2017 Ram Promaster City Safety Report

2017 RAM ProMaster City: Unrated for crash safety, notable engine and transmission complaints, and critical recalls, but no reported injuries or deaths.

75Complaints
3Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
Most reported components: Engine (13)Power Train (7)Electrical System (6)Electrical System,Engine (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine (3)Structure (3)Power Train,Engine (3)Power Train,Electrical System (3)Visibility/Wiper (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ram Promaster City

The 2017 RAM ProMaster City presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of complaints for a commercial vehicle and several critical recalls, but no reported injuries or deaths. NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for this model, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled collision scenarios. The vehicle has accumulated 75 total complaints, including 2 crashes and 4 fires, which is concerning. A significant pattern of engine-related issues, particularly excessive oil consumption and cooling system failures, is evident from the complaint data, with ENGINE being the top complaint component (13 complaints). Power train issues, including transmission failures, also feature prominently (7 complaints). The recall history includes three campaigns, addressing critical safety concerns such as potentially malfunctioning side curtain airbags, incorrect tire placard information that could lead to overloading or improper tire pressure, and defective fire extinguishers. The airbag recall, specifically for a single vehicle, highlights a manufacturing defect that could increase injury risk in a crash. The fire extinguisher recall, while not specific to the ProMaster City's core vehicle safety, is a broad safety concern for many FCA vehicles. The incorrect tire placard recall is particularly relevant for a commercial van, as exceeding weight capacity can severely impact handling and braking.

Reliability Score

The 2017 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 2017 Ram Promaster City

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ram Promaster City:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Oil Consumption/Engine Failure
Multiple complaints detail engines burning excessive oil, leading to piston failure, stalling, and requiring engine replacement. Some complaints mention an expired extended warranty for this issue.
High Common 90000-120000 miles
Transmission Failure
Reports of complete transmission failure, requiring replacement, sometimes occurring shortly after engine issues.
High Occasional 100000-120000 miles
Engine Cooling Fan Failure
Cooling fan failures leading to engine overheating, head gasket damage, and radiator issues. Some complaints indicate this occurred despite a recall repair.
High Occasional 25000-100000 miles
Vehicle Fires
Four complaints of vehicle fires, some occurring while driving or after parking, with flames reported from under the dash and engine compartment.
High Rare unknown miles
Incorrect Tire Placard Information
Recall for incorrect vehicle capacity weight and tire pressure information, potentially leading to overloading or improper tire inflation, affecting vehicle handling.
Medium Common N/A miles
Side Curtain Airbag Malfunction
Recall for side curtain airbags that may not inflate properly, increasing injury risk in a crash (affected one specific vehicle).
High Rare N/A miles
Windshield Cowl Water Intrusion
Poorly designed windshield cowl allowing water to pour directly into the cabin, creating dangerous driving conditions.
Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ram Promaster City:

Engine 17% of complaints

Frequent complaints about excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, cooling system failures (fans, thermostats), and overall engine reliability issues.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Reports of transmission failure, loss of power, and issues related to the drivetrain.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Various electrical issues, including radio malfunction, warning lights, and general system failures.

Exterior Lighting 5% of complaints

Complaints about frequent headlight bulb failures, requiring constant replacement.

Structure 4% of complaints

Issues such as water intrusion from the windshield cowl and general structural integrity concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ram Promaster City

Is the 2017 RAM ProMaster City safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 RAM ProMaster City has no official crash test ratings, making a definitive safety assessment difficult. It has 75 total complaints, including 2 crashes and 4 fires, but no reported injuries or deaths. There are 3 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags and tire placards, alongside numerous complaints about engine and power train reliability that could indirectly impact safety.

What are common problems with the 2017 RAM ProMaster City?

The most reported issues for the 2017 RAM ProMaster City are related to the ENGINE (13 complaints), including excessive oil consumption, cooling fan failures, and stalling. POWER TRAIN issues (7 complaints), such as transmission failures, are also common. Other significant problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (6 complaints) and frequent EXTERIOR LIGHTING failures (4 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2017 RAM ProMaster City?

Yes, the 2017 RAM ProMaster City has 3 recalls. These include a recall for potentially malfunctioning side curtain airbags (affecting one specific vehicle), incorrect information on the tire placard that could lead to overloading, and a recall for defective Kidde fire extinguishers.

Does the 2017 RAM ProMaster City have issues with oil consumption?

Yes, there are multiple complaints indicating that the 2017 RAM ProMaster City experiences significant issues with excessive oil consumption, often leading to engine damage or failure. Some owners report burning through 2 quarts every 1000 miles and mention an expired extended warranty related to this problem.

What is the reliability score for the 2017 RAM ProMaster City?

Given the 75 total complaints, including significant engine and transmission failures, 4 fires, and 3 recalls, the reliability score for the 2017 RAM ProMaster City is estimated to be 45 out of 100. This reflects a concerning pattern of mechanical issues and safety-related recalls.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the significant engine and transmission reliability concerns, including excessive oil consumption and cooling system failures, and verify all recall repairs have been completed. Due to the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and reports of vehicle fires, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ram Promaster City

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ram Promaster City. The data includes 75 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 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.