The 2015 draws 1.87 complaints per run and the 2019 1, a 1.9-fold gap within the same model. Half of all complaints arrive by 3 years of age, so 54.1% land after the 3-year basic warranty ends. The system owners report most is Engine, with 30 complaints, typically at 3.7 years.
RAM Promaster City years to avoid — and the best ones
| Model year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Enough history? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | too new | |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | yes | |
| 2017 | 17 | 12 | yes | |
| 2016 | 27 | 20 | yes | |
| 2015 | 28 | 15 | yes |
Does the market discount it? In our listings a 2015 Promaster City asks a median $7,999, against $10,999 for a 2016, the next model year: about 27% less, so sellers do price some of the trouble in.
Among the 4 RAM Promaster City years with enough history, the three to walk away from are 2015, 2017, 2016; the three worth hunting are 2019, 2016, 2017.
When it starts to break
| Age at failure | Complaints | Running total | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 11.8% | covered | |
| 1 year | 25.9% | covered | |
| 2 years | 45.9% | covered | |
| 3 years | 57.6% | you pay | |
| 4 years | 70.6% | you pay | |
| 5 years | 77.6% | you pay | |
| 6 years | 82.4% | you pay | |
| 7 years | 89.4% | you pay | |
| 8 years | 95.3% | you pay | |
| 9 years | 96.5% | you pay | |
| 10 years | 98.8% | you pay | |
| 11 years | 100% | you pay |
Basic warranty on this car is 3 years / 36,000 miles. Only 45.9% of reported failures happen inside it — the remaining 54.1% come out of the owner's pocket. Powertrain cover (5 years / 60,000 miles) reaches further, but it only covers the engine and transmission, which account for about 62% of the complaints here.
What actually fails — and at what age
On the RAM Promaster City, the early trouble is Engine and Electrical System — reported at around 3.7 years, so a car still under warranty is the one to check for it.
| System | Complaints | Typical age | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.7 yrs | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 3.1 yrs | — | 1 | |
| Power Train | 3.3 yrs | 1 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | 3.3 yrs | — | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1.6 yrs | — | — | |
| Structure | 1.8 yrs | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2.3 yrs | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 yrs | — | — |
What else in this class
6 models share the Promaster City's vehicle class. Per production run, the Ford Transit draws 1.28, the Dodge Caravan 2.65 and the Ford Transit Connect 1.52, against 1.44 for the Promaster City.
| Same class as the Promaster City | Complaints on record | Recall campaigns | Years built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit | 193 | 2015–2026 | |
| Dodge Caravan | 208 | 1984–2008 | |
| Ford Transit Connect | 80 | 2010–2026 | |
| Nissan NV200 | 18 | 2013–2026 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Metris | 13 | 2016–2026 | |
| Dodge Ramcharger | 15 | 1981–1997 |
The table shows totals on record; the rates per production run are in the sentence above.
Good year or bad year — the VIN settles it.
- Check any VIN against complaints for its exact build year and plant
- Exact value for that car, adjusted for its mileage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
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Frequently asked questions
Is the RAM Promaster City reliable?
By complaints per production run it is better than typical: 1.44 against 3.73 for the average car, and in the middle of its class rivals.
Which Promaster City years should you avoid?
By complaints per production run, 2015, 2017, 2016. The cleanest years old enough to judge are 2019, 2016, 2017. Years newer than 6 are left out: complaints keep arriving for years after a car is sold.
When do Promaster City problems usually start?
Half of all complaints arrive by 3 years of age. The most reported system is Engine, typically at 3.7 years, followed by Electrical System.
Will the warranty cover Promaster City problems?
Mostly not: basic cover is 3 years / 36,000 miles, and only 45.9% of reported failures fall inside it. Powertrain cover lasts longer, but engine and transmission make up about 62% of the complaints here.
Is the Promaster City more reliable than the Ford Transit?
No: 1.44 complaints per production run for the Promaster City against 1.28 for the Ford Transit.
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