2016 Ram Promaster City Safety Report

2016 RAM ProMaster City: No crash test ratings, but 56 complaints with no reported injuries or deaths; multiple recalls and recurring powertrain issues.

56Complaints
4Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Engine (10)Power Train (7)Exterior Lighting (6)Unknown Or Other (5)Electrical System (4)Power Train,Electrical System (3)Power Train,Engine (2)Electrical System,Engine (1)Steering,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control (1)Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ram Promaster City

The 2016 RAM ProMaster City presents a mixed safety picture. While NHTSA has not conducted crash tests, resulting in no overall or specific crash test ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 56 complaints. Notably, there have been no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths associated with these complaints, which is a positive indicator. However, the vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, addressing issues ranging from fire extinguisher functionality to incorrect tire placard information and inoperative trailer brake lights. The most frequent complaints revolve around the ENGINE (10 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), with specific issues like transmission failures, timing chain problems, and unexpected stalling being reported. Several complaints detail multiple transmission replacements, indicating a potentially significant reliability concern in this area. The recall concerning 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE' for inoperative trailer brake lights aligns with some complaints about electrical system malfunctions, although specific brake light issues are not prominent in the general complaint data. The lack of crash test data makes it difficult to assess structural safety, but the absence of reported incidents involving injury or fatality from the 56 complaints is reassuring.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Ram Promaster City receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Ram Promaster City

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ram Promaster City:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure/Malfunction
Multiple reports of transmission failure, requiring replacement, sometimes multiple times. Issues include inability to shift gears, unexpected shifts to neutral, and complete failure while driving.
High Common 80000-100000+ miles
Engine Stalling/Timing Chain Failure
Reports of the engine stalling randomly, with one complaint specifically mentioning timing chain failure at 100,432 miles.
High Occasional 100000+ miles
Parking Brake Freezing/Sticking
Parking brake cable freezing in cold temperatures, preventing release and potentially causing damage to brake components.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Headlight Bulb Frequent Failure
Multiple complaints about headlight bulbs burning out frequently, sometimes every few months.
Low Common unknown miles
Oil Cooler Leaks
Reports of oil leaks at the oil cooler, requiring costly repairs.
Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ram Promaster City:

Engine 17% of complaints

Includes issues like stalling, timing chain failure, and oil leaks.

Power Train 12% of complaints

Primarily transmission failures, hard shifting, and unexpected shifts to neutral.

Exterior Lighting 10% of complaints

Frequent headlight bulb burnout and inoperative turn signals.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Issues with battery, ignition, and general electrical malfunctions.

Service Brakes 1% of complaints

ESC fault codes and parking brake issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ram Promaster City

Is the 2016 RAM ProMaster City safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 RAM ProMaster City has no official crash test ratings. While there are 56 complaints, none have resulted in reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, there have been 4 recalls addressing various safety-related issues, including inoperative trailer brake lights and incorrect tire placards. The most common complaints relate to powertrain and engine issues, which could pose safety risks if they lead to unexpected vehicle failure.

What are common problems with the 2016 RAM ProMaster City?

The most reported issues for the 2016 RAM ProMaster City are related to the ENGINE (10 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (7 complaints). Specific problems include transmission failures (some requiring multiple replacements), engine stalling due to timing chain issues, frequent headlight bulb burnouts, and parking brake freezing in cold weather. Oil cooler leaks have also been reported.

Has the 2016 RAM ProMaster City had any recalls?

Yes, the 2016 RAM ProMaster City has had 4 recalls. These include recalls for Kidde fire extinguishers, incorrect tire placard information, and two separate recalls for electrical system software issues that could lead to inoperative trailer brake lights.

Are there any known transmission issues with the 2016 RAM ProMaster City?

Yes, transmission issues are a significant concern for the 2016 RAM ProMaster City. Several complaints detail transmission failures, requiring replacement, sometimes multiple times. Issues include the transmission falling out while driving, inability to shift gears, and unexpected shifts into neutral.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 RAM ProMaster City?

When considering a used 2016 RAM ProMaster City, pay close attention to the vehicle's service history, especially regarding the transmission and engine. Inquire about any past transmission replacements or major engine repairs. Also, ensure all 4 recalls have been addressed by a certified dealer.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the recurring powertrain issues and multiple recalls, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine and transmission, and verify all recalls have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ram Promaster City

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ram Promaster City. The data includes 56 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.