"2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XS1 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 ↗2017 RAM Promaster City engine problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of RAM Promaster City we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 18.
Engine accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
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.
"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 ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
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 2017 Ram Promaster City engine troubles span several distinct issues. A cooling fan recall (NHTSA 19V818000) has plagued owners with unavailable parts for months after notification, preventing timely repair. One owner's cooling fan replacement was followed by cylinder head failure at 7,000 miles later, with the dealership similarly unable to source parts to complete that repair.
Oil consumption is a widespread complaint. Owners report engines burning 2 quarts per 1,000 miles or running 2 full quarts low between services. Dealerships have performed oil consumption tests confirming excessive loss; some cases progress to engine block or piston failure requiring replacement. One owner noted Stellantis changed policy in mid-2022 to deny goodwill warranty coverage on 2018 or older vehicles, cutting off aid for owners failing consumption tests.
Two engine compartment fires are documented, one at 9,000 miles and another at 85,000 miles, both resulting in total loss. Thermostat failure has occurred at 25,000 miles. Camshaft replacement is reported as a common issue on 2017 models despite recalls on other years. One owner discovered an oil cooler leak affecting all three Promasters in their fleet, each costing over $800 to repair. Electronic throttle control warnings and check engine lights cycle on and off, with issues recurring shortly after dealer repair attempts.
Same RAM Promaster City engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Cooling Fan Assembly Failure / Recall Parts Unavailability
Cooling fan assembly produces noise and excessive engine heat. Owner received recall notification (NHTSA 19V818000) but parts remain unavailable for extended periods, preventing timely repair.
When: 68,262 miles; also reported at 85,000 miles and other mileages with parts unavailable delays
Symptoms owners cite: Noise from cooling fan assembly; Noticeable heat coming from engine; Engine overheating concern
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling fan assembly replacement; dealership unable to locate parts for recall repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V818000 (Equipment, Engine and Engine Cooling); parts availability issues causing extended delays; FCA stated no ETA on parts availability after weeks of waiting
Cylinder Head Failure
Cylinder head failure follows cooling fan recall work. Owner alleges the recall repair or underlying thermal issue caused the cylinder head damage. Dealership unable to source replacement parts.
When: Approximately 7,000 miles or 1.5 months after cooling fan repair
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibration; Check engine light; Misfire in cylinder 2
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 2 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement required; dealership unable to locate parts to complete repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated the cooling fan recall did not cause the cylinder head failure; vehicle slightly past warranty; parts unavailable
Excessive Oil Consumption / Engine Block Damage
Engine consumes oil at abnormal rates, ranging from 2 quarts per 1,000 miles to 2 full quarts low. Oil consumption test confirms excessive loss. Some cases progress to engine block damage requiring replacement.
When: Between 85,000–180,000 miles; some reports at 97,571 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gray smoke from exhaust pipe and engine; Abnormally low oil level; Engine vibration; Check engine light; Power loss during acceleration; Fuel-burning odor
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test performed; engine block replacement needed in severe cases; piston failure identified in at least one case; costs prohibitive for some owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed oil consumption testing; Stellantis changed policy effective mid-2022 to no longer honor goodwill warranties on vehicles 2018 or older
Engine Fire
Engine compartment fire resulting in total vehicle loss. White smoke from engine compartment followed by engulfing orange flames at very low mileage. One case referenced related to recall NHTSA 19V818000.
When: 9,000 miles (Promaster); 85,000 miles (Ram 2500)
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from engine compartment; Engulfing orange flames; Complete engine loss/vehicle destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; one vehicle towed to holding yard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V818000 referenced by one owner; fire origin in center dashboard area in one case; manufacturer not notified in first instance
Thermostat Failure
Thermostat fails at very low mileage, requiring replacement. Temperature gauge behavior inconsistent with proper operation.
When: Approximately 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Temperature gauge stuck at halfway mark
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement cost $588 at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed thermostat replacement needed; stated temperature gauge behavior 'to be expected' despite concern
Camshaft Failure / Misfire
Both camshafts require replacement. Service advisor indicates this is a common problem affecting 2017 models, with recalls issued for other model years but not 2017.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Misfire detected by computer
Codes mentioned: Misfire code
Repairs/costs cited: Both camshafts require replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2017 despite recalls on other model years for same issue per service advisor
Oil Cooler Leak
Oil leak develops at oil cooler connection. Multiple owners report same issue across multiple vehicles in their fleet.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak at oil cooler
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler repair cost over $800 per vehicle; one owner reported same failure on all 3 Ram Promasters in their fleet totaling over $2,400
Throttle/Power Loss and Warning Light Cycling
Engine throttle response issues and power loss occur intermittently. ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning light and check engine light cycle on and off with repeated engine restarts required to clear warnings.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warming light illuminates; Decreased power momentarily; Check engine light illuminates and persists; Red flashing lights; Issue recurs after dealer repair
Codes mentioned: ETC warning, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repaired but issue recurred within one week
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Vehicle is failing oil consumption test at 97,571 miles. They are saying it’s burning excessive oil due to failed piston which ran had an open recall for . I’d like my vehicle to be considered for oil consumption test and possible motor replacement.
Local dealer, sunsr Dodge, not responsive to completing recalls. NHTSA recall# 19v818 and 20v-036. Andrew hodgson sarasota fl ajhodgson54@gmail.com
2017 Ram promaster. Consumer writes in regard to engine cooling fan safety recall.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 RAM Promaster City?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/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.