2016 Ram Promaster: Problems & Reliability
CAUTION2016 Ram ProMaster: CAUTION — 71 owner complaints, 1.2× the ProMaster median year by raw count; top issue: engine (23 complaints).
CarWhere's verdict score for the 2016 is 1.50, where 1.00 is a typical ProMaster year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60. Severity drives it: 65% of those complaints report a crash, fire or injury or involve a safety-critical system (engine, powertrain, steering, brakes or fuel).
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints (ODI), recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins, CarWhere verified buyer prices · Model years 2015–2026 compared · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
71
NHTSA complaints
1.2×
vs. median ProMaster year
363
Service bulletins
15
Recall campaigns
Most-reported 2016 Ram ProMaster problems
Engine is the clear leader, named in 32% of complaints.
| Component | Complaints | Share of 2016 complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 23 | 32% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 27% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 19 | 27% |
| Unknown or other | 10 | 14% |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 13% |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ram ProMaster recalls
15 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016, reported between Feb 10, 2016 and Oct 15, 2020.
| NHTSA campaign | Reported | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 20V582000 | Oct 15, 2020 | Powertrain / transmission › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift |
| 20V036000 | Jan 23, 2020 | Powertrain / transmission › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift |
| 19V818000 | Nov 15, 2019 | Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner |
| 19V333000 | Apr 29, 2019 | Seats |
| 19V313000 | Apr 18, 2019 | Seats |
| 19V229000 | Mar 22, 2019 | Seats |
| 19V332000 | Mar 1, 2019 | Seats |
| 17V824000 | Dec 21, 2017 | Equipment |
| 17V786000 | Dec 8, 2017 | Equipment |
| 17V273000 | Apr 25, 2017 | Equipment › Other › Labels |
| 16V461000 | Jun 24, 2016 | Powertrain / transmission › Automatic transmission |
| 16E039000 | Apr 28, 2016 | Electrical system › Software |
+3 more campaigns on the NHTSA record.
2016 Ram ProMaster service bulletins
The manufacturer has filed 363 technical service bulletins with NHTSA for the 2016 — more than the 231 of the median ProMaster year from 2015 to 2026. Coded bulletins most often cover powertrain / transmission (66), engine & cooling (61), electrical system (54). Bulletins are repair instructions for dealer technicians, not recalls.
The 2016 vs. the year before and after
From the 2015 to the 2016, owner complaints rose 16% (61 → 71) — a step backward. The 2017 that followed held roughly level (71 → 76).
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Bulletins | Recalls | Avg. buyer-paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 ProMaster | CAUTION | 61 | 394 | 13 | — |
| 2016 (this page) | CAUTION | 71 | 363 | 15 | — |
| 2017 ProMaster | TOO FEW REPORTS | 76 | 327 | 10 | — |
Prices are averages of CarWhere verified buyer transactions (shown when 3+ deals exist for the year). Full year-by-year table: Ram ProMaster years to avoid.
What to check on a used 2016 Ram ProMaster
Engine (23 complaints on the 2016): cold-start it yourself and listen for ticking or knocking; check for oil leaks, low coolant and a lit check-engine light, and ask for oil-change records.
Electrical system (19 complaints on the 2016): test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Powertrain / transmission (19 complaints on the 2016): test-drive from cold through every gear and feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
Exterior lighting (9 complaints on the 2016): check low and high beams, brake lights and turn signals, and look for condensation inside the housings.
Speed control / throttle (5 complaints on the 2016): check for surging, hesitation or a reduced-power warning, and test cruise control.
Recalls: confirm all 15 campaigns above were completed on this VIN.
Nearby ProMaster years with a better rating: 2018.
Know what to pay for the right 2016 Ram Promaster — then negotiate it
Years-to-avoid tells you which year. Search live listings to see the target price and what verified buyers actually paid for it.
- Verified buyer-paid target price for your exact make, model & trim
- DealDrive AI negotiator reads any dealer quote and writes your counteroffer
- Comparable real deals near you, from verified transactions
Found a 2016 Ram Promaster for sale? See what the seller isn't telling you.
The CarWhere Used Car Report checks salvage records, salvage-auction listings, stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail, and full market history for one VIN — $16.99, one time.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Ram ProMaster reliable?
2016 Ram ProMaster: CAUTION — 71 owner complaints, 1.2× the ProMaster median year by raw count; top issue: engine (23 complaints). CarWhere's verdict score for the 2016 is 1.50, where 1.00 is a typical ProMaster year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60.
What are the most common 2016 Ram ProMaster problems?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported areas on the 2016 Ram ProMaster are engine (23, 32%), electrical system (19, 27%), powertrain / transmission (19, 27%). The manufacturer has 363 service bulletins on file for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ram ProMaster have?
15 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016 Ram ProMaster, most recently 20V582000 (Oct 15, 2020, powertrain / transmission); 20V036000 (Jan 23, 2020, powertrain / transmission); 19V818000 (Nov 15, 2019, equipment). Recall completion is VIN-specific, so check the exact car.
How do I check a specific 2016 Ram Promaster before buying?
Decode the VIN free at carwhere.com/tools/vin-decoder to confirm the build, then run the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report for the exact VIN — recall, complaint, and service-bulletin record for this model year, the original window sticker where the manufacturer publishes one, and a market price check from verified buyers. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Sources & method
Complaint, recall and service-bulletin counts for the 2016 Ram ProMaster come from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation; the verdict is CarWhere’s severity-weighted, time-on-road-adjusted score compared with the model’s own median year. Complaints are owner allegations, not verified defects. Full methodology.