Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Ram ProMaster Reliability Report
The 2020 Ram Promaster rates good for reliability, but it trails other 2020 trucks, and transmission trouble is the main owner complaint.
Recalls
7
Complaints
34
Complaint Rate
6.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$858
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mid-pack among Promaster years, with fewer complaints and recalls than 2019 and 2021, but transmission and electrical faults still draw owner reports.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 8 in the First generation (2013-2022) (2013–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation ProMaster (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2013: First generation (2013-2022) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Ram ProMaster?
Good reliability, but below average among 2020 trucks, makes this a reasonable van rather than a top pick. It sits in the middle of the nine scored Promaster years. Both neighbors rate worse: 2019 and 2021 are mixed, with 60 and 98 complaints against 34 here.
Transmission trouble leads the complaints. Owners report no engagement in Drive until the gas is pressed, hard thumps on upshifts, and sudden downshifts at speed with no warning light. Replacement transmissions can take months to arrive and do not always cure the problem. Electrical reports are more serious. One fuse box kept melting, and the van later caught fire while being driven. Federal records list 7 recalls, including power train, brakes, air bags, and engine cooling.
Check the VIN for open recalls, especially power train and engine cooling, where owners say parts were slow to arrive. Ask for transmission and fuse box repair records.
Compared to the 2021 Ram ProMaster, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2019 Ram ProMaster for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Truck
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 34 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission trouble dominates (6 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Most of these reports involve the rearview camera (6 complaints)
Compare 2020 Ram ProMaster With
2020 Toyota Tundra
Reliability: 74/100
2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Reliability: 67/100
2020 Ford F-150
Reliability: 67/100
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Reliability: 63/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2020 Ram ProMaster has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.9
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Ram ProMaster Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ram ProMaster. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y71.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
Consequence
The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Buying a used 2020 Ram ProMaster? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Ram ProMaster, and 7 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Ram ProMaster NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Ram ProMasterRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$858
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2020 Ram ProMaster Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drive Axle Assembly Drain & Refill | $173 – $201 |
| MAP Sensor Replacement | $87 – $146 |
| Transmission Position Sensor Replacement | $540 – $752 |
| Dashboard Replacement | $2,441 – $2,869 |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Diagnosis | $118 – $173 |
| Brake Vacuum Pump Replacement | $448 – $483 |
| Power Steering System Leak Inspection | $61 – $90 |
| Yaw Sensor Replacement | $199 – $239 |
| Headlamp Control Module Replacement | $892 – $1,018 |
| Brake Caliper Replacement | $753 – $822 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
24 MPG
Running cost: $3,350/yr
Fuel + repair
21 city / 28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promaster City 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Ram ProMaster.
Shift from Park into Drive and Reverse at a stop; reject delayed engagement or a hard thump into gear.
Drive in traffic and lift off the accelerator; watch for abrupt, unwanted downshifts or jerking.
Run the VIN for open recalls and ask the dealer whether repair parts are actually in stock.
Reverse several times and confirm the camera never goes black, white, pixelated, inverted, or mirrored.
After shutdown, listen for a cooling fan that keeps running, and inspect the fuse box for melting.
Test every power window switch in both directions and confirm each moves the way it is pressed.
Pull every second-row seat belt fully out and confirm LATCH anchors are present for child seats.
Turn the steering to full lock each way and confirm the wheel returns toward center on its own.
2020 Ram ProMaster Common Problems by Component
34 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsMost of these reports involve the rearview camera. It shows a blank screen or an inverted image, or it works only some of the time. Owners say rear visibility is already poor, so backing up becomes risky. One owner says a recall remedy for the camera is still unavailable. Other reports describe an overheating engine destroyed after a fan module failure, an awning that deployed while the van was moving, and hands-free Bluetooth that keeps dropping. The dealer called that last one normal operation.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsTransmission trouble dominates. Reported symptoms include no engagement in Drive until the gas is pressed, hard thumps on each upshift, and sudden downshifts at speed with no warning light. Some vans downshift every time the driver lifts off the accelerator, and in snow this engine braking breaks traction. One report blames debris for clogging the internal pump and seizing the transmission. Several filings center on a recall campaign: parts not yet available, or a dealer declining to replace the transmission under it. Replacement transmissions can take months to arrive and do not always cure the problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsFire is the most serious report here. A fuse box keeps melting despite repeated dealer visits, and the van later caught fire while being driven. A driver's window switch rose when pressed down and trapped a driver's head. The backup camera flips its image or cuts out. The radio unit also runs navigation, the camera, and telematics, and it fails intermittently while driving. One report says the problem returned after the unit was replaced. Owners describe these failures as having no lasting fix.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsA cooling fan that keeps running after the van is parked and switched off is the core cooling complaint. Dealers have traced it to a failed wiring harness, fuse box, and modules, and the problem can return after repair. Owners say parts for related open recalls were not yet available. Other filings here describe transmission failure, with jerking, unexpected downshifts, a check engine light, and no reverse. One van sat at the dealer for over a year and a half waiting on parts. Rear camera images that turn pixelated or white also appear.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsA steering wheel that will not return to center after a full turn left or right is the steering-specific complaint. The driver has to turn it back by hand, and the dealer calls this normal operation. Most of the text in these filings concerns the transmission instead. Reports describe a van out of service for more than a year for transmission damage, then a repeat transmission failure five days after pickup. Another cites an undisclosed prior accident found after purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsThe rearview camera displays a black screen or an inverted, mirrored image while reversing. Both reports involve notices for an open recall campaign whose repair part was not yet available, and owners say the wait has gone on far too long. Neither van had been diagnosed or repaired. One failure occurred at about 110,000 miles. Losing the rear view raises the risk of hitting people or objects while backing.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSecond-row seat belts stay locked and will not pull out, which leaves those seats with no usable restraint. A separate report says a seat is missing the LATCH anchors needed to install a child car seat. With only two filings, no broader pattern or mileage trend is visible, but both problems directly affect passenger protection in a crash.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated that after experiencing a flat tire, it was discovered that the spare tire could not be removed or released from the spare tire mounting section of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who cut the tire storage section of the vehicle in order to remove the spare tire. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 10,000.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintWe were driving on I -75 near mm 224 when we felt the van kind of wobble then heard a noise like we dropped something. We pulled over, all four tires were inflated, so we looked under each tire, we noticed the tread was missing. We drove slowly about 5 miles, to the nearest tire shop, which was Devito’s Auto Repair 2420 US Hwy 301 in Ellenton, FL, who switched out our tire and recommended we change out the remaining three when we get home, as these tire are known to separate tread.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving about 70 mph there was a thumping noise originating from the rear passenger side. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and inspected. On another occasion when the vehicle was reversing a crunching sound was heard emanating from the rear passenger side. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the emergency brake was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,940.
Best & Worst Ram ProMaster Years
Best Ram ProMaster Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreRam ProMaster Years to Avoid
No Ram ProMaster years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 58 and 68 across 9 scored model years.
Ram ProMaster Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 65/100 | Good |
Ram ProMaster Reliability Compared to Other Years
2020 Ram ProMaster Common Questions
10 questions from 2020 Ram ProMaster owners.
My windows don’t work
I’m having a problem with my rear windows and they won’t go down I was told to fix replace the main power switch and I did that and my rears don’t work I also noticed that my passenger window doesn’t go down unless the driver rolls it down with their switch More than a year
Ram 3500 will not start
When trying to start the truck the starter clicks once but will not turnover. Any idea what to check. Started today
Vibration and droning sound in vehicle while driving
The issues are at an rpm at 1050 at any speed keeping it steady in this exact range. If you go slower it will drop a gear and is fine. If you go above this rpm in this gear it goes away. They changed the transmission valve body and updated software. This didn't fix the problem. What it did do is raise the idle rpm from 500 to 550 and lowered the warmup rpm, which was much higher. I've been on 2 tech rides 1 to show him the issues that he could not duplicate, then he drove and replicated issues. Another issue l brought it in for was the clunking when slowing down to a stop. It seems fixed for now only the clunking issue. Now 1/7/2026 they are telling me that the vehicle is within normal operating conditions. I have less than 7800 miles on a brand new 2023 Ram 1500 mild hybrid. What would correct this problem would be for the transmission computer to drop to a lower gear just above the 1050 rpm to avoid lugging the engine. More than a year
ram1500 tradesnan
lost keyffob how canI i start truck
coolant consumption
2025 Ram 1500 3.6 E torque motor, new 9 moths old 5000 miles burned through 3 gallons of coolant so far, no leaks was pressure tested with negative results, also the first cold start of the day 32 degrees and lower I have a loud screaming squeal from my motor for about 15 seconds, not the belts they have been tested. this new truck has spent a total of two weeks in the dealer shop and I'm frustrated and angry with this situation. the dealer said (we don't know what's wrong) wait for the recall. More than a year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Ram Promaster reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram Promaster?
Does the 2020 Ram Promaster have transmission problems?
Has the 2020 Ram Promaster been recalled?
Is the 2020 Ram Promaster better than the 2019 or 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 Ram ProMaster without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Ram ProMaster
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Ram ProMaster does best on how many systems draw complaints (84/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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