Ram ProMaster City: Best and Worst Years Revealed

The Ram ProMaster City has become a popular choice for small businesses and van life enthusiasts since its introduction in 2015. However, like any vehicle, certain model years have proven more problematic than others. This guide will help you navigate which Ram ProMaster City years to avoid and why, based on extensive research and owner feedback.

Overview of Ram ProMaster City Issues by Model Year

Model Year	Major Issues	Recommendation
2015-2016	Transmission problems, oil consumption	Avoid
2017-2018	Improved reliability, some lingering issues	Exercise caution
2019-2020	Further refinements, fewer reported problems	Generally safe choices
2021-2022	New transmission, some early adopter issues	Potentially good options, but monitor for long-term reliability

2015-2016 Models: The Most Problematic Years

The inaugural years of the Ram ProMaster City are widely considered the most troublesome, with numerous owners reporting significant issues 12.

Transmission Problems: The 2015-2016 models are notorious for their transmission woes. Many owners have reported clunky shifting, especially at low speeds, and premature transmission failure. In some cases, transmissions have required replacement before reaching 100,000 miles 1.

Oil Consumption: Another major concern with these early models is excessive oil consumption. Some owners report burning through a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or less, which is far beyond what should be considered normal for a modern engine 2.

Electrical Issues: Various electrical problems have been reported, including issues with the UConnect infotainment system freezing or becoming unresponsive 4.

Given these significant and potentially costly issues, it's generally advisable to avoid the 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City models unless you're prepared for potential repairs and headaches.

2017-2018: Improved but Not Perfect

The 2017-2018 model years saw some improvements, but lingering issues still make these years somewhat risky 35.

Transmission Refinements: While not completely resolved, transmission issues were less prevalent in these model years. However, some owners still report clunky shifting and occasional transmission failures 5.

Continued Oil Consumption: Oil consumption problems persisted in some vehicles, though reports were less frequent than in earlier models 6.

Improved Reliability: Overall, these model years showed better reliability scores compared to their predecessors, but they still fall short of class leaders 3.

While these years are less problematic than the 2015-2016 models, potential buyers should still exercise caution and thoroughly inspect any 2017-2018 ProMaster City before purchase.

2019-2020: Further Refinements

The 2019-2020 model years saw further improvements in reliability and overall quality 7.

Fewer Transmission Complaints: Reports of transmission issues decreased significantly in these model years, suggesting that Ram had addressed many of the earlier problems 7.

Improved Build Quality: Owners generally report better overall build quality and fewer rattles and squeaks compared to earlier models 7.

Enhanced Features: These model years also saw the introduction of some new features and refinements that improved the overall driving experience 7.

While not perfect, the 2019-2020 Ram ProMaster City models are generally considered safe choices for those looking for a used vehicle in this category.

2021-2022: New Transmission, New Considerations

The most recent model years have seen some significant changes, including a new transmission 8.

New 9-Speed Transmission: Ram introduced a new 9-speed automatic transmission for the 2021 model year, replacing the previous 6-speed unit. While this promises improved efficiency and performance, it's too early to gauge long-term reliability 8.

Updated Technology: These newer models feature updated infotainment systems and safety features, addressing some of the tech-related complaints from earlier years 8.

Early Adopter Risks: As with any new technology, there's always a risk of unforeseen issues with the new transmission or other updated components 8.

The 2021-2022 models are potentially good options, but buyers should be aware that long-term reliability data is still limited for these newer vehicles with the updated transmission.

Common ProMaster City Issues Across All Years

Regardless of the model year, there are some common issues that potential Ram ProMaster City buyers should be aware of:

1. Squeaky Brakes: Many owners report noisy brakes, particularly in the rear 4.
2. Interior Quality: Some users find the interior materials and build quality to be subpar compared to competitors 15.
3. Visibility Issues: The van's design can create some blind spots, particularly for shorter drivers 5.
4. Fuel Economy: Real-world fuel economy often falls short of EPA estimates, especially in city driving 7.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

When considering a Ram ProMaster City, it's clear that the model year plays a significant role in potential reliability and satisfaction. While the 2015-2016 models should generally be avoided due to their numerous issues, later years show marked improvements.

For those looking at used ProMaster City vans, the 2019-2020 model years offer the best balance of refinement and proven reliability. The newer 2021-2022 models with the updated transmission are promising but lack long-term reliability data.

Regardless of the model year you're considering, it's crucial to:

1. Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic familiar with these vehicles.
2. Check for any open recalls or service bulletins.
3. Review the vehicle's maintenance history to ensure it has been well-cared for.
4. Test drive the vehicle extensively, paying close attention to transmission behavior and any unusual noises or vibrations.

By doing your due diligence and being aware of the potential issues associated with each model year, you can make an informed decision and hopefully avoid the most problematic Ram ProMaster City years.

FAQs

1. Which Ram ProMaster City years should I absolutely avoid?
   The 2015-2016 model years are generally considered the most problematic due to widespread transmission issues and excessive oil consumption.
2. What are the most common issues with the Ram ProMaster City?
   Transmission problems, oil consumption, and electrical issues are the most frequently reported problems, especially in earlier models.
3. Are newer Ram ProMaster City models more reliable?
   Yes, models from 2019 onwards have shown improved reliability, with fewer reported issues compared to earlier years.
4. What should I look for when buying a used Ram ProMaster City?
   Focus on the vehicle's maintenance history, test the transmission thoroughly, and check for any signs of excessive oil consumption or electrical issues.
5. Is the Ram ProMaster City a good choice for small businesses?
   It can be, especially newer models. However, potential buyers should weigh the vehicle's cargo capacity and fuel efficiency against its reliability history.