2023 RAM Promaster

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the day prior, the contact was aware of some unusual steering issues; however, the power steering feature was operational. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with water intrusion in the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the two wiring harnesses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Initial Diagnosis: We had the vehicle towed to a dealership for repair after losing steering while driving. The dealer's service department informed us that the issue was caused by water and corrosion in the electric power steering rack. They also indicated that this is a known issue, suggesting that the wiring harness seals are failing and allowing water to damage the system. Video the dealership sent us of the issue can be seen at [XXX] Repair Timeline: On July 30, 2025 I was informed that the replacement part for the steering rack was on backorder for approximately 45 days. After waiting 56 days, I contacted the dealer again on September 25. They informed me that they were unable to get the part. The dealer stated they could not locate the part even after contacting other dealerships, suggesting a widespread shortage. The reason given was a high volume of similar repairs. Requested Action: I am reporting this to the NHTSA because the sudden loss of steering is a severe safety defect. The widespread parts shortage suggests this is a common failure. The manufacturer needs to address this issue and provide a remedy to prevent accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My company issued 2023 Ram Promaster has an issue with the cab filling up with raw gas fumes during hot weather. They are very over bearing, make breathing difficult and of course they are flammable. I've taken it to the dealership 4 times now over the past year. The first 3 times they've said they can't replicate it and they don't smell anything. One dealership did try replacing the evap canister and fuel tank pressure sensor but this did not fix the issue. Eventually I determined the source of the fumes myself. They are back flowing from the leak detection pump filter and I even have this on video. The 4th time I took the van back, showed them the video and raised a fuss so they gave me a brand new 2025 to borrow while they try to fix my work van. Well sure enough I have caught the 2025 loaner doing the same thing and I also have it on video and have a witness. This leads to me to believe this is a factory design flaw with the Ram Promaster vans. They are supposedly submitting this to their engineering department but I do not want this getting swept under the rug. If you look up emissions recall UB4 it appears they have had this issue for years but never truly fixed it. The manufacturer is getting away with putting dangerous vehicles on the road and not properly resolving the issue.

The contact owns a 2023 Ram ProMaster 1500 used as a company vehicle. The contact stated that on various occasions, employees reported that while driving at various speeds, the power steering remained intermittently disabled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

The oil pan for the van was damaged due to debris picked up on the road resulting in a hole, which in turn drained the engine oil and jammed the engine preventing from operation. The lack of protection to the oil pan which is exposed, caused the debris to damage the oil pan. Ford Transit vans have a protection under the oil pan which prevents such incidents to occur. The vehicle was repaired for $10,172 by budget as this was a rental van. Attached are the documents pertaining to this repair. Installing some sort of protection beneath the oil pan would have saved several thousands of dollars. This is the third occurance in our fleet and other two VINs have been reported already to NHTSA.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s Collision Avoidance / Automatic Emergency Braking engaged on highway. The van is available for inspection at anytime.  How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes  Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership was unable to duplicate issue on a test drive, but an independent service center (Safelite Auto Glass) detected a fault code (C14A5-92) related to Lane Departure and Automatic Emergency Braking.  Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not at this time  Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The “Collision Avoidance OFF” and “ESC” lights illuminated when the Automatic Emergency Braking engaged while vehicle slid into an adjoining lane on the interstate.

The vehicle was rented for delivery services and the oil panel underneath was damaged on the road and as a result a big hole where the metal was broken off. This has caused all the oil to drain and in turn the engine was jammed. There was no indication to the driver until the engine lights came on after the engine stoped and couldn't be driven. The oil pan material has been so fragile nor there were any protection below the pan to prevent any debris picked on the road. The vehichle was inspected by Budget and a Repair Shop and have determined the cause of engine failure is due to the Oil Panel.

while turning a corner the power steering module shorted out the power steering rack gear assembly causing the vehicle to have control of the steering and unable to turn the wheel almost colliding with other vehicles. the power steering module light comes on along with the hill start assist, the forward collision warning, the ESM lights all come on. The steering wheel does not turn and had to tow to the dealership , the dealership informs me that there are two others in the shop for the exact same issue. The power steering module wiring harness gets moisture on the connections and causes the power steering rack gear to short out . this could lead to horrible accidents if the driver of the vehicle can not turn and control the vehicle