Ram Promaster engine failure problems

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Body, Transmission · FL

Component/System: Structure – Cowl / Air Intake / Engine Issue: Water intrusion through cowl leading to intake flooding and engine hydrolock Summary of the Defect The vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure caused by water intrusion through the two piece cowl assembly. The seal between the two cowl sections failed, allowing rainwater to pour directly into the engine compartment. The intake manifold sits directly beneath this leak point and contains a recessed area where water can pool. After heavy rainfall, water entered the intake system and subsequently reached cylinders 2 and 4, causing the engine to hydrolock upon startup. The engine was rendered inoperable at only 29,139 miles. Detailed Description of the Incident The vehicle was parked outside an auto repair facility for a routine battery replacement. It was not driven during this period. Over the course of two heavy rain events, water entered the engine compartment through the failed seam in the two piece cowl. When the repair facility attempted to start the vehicle, the engine immediately hydrolocked. Upon disassembly: •The air intake tract was found full of water. •The intake manifold contained pooled water. •Cylinders 2 and 4 contained water. •The engine suffered internal damage consistent with hydrolock and was declared a total loss. All findings were documented by the mechanic, including photographs and diagnostic notes. Safety Concern This failure represents a serious safety defect. Water intrusion through a structural component should not be able to reach the intake manifold or engine cylinders under any circumstances — especially while the vehicle is stationary. A sudden hydrolock event can cause: •Immediate engine shutdown •Loss of motive power •Loss of power steering and braking assist •Potential loss of control if occurring while driving •Extremely costly engine destruction Inspected by mechanic. Nobody else. No warnings.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · NJ

Vehicle experienced severe, premature component failures posing direct safety hazards while operating a commercial work van: 1. Parking Brake Seizure (01/25/2025 @ 49,197 miles): The parking brake pivot assembly completely seized, causing the rear brake assembly to lock up and rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. Replaced under Invoice #CHCS490962. 2. Catastrophic Transmission & Drivetrain Failure (05/15/2026 @ 66,082 miles): The transmission suffered recurring fluid leaks beginning at 49,197 miles (pan leak reseal) and 51,648 miles (complete front pump replacement). At 66,082 miles, the transmission suffered complete internal failure (burnt fluid, clutch metal material), resulting in total loss of reverse power and gear slipping while operating. Both front strut mounts failed on the same visit. Experiencing brake lockup and sudden total loss of transmission control under 66,000 miles on a commercial vehicle presents significant safety risks to vehicle operators and traffic.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine · IN

While operating a 2023 Ram ProMaster 2500 (3.6L V6) for normal commercial use at approximately 39,129 miles, the coolant began bubbling and engine temperature spiked suddenly while driving. The vehicle was immediately parked and towed to an authorized Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership as it was completely undrivable. This created a serious safety risk as the vehicle lost drivability suddenly on public roads during active commercial operation. Upon teardown the authorized dealer documented: coolant leaking into cylinders 3 and 4, coolant coming out of exhaust, stretched engine bolts, warped block and head, and internal coolant leak causing overheat. No external leaks from the cooling system were found. The internal component failures caused the overheating not the reverse. The vehicle was still within its active powertrain warranty at time of failure. Stellantis denied the warranty claim under TSB D-23-20 claiming an undetermined overheat caused the engine failure directly contradicting their own dealer's findings which show zero external cause. I have paid $9,000 out of pocket for repairs that should be covered under active powertrain warranty on a 3-year-old vehicle under 40,000 miles. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate this failure pattern in the 3.6L V6 Ram ProMaster 2500 as other commercial operators may face the same sudden dangerous failure.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Engine · FL

My van was at the dealership for about 5 months getting a new engine while there I was told the recall would be fixed. My van is used for work & I can’t use it until the recall is fixed!

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Engine · 32,584 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was started, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an AAA location and was informed to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-speed radiator cooling fan failed to engage as designed, causing the engine to overheat. Due to the overheating, the engine became warped, causing a coolant leak into the cylinder, and causing escaped gases to enter the cooling system. The contact was informed that the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,584.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Less than a half mile into my work day the van started flashing all warning lights ( Hill assist, power steering, service engine, abs ETC.) I was on a busy road and was attempting to pull off to safety But the van turned off. Was able to jump it after 2 attempts and get it to the dealer 1 mile away, without any other lights coming back on aside from CEL. Dealer informed me I have 2 Corroded wiring harnesses, bad rack & Pinion and alternator is at 7%.... From what I've heard, this is a problem that could have been prevented by the manufacturers.. I also had a Transmission replacement at 30k miles and full Engine replacement at 55k miles. Currently at 80k Miles... This is Unacceptable for a Commercial fleet vehicle.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Engine · AZ

On Sept 14 2025 we were driving our Promaster and heard a knocking sound then the vehicle immediately overheated. We had the car towed to a dealership and we were informed we needed a new engine as the fan module had failed causing the vehicle to overheat and ruining the engine. The extended warranty company also denied the claim citing that the fan module had failed. We purchased the vehicle on Sept 10th 2025. The prior owner had several repairs completed to the cooling system in the months prior to us purchasing the vehicle which included replacing the radiator, cylinder heads and gaskets as well as many other components. Per the dealership, there was a code that stated an overheating indicator showed approx 1000 miles prior to us bringing the vehicle in. The prior owner states that this indicator light never came on and it never came on for us either. When searching the recall database, our particular VIN does not appear to be included in the current recall, however the part number in question on the recall matches the part number the dealer is citing as the underlying issue which caused the engine failure and for the extended warranty to not cover the replacement. As for safety, the failure happened on a very busy highway requiring us to sit on the side of the road for several hours until we could get a tow company. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and they have plenty of documentation / photos of the damage and failed parts. No insurance company or police have been involved.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine · KS

The vehicle was rented for delivery services and the oil panel underneath was damaged on the road and as a result a big hole where the metal was broken off. This has caused all the oil to drain and in turn the engine was jammed. There was no indication to the driver until the engine lights came on after the engine stoped and couldn't be driven. The oil pan material has been so fragile nor there were any protection below the pan to prevent any debris picked on the road. The vehichle was inspected by Budget and a Repair Shop and have determined the cause of engine failure is due to the Oil Panel.

Filed Feb 9, 2022 · Engine · NY

The coolant system has been repaired by a Ram certified dealership for the same issue 3 times with current mileage at 17,000. The coolant continues to leak out. We have a fleet of 30 Promaster 1500 and 2500 vans and all of them have coolant leaking issues with 4 requiring engine replacements because of overheating. Sometimes there are warning lamps to let us know to pull over, sometimes not and then it's too late. Please address this asap!

Filed Nov 3, 2021 · Brakes · OH

After van was put in reverse, when put in forward, the left rear caliper seized up and wheel would not turn. Was able to free wheel after putting in forward and reverse a few times. Seized again later that day. Was able to free up again and drive to dealer. Dealer stated rear and front driver-side calipers were not functioning correctly and will need replaced. Currently, van is at dealer awaiting repair. There was no accident. I don't recall any warning lights.