Ram Promaster won't shift problems

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · OR

While driving the dash screen show a caution with a note that vehicle is in "Limp Mode" as I was on a freeway this became a huge problem putting my life at risk and for others moving at the speed of traffic then suddenly having to decelerate in order to move around me. This problem has been reported to the dealership and confirmed that this is a common issue, there was no warning ahead of time.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TN

On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 at highway speed in Florida, the van suddenly lost all power and came to a near stop, then re-engaged. Vehicles were in front and behind me, creating an immediate risk of serious collision, injury, or death. I pulled over ~30 minutes, restarted, but it could not exceed 20 mph while RPMs were high. AutoZone confirmed limp mode and advised a dealer. I drove it home to Port Charlotte, then had it towed to Gettel Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Punta Gorda, FL, where after two weeks it was diagnosed with a failed transmission requiring replacement. The transmission can be inspected at the dealership. No warning lamps appeared before failure. Problem confirmed by AutoZone and the dealer. I contacted Stellantis (Case #[XXXX], contact Regina Knox; dealership contact Noel), but repair assistance was denied. The van also has two active recalls, including risk of rolling out of park, unremedied. This transmission failure constitutes a serious and imminent safety defect, creating a hazard to myself and the public. I request the federal safety agency investigate this defect, compel Stellantis to repair it at their cost, and consider any further regulatory action necessary to prevent injury or death. Vehicle info: 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500, 130,000 miles, VIN [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · 150,000 miles · NY

The contact's boyfriend owns a 2015 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver continued driving, and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced under an unknown recall; however, soon after the vehicle was repaired, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and serviced a second time under the same recall. Recently, the contact stated the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer for several months before the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced. The contact was advised to retrieve the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2015 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 MPH, the DEF warning light was illuminated. The contact added DEF fluid to the tank and continued driving; however, a message indicating that the vehicle was in countdown mode or LIMP mode was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer had informed the contact that the cause of the failure could not be determined after performing several tests. The vehicle remained stuck in LIMP mode and had remained at the dealer unrepaired for two months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested an engineer's assistance in diagnosing the vehicle. A case was filed, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was essential to get to several doctors' appointments after he had undergone surgeries. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

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 Aug 29, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 61,600 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2014 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that water was leaking from the roof into the cabin of the vehicle and engine compartment, causing several electrical failures. The contact stated that the vehicle would only drive in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil pressure sensor, transmission sensor, torque converter pressure sensor, and hydraulic pressure sensors were faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 61,600.

Filed Apr 15, 2024 · Transmission · MA

The Transmission in these vehicles have been known to fail. This is just one of 38 in our fleet. Currently there are 8 of these vehicles at dealerships with transmission problem. We also have 4 more now that have to wait for dealerships to have room for them. Between the 2 dealerships within 6 miles of our business headquarters, they currently have almost 70 ProMasters with transmission problems and can only fix one at a time due to lack of parts. Some wont shift out of first, some wont shift into drive at all, and only work in reverse. The danger comes from not being able to shift while on busy roadways. leaving drivers stranded sometimes many miles from our fleet people that can help them get back to headquarters. If this is not the proper agency to report this to, then may we kindly request being pointed in the proper direction

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2017, 119,000 miles. 8/9/18: maintenance transmission service at 62,651 miles. 6/4/20 Recall WOO shifter cable replaced. 11/11/21 AGM Interstate battery MTX-49 replaced. ISSUE: End of May 2022 (~117,000 miles) had driven from Florida & back 2x without any problems but was slowing down by taking my foot off the gas for exit ramp - the engine started roaring louder & the vehicle apparently had shifted to ?neutral - pulled off the road & shifted to P & then to D & drove on home without any further problem. That was #1 occurrence & I took it to a transmission shop in July (had not had the problem again) to see what they thought. They did road test, fluid check & scan of control modules for trouble codes/errors & analyzed data stream for inconsistencies - found no error codes or inconsistencies. Incidentally, have been having some type of parasitic draw on my new battery for the past year. Occurrence #2: almost a year later April 2023 I am driving up to 55 mph running errands & I slow down to 45 mph & the engine starts to roar & the van is coasting & the light up area of P-R-N-D backlight is not lit up that is normally lit up & no check codes/warnings have appeared - everything else including front drivers light panel all normally lit. I pull off into a parking lot, put in park, turn it off, then turn back on (still with unlit gear display) & I put in drive & it runs normally around the parking lot & the remaining way home.I have driven it locally for 40-60 miles each time with intermittent stops for about 4-5 times since then & can’t replicate the problem again. Incidentally still parasitic draw on battery. 1) could replaced shifter cable be a problem? 2) fuse #38 problem causing loss of power to solenoids? 3) transmission range sensor failing causing it to fall out of gear? 4) transmission control module problem? 5) solenoid problem? 6) worn/broken transmission bands? 7) worn out gears? - some cause putting into “limp mode”? This is dangerous situation?

Filed Apr 14, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Vehicle Electronic throttle control had a malfunction and system went into limp mode on a highway at highway speeds of 70mph. The engine destroyed itself instead of limping. Lost power and almost got hit by a semi truck and other vehicles when this happened. Ended up getting a used engine due to current remanufacture costs etc. Total cost out of pocket because the dealership lied about my warranty and what was covered and for how long was around $7,000 parts lanor etc. Limp mode is dangerous and the way it happened on a highway could have gotten me or others seriously hurt or killed. Also now there is an electrical error code P0482 which is electronic coller fan issue other rams are having. All vehices in this series that have the recalled fan should be included the 2018 has issues but no recalls but has the same components of other recalls.. doesn't make sense.

Filed Dec 2, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

Several incidents when accelerating, the engine goes into a limp mode, followed by indicator lights coming on P0401, P0299, P226C. The vehicle will not accelerate and travels at a max speed of about 5mph. This has happened in traffic every time and has put me and my family, as well as other vehicles, at extreme risk of being in an accident, not being able to accelerate out of the way of oncoming traffic. After several cycles of turning the vehicle off and on, it returns to normal function. The vehicle has been inspected at a Dodge Service station. They determined that the Turbo diesel system is malfunctioning and needs repair. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.