This 2021 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 3 recalls affecting the seat belts system.
Key Factor:seat belts recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average RAM vehicle (0.9). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle0.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Crack
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.9)
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Summary:
Safety & Reliability Score
71/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-0.25
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 RAM Promaster City
Model Year2021
MakeRAM
ModelPromaster City
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
2 complaints (40% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 5 consumer complaints by severity level.
π‘Medium
1(20%)
π’Low
4(80%)
β Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 80k-100k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 80,000 miles.
π Mileage data extracted from 2 of 5 complaints (40% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
2 reports (100%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram ProMaster City and Ram ProMaster vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853- 1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y61.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V147000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
Consequence
The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V728000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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Summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y71.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Promaster City.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Promaster City performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 34,972
Consumer Complaints
5 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Promaster City.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Crack40%
Warning40%
Stall20%
Leak20%
Noise20%
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
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 chains and manufacturing. One I could have chalked up to bad luck. Two is just too much of a coincidence to believe that there isn't something wrong with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
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 chains and manufacturing. One I could have chalked up to bad luck. Two is just too much of a coincidence to believe that there isn't something wrong with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ENGINE
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 failure. Oil filter was properly installed, verified by independent repair facility. Leak was reproduced / verified by independant repair facility. No warning indicators for the issue.
Electricalπ΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster City. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V728000 (Exterior Lighting). He then called the dealer and was informed that there was an additional recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V699000 (Seat Belts) however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. He was informed that if he were to take possession of the vehicle, he would be held liable for any vehicle failure, including any recalls. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not serviced. The manufacturer was also notified of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Vehicle has been repaired. Dealer made arrangements for a loaner at no charge.
Otherπ΅ Low
EQUIPMENT
Two instances of rooftop tent opening without human interaction. Incident 1 // 9-17-21: Vehicle was parked and the front drivers side latch (attached photo) opened due to gusts of wind. Incident 2 // 9-19-21: When driving approximately 65 mph (cruise control) on Interstate 40 in Arizona, the front passenger side latch released and front passenger side of rooftop tent opened. I could not see that the tent opened while driving but noticed a change in wind noise and also steering control. I immediately pulled off the highway and observed that the front passenger side of the tent was open and about a 6 inch gap between the top and bottom halves of the tent was exposed. The center strap and drivers side latch were both still engaged. At the speed of travel it was possible for the tent to open completely which could have harmed my passengers or drivers of other vehicles on the road. I have seen numerous reports of this problem on the Roofnest Flock facebook group. The equipment is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There was no warning sign other than the product opening while parked. The product was purchased in May 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2021 RAM Promaster City?
Yes, the 2021 RAM Promaster City has 3 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SEAT BELTS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL.
Is the 2021 RAM Promaster City safe to drive?
The 2021 RAM Promaster City has 3 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 RAM Promaster City has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local RAM dealer.
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat belts
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm seat belts recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all seat belts recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V699000
2
Service brakes, hydraulic
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V147000
3
Exterior lighting
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm exterior lighting recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all exterior lighting recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V728000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.
π§What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 3 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your RAM dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.