2021 RAM PROMASTER Engine Problems

The 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 I purchased from a dealer on 12/6/25 now has a serious safety defect. The transmission began grinding when shifting into Drive on 1/27/26. Immediately after, the vehicle started rolling backwards while fully in Park with the engine running. This indicates a failure of the parking pawl or internal gearset. The backup camera also does not function, there are coolant and power steering leaks, and the axle/wheel bearing is failing. The dealer claimed the van passed a “120-point inspection,” but it is clearly unsafe and unfit for operation. This defect poses a risk of rollaway injury, crash, and property damage.

The contact owned a 2021 Ram 3500 Promaster. The contact stated one of his employees was driving at 40 MPH, when a burning odor was emitted from the vehicle. Smoke was emitting from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. The driver exited the vehicle. The driver did not sustain any injuries. None of the air bags deployed. It was unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was consumed by the fire and destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The origin of the fire was the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

While driving on a straight highway, no wind, no weather, 65 mph, both hands on wheel, the van started revving and lost power. I pulled over with engine still running. There were no codes or warning light. I tried to drive again. It continued to rev and not get up to speed. I pulled over again and shut it down. I waited a few minutes and then started it. When pulling back on freeway it ran normal with no more issues for another 700 miles. I took it in to the Dodge dealer on 1-13-23 to have it checked. They couldn't find anything. I'm reporting this because it was a very scary and dangerous incident. I was lucky to have a place to pull over and not be in heavy traffic.