948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P1DB7-00 - Torque Converter Clutch Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 RAM Promaster City powertrain problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 14 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 RAM Promaster City, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Battery Acid Leaking on Transmission Pan This bulletin involves replacing the battery tray drain pipe, adding a battery vent pipe, battery vent cap and clamps. A customer or technician may notice one or more of the following:Battery acid dripping on the transmission pan from the battery tray drain pipe being too short. Battery acid residue present on and around the sides of the battery(technician to verify with litmus paper test). Leak at the valve body cover pan caused by battery acid leaking on it.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Power Transfer Unit
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Transmission failure is the dominant complaint across these 14 narratives. Owners report complete loss of drive at 37,000 miles, 40,751 miles, 64,000 miles, and higher—often without warning while driving on interstates or local roads. Two owners each paid over $4,000 for transmission rebuilds; one owner faced a $9,000 replacement bill. A transmission shop that rebuilt the same ProMaster twice found the vehicle has a minivan transmission mated to a truck chassis, with destroyed flywheels both times—a design incompatibility they will not warranty again.
Separate from outright failure, owners describe dangerous downshift hunting: the transmission erratically downshifts two or more gears while descending at posted speeds, causing uncontrolled engine over-revving to 4,000 RPM and refusal to respond to manual gear selection. This creates dangerous engine braking and instability in wet or winter conditions.
Two critical safety recalls went unaddressed: recall W00 (transmission shifter cable separation preventing gear shifts) and recall VB2 (cooling fan seizure causing fire risk). Owners report recalls issued 5–7 months prior with no remedy scheduled, parts unavailable, and manufacturers refusing or unable to complete repairs. One owner's radiator failed as a consequence of the unresolved cooling fan recall. Multiple owners feel unsafe operating their vehicles.
Same RAM Promaster City powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure and loss of drive
Complete or catastrophic transmission failure requiring full replacement or major rebuild. Owners report sudden loss of drive capability while operating the vehicle, often without warning. Some failures occur at low mileage despite vehicles being within typical new-vehicle warranty periods.
When: 37,000 miles; 40,751 miles; 64,000 miles; 90,000–105,000 miles (after engine replacement)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of transmission functionality while driving on interstate or local roads; Vehicle unable to shift or respond to gear selection; Loud noise preceding transmission failure; Transmission quit working properly mid-drive; Sudden unresponsiveness to driver inputs
Repairs/costs cited: $9,000 for transmission replacement (owner cost at 37k mi); $4,096.04 for first rebuild at 74k mi; second rebuild covered under transmission shop warranty; $13,000+ for engine and transmission repairs combined (one owner); repair covered under manufacturer warranty in one case at 40,751 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2019+ model years but 2018 model year (2017 RAM ProMaster) not included. Chrysler building new transmission for current model year; previous owners offered remanufactured units only. One owner reports transmission shop found vehicle has minivan transmission paired with truck chassis.
Transmission downshift hunting and engine over-revving on descent
Automatic transmission erratically downshifts multiple gears while vehicle travels downhill at posted speed limits, causing uncontrolled engine over-revving to 4,000 RPM. Transmission does not respond to manual gear selection during these events and will not upshift until driver applies heavy acceleration or road flattens. Creates dangerous engine braking and vehicle instability in wet or winter conditions.
When: During downhill driving; no specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended downshift of two or more gears while descending at constant speed; Engine over-revving to 4,000 RPM; Transmission unresponsive to manual gear selection commands; Multiple over-revving events during long descents; Excessive engine braking causing vehicle instability in wet/winter conditions; Vehicle becomes unstable on wet or icy roads
Abrupt forward lurch and brake resistance on Park-to-Drive shift
When shifting from Park to Drive after vehicle has been off for several hours, the truck lurches forward abruptly and becomes resistant to braking. Driver must shift to Neutral to control the vehicle. Issue is intermittent, occurring multiple times during ownership.
When: Occurs after extended vehicle shutdown; observed 5 times between 13,000 and 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt forward lurch when shifting from Park to Drive; Resistance to braking immediately after shift; Unintended vehicle movement; Intermittent recurrence
Flywheel failure and destruction
Flywheel becomes destroyed or fails catastrophically, resulting in loud noise and transmission dysfunction. Occurs at least twice in one vehicle, indicating a systemic compatibility issue between transmission and engine assembly or a design defect.
When: First occurrence at approximately 74,000 miles (November 2018); second occurrence in February 2020 (mileage not specified); catastrophic failure occurs over short duration (large noise develops from small noise in one day)
Symptoms owners cite: Small noise that escalates to large noise quickly; Loud noise accompanying transmission dysfunction; Transmission failure following flywheel destruction; Repeated flywheel failures on same vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: $4,096.04 for first flywheel and transmission rebuild; second repair covered under transmission shop warranty (3 years/100,000 miles); transmission shop also had to repair radiator during second service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission shop research identified root cause: vehicle has minivan transmission paired with truck chassis, creating incompatibility. Transmission shop (Trans-King Transmissions) will not pay for further repairs of this issue.
Radiator failure with coolant system electrical faults
Radiator experiences premature failure, likely triggered by cooling fan issues, which then causes electrical faults downstream including blown fuses. The issue appears to stem from recall VB2 (cooling fan may seize), which was not properly addressed before vehicle was sold as used.
When: Discovered at 90,000 miles; vehicle purchased used at 35,000 miles; failure is consequence of uncompleted recall work
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator failure; Coolant system electrical faults; Blown 60-amp fuse; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by mechanic
Repairs/costs cited: $1,600 out-of-pocket for radiator and cable repairs at independent shop; $315 tow fee; $300 diagnostic fee; total estimated $5,000 without extended warranty coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall VB2 (cooling fan seizure leading to vehicle fire) and recall W00 (transmission shifter cable separation) were issued but not completed before vehicle was sold used at 35,000 miles. Owner was not notified of pending recalls by RAM dealership or manufacturer.
Transmission shifter cable separation (Recall W00)
Transmission shifter cable separates or becomes disconnected from transmission, preventing driver from shifting gears. This is a safety-critical recall condition (NHTSA 20V-036 / FCA W00) affecting ability to control vehicle. Multiple owners report recall issued but remedy parts unavailable or recall work not completed.
When: Recall issued 2020; multiple owners report no action taken or extended delays beyond reasonable timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to shift transmission; Unintended vehicle movement due to shifter disconnection; Shifter cable separation or deterioration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Chrysler recalled 2017 RAM ProMaster for condition W00 (NHTSA 20V-036). Multiple owners report manufacturer has not provided remedy availability date or timeline, leaving vehicles in unsafe condition. One owner reports dealer/manufacturer unwilling to correct the issue.
Cooling fan module failure with fire risk (Recall VB2)
Cooling fan module can seize or fail, creating risk of vehicle fire. This is a critical safety recall (NHTSA 19V-818 / FCA VB2) issued for these vehicles. Multiple owners report recall notice received but no remedy scheduled, leaving vehicles unsafe to operate especially during hot weather.
When: Recall issued 2019–2020; multiple owners report no action taken or extended delays (5+ months reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan seizure; Engine overheating risk; Potential vehicle fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Chrysler issued recall VB2 (NHTSA 19V-818) for cooling fan module failure risk. Multiple owners report: (1) Remedy parts unavailable or availability date unknown; (2) Manufacturer has exceeded reasonable timeframe to complete recall (5+ months documented); (3) No rental car provided while vehicle unsafe to drive; (4) Dealer unable to schedule repairs (1+ month wait times reported); (5) One owner reports manufacturer unwilling to correct the issue.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Sudden and complete loss of the transmission while on the interstate going 65 MPH. No warning. Fortunately was able to coast to a stop on an exit ramp. Could have caused a serious accident. Vehicle had 40,751 miles. Repair covered under warranty. There should have been a recall for this. Others have had the same issue.
2017 Ram promaster 3500. Consumer writes in regards to two NHTSA safety recalls 20v-036 and 19v-818. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repairs. *js
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 RAM Promaster City?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 51,211 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.