"GENERATOR Engine Prior to alternator/generator removal: 1. Inspect & check all electrical connections to the alternator a. 2-way connector containing field control circuit & alternator sense voltage circuit. b. Unplug & plug-in the 2-way connector for field & sense circuit. Verify the connection is tight & check for any bent pins in alternator connector or damage to female terminals in connector. c. Check Alternator B+ Stud connection to be sure nut is securing positive cable terminal properly (i.e. nut is clamping terminal & connection is tight). d. Check fuse between the alternator B+ stud & PDC terminal to make sure it is not blown. e. Be sure to follow service manual sections on ALTERNA
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 RAM Promaster City engine problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of RAM Promaster City we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
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 ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Cracked cylinder head requiring full engine replacement at ~80,000 miles. Out of warranty. This is one of two vehicles, purchased at the same time from same dealer in 6/2021 with the same engine failure at ~80,000. Second vehicle is [XXX] . It is likely that these two vehicles came off the assembly line fairly close to each other, during covid and all the issues that that brought to supply…
Cracked cylinder head requiring full engine replacement at ~80,000 miles. Out of warranty. This is one of two vehicles, purchased at the same time from same dealer in 6/2021 with the same engine failure at ~80,000. Second vehicle is [XXX] . It is likely that these two vehicles came off the assembly line fairly close to each other, during covid and all the issues that that brought to supply…
Engine oil leak at the oil filter. The oil filter monting surface has a defect (not flat) allowing oil to push out. It is currently available for inspection, but it is scheduled to been seen by the dealer to be replaced under warranty. Safety - issue was noticed before enough damage was done to be unsafe. The leak was substantial, so I imagine it would lead to a safety issue due to abrupt engine…
Had engine trouble with your 2021 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 2021 RAM Promaster City?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2021/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.