2017 Ram Promaster City

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

Class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Van, Wagon
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
Length
187.8 in
Curb weight
3,549–3,699 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2017 special purpose vehicle (20.8 MPG).

Watch out for

  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 Ram Promaster City is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 188 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,549 lb (Van).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 15% better than the 2017 special purpose vehicle average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2017

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Promaster City — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Promaster City →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Van187.8 in72 in74 in121.3 in59.4 / 60.2 in3,549 lb
Wagon187.8 in72 in74 in121.3 in59.4 / 60.2 in3,699 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Promaster City2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+15%$2,800374
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.8 MPG2017 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Ram Promaster City.

Similar 2017 special purpose vehicles

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Ram Promaster City (this car)24 MPGNot rated12
2017 Ford Transit Connect23 MPGNot rated6
2017 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated1
2017 Nissan NV200 NYC Taxi24 MPGNot rated0
2017 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Oct 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V582000 · 20 vehicles

Problem
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Paratransit vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Risk
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Prime-Time will notify owners instructing them to take their vehicles to Ram dealers for the necessary repairs, free of charge. Owners may contact Prime-Time customer service at 1-574-293-9191. Prime-Time's number for this recall is W00.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Jan 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V036000 · 222,207 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable may separate and disconnect from the transmission, causing the vehicle to not perform shifts intended by the driver and the gear shift lever position not matching the actual transmission gear.
Risk
The driver may be unaware of the actual gear position and unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ram Trucks at 1-866-726-4636. Chrysler's number for this recall is W00.
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Nov 15, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V818000 · 99,128 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel or 3.6L gasoline engines and air conditioning (A/C). The engine cooling fan may seize which can cause the cooling fan motor to overheat.
Risk
An overheated fan motor increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will inform owners, and dealers will replace the engine cooling fan module, free of charge. Interim owner notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 10, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB2.
Seats · Apr 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V333000 · 544 vehicles

Problem
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix
New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
Seats · Apr 18, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V313000 · 2,080 vehicles

Problem
Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix
MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
Seats · Mar 1, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V332000 · 90 vehicles

Problem
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Equipment · Dec 8, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V786000 · 550 vehicles

Problem
Midwest Automotive Designs, LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Custom Vans and Camper Van recreational vehicles built on 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and 2016-2017 RAM Promaster chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Midwest will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fire extinguisher with a different brand, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2017. Owners may contact Kidde customer service for their replacement extinguisher at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Sep 26, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V601000 · 11,288 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. These vehicles have incorrect information on the tire placard including incorrect vehicle capacity weight, total number of occupants, tire pressure and/or "None" designation for the spare tire size when a full size spare tire is present. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
The incorrect tire placard can cause the operator to exceed the vehicle's weight capacity, or inflate the tires to an incorrect pressure, affecting vehicle handling, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect tire placard with a corrected one, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T62.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 25, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V273000 · 113,896 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ram ProMaster vehicles. The sun visor, dashboard labels, and owner's manuals incorrectly state that the vehicles are equipped with frontal driver and passenger advanced air bags when they are not. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
The incorrect information may change how close the occupants position themselves to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the sun visor labels, the dashboard (hangtag) label, and the owner's manual and user guide information, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T24.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V953000 · 1 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling one model year 2017 RAM ProMaster City vehicle manufactured on November 5, 2016. This vehicle has side curtain air bags that may not inflate properly in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the side curtain air bags do not inflate properly, the vehicle occupants are at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler has notified the owner, and a dealer inspected the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S95.
Air Bags › Frontal · Dec 16, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V910000 · 25 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured October 1, 2016, to December 7, 2016. The seat mounted side air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
Risk
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat mounted side air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S96.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Ram Promaster City is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

76Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
37,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine27
Electrical System23
Power Train14
Exterior Lighting8
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes5
Visibility/Wiper5
Structure › Body3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/11: 220/12: 121/02: 421/03: 121/04: 121/07: 121/09: 121/11: 122/02: 222/06: 122/09: 123/02: 123/06: 424/02: 124/08: 224/09: 225/01: 125/02: 225/03: 325/05: 125/06: 125/12: 126/02: 126/05: 120/1121/0321/0922/0623/0624/0925/0325/12max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Ram Promaster City buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 27 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Ram Promaster City. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Promaster City years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated970
2021 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated10116
2020 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated743
2019 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated1065
2018 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated1254
2016 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated1558
2015 Promaster City24187.8 inNot rated1388

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →