The 2021 RAM ProMaster City exhibits notable safety concerns, particularly with its seat belts and hydraulic brakes, which can significantly jeopardize the safety of all passengers, especially children. Given the peak failure mileage of 80,000-100,000 miles, this vehicle's reliability needs careful consideration as it approaches that range.
Key Factor:Serious safety defects present
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average RAM vehicle (0.4). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle0.4 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The identified defects in this vehicle highlight critical areas of concern for passenger safety. Specifically, the potential failure of seat belt retractors poses a grave risk for child passengers who rely on proper restraint systems to ensure their protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, issues with the hydraulic brakes could lead to reduced braking efficiency, increasing the risk of collisionsβan alarming prospect when family members are onboard. These are not just minor inconveniences; they pertain directly to life-threatening scenarios.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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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 (0.4)
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Summary: The year-over-year safety trend for the RAM ProMaster City raises significant alarm bells due to multiple recalls impacting crucial systems directly related to passenger safety. This situation is worse than expected; families relying on this vehicle should be particularly cautious given the implications for their loved ones in the event of a malfunction.
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
With average failures reported around 80,000 miles and extending up to 100,000 miles, current owners should maintain heightened vigilance as they approach this mileage marker. This is a pivotal time for inspections and preventative maintenance to safeguard against catastrophic failures in key safety components.
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).
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat Belts
Issue: Automatic locking retractors may deactivate early preventing child restraint systems from securing properly.
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Verify seat belt functionality immediately and consider consulting a dealer for possible repairs.
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Ensure thorough inspection of seat belts and request any recall repair documentation before purchasing.
Campaign:21V206000
2
Service Brakes
Issue: Potential loss of braking performance due to internal damage in ABS module.
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Have your braking system evaluated by a certified mechanic as soon as possible.
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Check service history specifically addressing brake system repairs or replacements before finalizing purchase.
Campaign:21V207000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 21V699000
SEAT BELTS
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Summary
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: 5,308
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
What are common issues with the 2021 RAM ProMaster City that impact family safety?
The most concerning issues with the 2021 RAM ProMaster City revolve around its seat belts and hydraulic brakes. Specifically, an early deactivation of automatic locking retractors can compromise child passenger safety by preventing proper harnessing. Additionally, potential failures within the anti-lock brake system could lead to diminished stopping power, posing serious risks during emergency situations.
How does peak failure mileage affect long-term reliability for families considering a RAM ProMaster City?
'Peak failure mileage' suggests that many problems tend to arise between 80k-100k milesβcritical years for families who need reliable vehicles. As these challenges may include vital components impacting passenger safety like brakes and seatbelts, potential buyers should carefully assess maintenance records and consider proactive inspections as they reach these mileage thresholds.
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§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
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified RAM service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in RAM's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.