Check a VIN

Ram Promaster fire or smoke problems

18 of the 660 owner complaints about the Ram Promaster describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2023 model year.

owner complaints
18
worst model year
2023
typical mileage
53,584
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    4
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    2

What owners say

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine · 200,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure and extended damages were associated with the unrepaired recall. The contact researched and discovered recalls, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V330000 (Back Over Prevention); that were associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · 143,000 miles · WI · fire

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a humming sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact became aware that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. Shortly afterwards, the battery was disconnected, the fan was running, and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the headlights, hood, windshield, and grill were damaged by the fire. There was no one in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries sustained. The contact stated the local fire department was contacted. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage on the vehicle was approximately 143,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Apr 18,2026 1Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Oct 23,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number67C the federal safety agency Recall Number25V-720 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary 4-13-2026 Is someone going to have to die because this vehicle is still on the road with a recall that could start a fire in the engine compartment that no one knows what causes it except that it has something to do with the radiator fans. This is a very serious situation. No one should be able to drive a vehicle with this kind of problem. This recall was issued several months ago, I think from October 2025. This van has a camper made in it by Thor Twist and sold by Camping World in Arkansas. We bought it to travel around the country we retire. What a nightmare. We have a granddaughter who lives with us and goes camping with us most of the time. We also have a handicapped daughter who also travels with us sometimes. She has never been able to walk. What if the van catches on fire while she is with us? My wife and I are in our mid [XXX] . We have been losing sleep thinking about this The people we bought it from said it’s not their responsibility, same as Thor Twist. They say it’s a chassis problem and we need to call Chrysler Corporation. I called the Chrysler Corporation the Dodge dealership near our location. Recall notice states “The remedy for this condition is not currently available. We can’t plan any vacation time due to this recall. We now have nightmares about traveling anywhere in this van. We paid over $100,000 for this van and cannot use it. We are requesting that we return the van and get all our money back. We have had nothing but problems with this van and worry about making any trips in it in the future. We have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls and several other times for malfunctioning issues. We were unable to use the van for weeks at a time. Let us return it please. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical · TN · fire

12v DC outlet caught fire

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 64,000 miles · NC · fire

The contact owned a 2021 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact had stopped at a house that the contact worked on and parked the vehicle on the side of the house. The contact turned off the engine and entered the house, and after twenty minutes, when the contact stepped outside, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The flames spread to the house and caused damage to the property. Some of the paint melted; the garage door, driveway, side door, and some of the landscape were damaged. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. No police report was filed. The contact was informed by the fire department that the fire started due to a mechanical issue in the engine area. Afterwards, the contact was informed by the fire department that the investigation into the origin of the fire was inconclusive. The insurance company was notified and towed the vehicle to an unknown location. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the fire. The manufacturer advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The field inspector had inspected the vehicle. The contact received an email from the manufacturer stating that the damage was not their responsibility and the claim had been closed. The contact stated that two weeks prior to the fire, a message saying "rear camera not available" was displayed, and an unknown warning code was illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V552000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) was associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

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 Feb 12, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

This van has been at a Dodge dealership shop for the same melted fuse box issues over 6 times and caught on fire last week while driving it back from the dealership to be used.

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. Additionally, this vehicle has 2 open the federal safety agency safety recalls that were not repaired before the sale, which indicates the dealership delivered the vehicle without completing mandatory safety repairs. This creates a serious safety hazard and could lead to total brake failure while driving.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 30,000 miles · NH · fire

The contact owned a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that the employee had reported that the front end of the vehicle had caught on fire immediately after parking the vehicle. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the incident. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, which reported that the fire originated from the front end of the vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle had completely burned. The contact stated that the fire seemed to have originated near the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was totaled. No police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that they were not liable for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Electrical · 10,589 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2022 Jayco Entegra hauled by a 2021 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact initially heard an alarm sound coming from inside the RV. Upon opening the RV door, heavy, white smoke filled the entire RV. The fire department was called to the scene where they discovered the source of the smoke coming from the RV's battery; however, no flames were seen. The fire department was able to extract the battery from the RV and let the battery air out in an open field until the smoke dissipated. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact later received a recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V160000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle remained in the owner's possession where it had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 10,589.

Related recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction motor: controller: softwareReported October 6, 2025 · 790 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ram ProMaster battery electric (BEV) vehicles. The electric drive module software may not effectively manage torque, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software for the motor control processor, battery processor control module, integrated dual charge module, and electric vehicle control unit. Additionally, dealers will inspect and replace the electric drive module, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 98C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning October 16, 2025.

Recall number 25V665000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported April 28, 2016 · 6,422 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured July 24, 2015, to February 15, 2016, and 2015-2016 ProMaster City vehicles manufactured August 15, 2014, to February 1, 2016. The Trailer Tow Lighting Control Module may have a software error on the affected vehicles and can prevent illumination of the trailer brake lights during brake actuation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Risk
Trailer brake lights that are inoperative can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Trailer Tow Light Control Module, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S22.

Recall number 16V253000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported April 11, 2016 · 23,930 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City vans manufactured September 26, 2014, to March 5, 2016. A low-voltage electrical harness connector by the front driver seat may be susceptible to water intrusion and corrosion. Corrosion may result in a loss of communication to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into and stay in neutral without warning the next time that the vehicle stops.
Risk
An unintended shift into neutral will prevent the vehicle from being moved. Additionally, if the driver turns off the engine, the driver will be unable to restart the engine. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the harness connector to under the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S24.

Recall number 16V202000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported November 25, 2015 · 16,106 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 17, 2015. The affected vehicles have an ignition switch that may have an intermittent loss of electrical contact.
Risk
An intermittent loss of contact can result in a vehicle stall and/or a partial or complete loss of the air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and/or instrument panel cluster. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch contact holder block, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R64.

Recall number 15V799000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ram Promaster fire or smoke

Which Ram Promaster years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2023 (4 complaints), 2017 (3 complaints) and 2014 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ram Promaster?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history