Ram Promaster grinding brakes problems

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

The 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 I purchased from a dealer on 12/6/25 now has a serious safety defect. The transmission began grinding when shifting into Drive on 1/27/26. Immediately after, the vehicle started rolling backwards while fully in Park with the engine running. This indicates a failure of the parking pawl or internal gearset. The backup camera also does not function, there are coolant and power steering leaks, and the axle/wheel bearing is failing. The dealer claimed the van passed a “120-point inspection,” but it is clearly unsafe and unfit for operation. This defect poses a risk of rollaway injury, crash, and property damage.

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · Brakes · OR

My van began making a loud squeaky sound, louder at low speeds and less at higher speeds. It sounded like it was coming from the wheels or undercarriage. There were no dash warning lights, alarms, or any other indicator of a serious issue. I drove the van around town for a few days approximately 30 miles. The van is heavy and I live in a hilly area, so I use the parking brake fairly often. I applied the parking brake within that week on an incline, and when I released the parking brake and drove forward, the squeak was louder then ever, so much so, people stared. There were no error or warning message on the dash or elsewhere. The parking brake indicator had come on normally while engaged and went off when it was released. I drove it directly to the local Ram dealer, as it seemed worse, hoping it was just in need of minor lubrication. It had just been serviced at the same dealer a few months earlier and I was told "it was like new with its low 12,500 miles". I explained the new noise and that I didn't want to cause damage by driving it, although there were no warning lights on. My van is still under the original warranty for a few more months. Even though they were booked, an employee went out and felt by the rear driver's side wheel and said it was really hot and likely a frozen brake caliper. They were able to fit me in and discovered the parking brake was frozen, which was causing the noise. They ordered the parts to repair, disengaged the parking brake, and said it was safe to drive as the main brakes were a separate system. They said not to apply the parking brake again as it would hang up as before. -The dealer ordered the parts over a month ago, but said the brake parts are not only on back order, but with no estimated shipping date, meaning they aren't even manufacturing them. -I am driving without a parking brake in a heavy vehicle in a hilly area with no pending solution and heading into winter weather. This is a safety issue! Please help ASAP.

Filed Sep 20, 2024 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the RPM’s increased, but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be replicated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 2nd gear and remained stuck in 2nd gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the workplace, and the contact added transmission fluid to the vehicle. The contact resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated upon returning to the workplace, the contact noticed that the transmission fluid had leaked into the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Future Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Concord (2121 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520), where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the transmission warranty because the contact had personally replaced the transmission fluid and filters. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train); and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Brakes failed (for the 4th or 5th time) while driving on the highway after approximately two hours. While traveling approximately 55mph on the highway (I do not drive engaging the brakes unless stopping) the Notice Service Braking System alert indicated on the dash. When I went to push in the brakes, they went to the floor, grinding and "pulsing" in and out as I attempted to stop. Please note that this issue has happened 3-4 times in the past and the dealership assures me this is normal. I was able to successfully get the vehicle to a dealership. THEY SAID THE STORED CODES MEANT NOTHING because they were stored and not active (see attached)That dealership stated they could not find anything wrong and therefore nothing to fix. I then drove the vehicle another two hours and the same thing happened. I got the vehicle to another dealership where it is now until they remedy the situation. In addition, when starting the vehicle from a cold state, the brakes often go to the floor and grind. Again, the dealership assures me this is 'normal' and to simply pump the brakes to remove excess air. This is a new vehicle with less than 8k miles, purchased new and has been occurring since purchased.

Filed Aug 18, 2024 · Body, Lights · WI

I finally found a place to report issues with my 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500. I have experienced different issues with this vehicle. The turn indicator failure first started around 8000 miles. The door ajar light for the sliding door started around 35000 miles. What I believe is the traction control, has been an ongoing issue unsure of when it started, but is the most common issue. 1) Multiple times, the left turn signal randomly fails, the bulb indicator light turns on. The front left and mirror signal don't work. While the rear one does. Then out of nowhere, it starts to work again. Has happened multiple times. 2) multiple times right side sliding door sensor fails. Can be up to 2 hours after driving, the door ajar symbol comes on. Making the user interface unusable. Stop the van, open and close the door, it clears it. Then shortly later, the door ajar indicator comes on. And with the door ajar light illuminated, it does not allow the doors to be locked. 3) the traction control (i believe), on one side or the other, will grab, making a grinding noise, slow the vehicle down slightly and pull it slightly in that direction. It happens on any surface type, dry, wet, or icy. And happens at highway speeds, 50-80 mph. I've notice it happen a quite a few times when passing another vehicle. Which ever side the vehicle is on that you are passing, that side will grind (activate)

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500 Promaster. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and making an abnormally loud grinding noise. The contact’s husband stated that the ABS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband pulled over, turned the vehicle off, and had it towed to a dealer. The local dealer diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure the vehicle was not able to shift into reverse(R) for more than a year. The contact stated that the day the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, on the trip back to the residence the transmission began to make loud abnormal grinding noises, and the vehicle was shaking and jolting into the next gear. The contact stated that her husband had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and performed repairs on the transmission which allowed the vehicle to move forward. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2021 · Engine · 40,000 miles · WI

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 issues were found. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the abnormal grinding sounds were getting increasingly louder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that they would not diagnose the vehicle because the independent mechanic had removed the oil pan. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, it would make abnormal clunking sounds. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed May 9, 2019 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · MD

Rear suspension started making a squeaking noise around 30,000 miles. Unfortunately my warranty was up and the dealer wanted to charge me. I told them I have been researching this problem on the internet and there have beed many complaints, not just with the 1500 but also the 2500. The suspension noise is so bad when I am on bluetooth phone the person I am talking with can also hear this. This needs to be recalled for safety reasons as well. It keeps getting worse. It sounds like the rear end is going to fall apart. By the way it doesn't matter the speed you are driving.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · OH

The diesel version of this vehicle has no park gear. Your only option when parking the vehicle is to use the emergency break and leave in neutral. If left in d gear the vehicle will not stay stationary. You must use emergency brake. I've owned this van for 3 years and the parking brake cable freezes when temps are low. It's happened on 3 separate occasions. The first at 50,000miles next at 205,000 and then today at 220,000 miles. When this happens the entire rear brake system including wheel bearing and sensors gets shredded. Each time this has happened it's costs $1500 to fix, its extremely dangerous because every time it locks up we are on the road and the entire system locks up. It starts with a squeal and eventually the wheel locks completely. It's a horrible design flaw and it's going to get someone hurt in more then just their wallet.

Filed Apr 19, 2018 · Suspension · 15,000 miles · MD

I noticed the rear suspension making a loud squeaking noise while driving at any speed. I believe it's the rear rubber bushings. And only have 15,000 miles on the van. It doesn't matter if I have anything in the bed. Very loud and the dealer stated I would have to pay for it because my warranty was up. This should be a recall for sure. I have been to many dodge forums and I see the same complaint. Please make this a recall or I am forced to sell this pos.