000 miles), which dealer claims is normal. Symptoms suggest coolant leak and possible internal engine damage.
When: Mileage not specified; ongoing issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibration and shaking; Apparent power loss; Excessive coolant consumption (antifreeze added every 10,000–15,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Dealer claims coolant consumption is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner that adding antifreeze every 10,000–15,000 miles is normal operation.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
TPMS system inoperable. Ongoing for 3rd consecutive month without repair solution from Ram. Instructed to continue driving until engineer is available next year.
Ambient temp sensor failure in mirror..not a serviceable sensor..must replace the entire undamaged mirror at a cost of $ 389.00 dollars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ram promaster city. While driving various speeds during the day, the instrument panel gauges were not visible without warning. The gauges were visible while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to new carlisle Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - tobey auto group (580 n main st, new carlisle, oh 45344), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ram promaster van. While driving down a large hill, the brake light illuminated for no apparent reason. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure, but there was no remedy. The only way to turn off the light was by turning off and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was a converted 2017 Ram 355 cargo van by winnebago. The vehicle was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ram promaster. The contact stated that the instrument panel illuminated too dimly, which caused the speedometer to be difficult to view while driving in the daytime. The vehicle was taken to sterling heights Dodge (40111 van dyke, sterling heights, mi 48313, phone number: (586) 939-3900) who stated that the light was dim and could not service the vehicle because it was…
Had the van serviced per the recall for the engine cooling fan issue. Took to the dealership I purchased from. After driving away from the dealership and getting about 50 miles down the road the service engine light came on. I could never get ahold of the dealership again. Don jackson in atlanta. They would never return calls. I took to another dealership and they say it's the engine…
We purchased 4 of these Dodge promasters about 4 years ago. During the first year we were replacing headlights about every 2 months. Dodge told us that we needed to use their "heavy duty" bulbs. These bulbs seem to last about 1 year. They have a 2 year warranty on original purchase, so after 2 years we have to pay again. This last time the bulb blew it also melted the housing the bulbs sits in.…
There’s already a recall on the engine cooling fans. I was driving on the freeway when the cooling g fans failed causing overheating and major damage to the engine, specifically the head gasket, thermostat, and radiator. I took it to the dealer after finding out about the recall. They replaced the fans but are still not working correctly. They also refused to repair the other damages that were…
What happened: While driving on the freeway, the engine cooling fans failed, causing the engine temperature to rise excessively and increasing pressure within the cooling system. This resulted in a hole being blown through the thermostat, and all the coolant leaked out. Only after the coolant was lost did the engine overheating warning lamp come on. I safely pulled over, but the engine had…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 electrical problem on the 2017 RAM Promaster City?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 42,000 and 151,000 miles, with the median around 57,787. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 151,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2017/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.