RamProMaster City2021Overview/ram/promaster-city/2021/base/

2021 Ram ProMaster City

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 ProMaster City.

Transmission Automatic 9-spd

The 2021 Ram ProMaster City is a compact cargo van that pairs its 5.5‑quart capacity for 0W‑20 engine oil with a smooth‑shifting 9‑speed automatic transmission, delivering an EPA‑rated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and a combined 24 mpg. Its modest drivetrain footprint is reflected in a low total of five owner complaints for the model year, with the engine identified as the sole recurring issue and three recalls noted across the line. When placed in the broader 2015‑2022 complaint record, the 2021 iteration follows a trend toward greater dependability, sitting just above the 2018 low of a single complaint and well below the 2015 peak of 87. This positions the 2021 ProMaster City as one of the more reliable recent offerings in the model’s history.

Model year202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torqueAluminum: 13.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 64.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy21/28/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage. battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage.OEM · verified
Tire size215/55R16/XL 97HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE
Engine air filter68247339AA
Spark plugSP148183AD
Front wiper blades68266636AA alt 68266321AA
Serpentine belt05281238AA
Thermostat05047264AB alt 05047861AD
Cabin air filter68535617AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 9-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length187.8 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height74 in
Wheelbase121.3 in
Curb weight3549 lb
Track (front / rear)59.4 / 60.2 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined21 / 28 / 24 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to Aluminum: 13.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 64.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.35 qt
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine Coolant Capacity7.2 qt
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Power Steering FluidPentosin CHF 11S PSF

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)3.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)37.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)21.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pan to Block BoltsM6 Bolts; 7.14 ft-lbs, M8 Bolts: 17.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug20.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug NutsAluminum: 13.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 64.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain PlugDrain: 26.0 ft-lbs, Fill: 17.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug TypeREC10WMPB4
Spark Plug Gap0.047 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-8
Oil Capacity4.0 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Engine Compression170.0-225.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure4.0 minimum psi @ Curb idle speed. psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM25.0-80.0 psi @ 3,000 rpm's rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 20.0 ft-lbs, Rear: NS
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 77.0 ft-lbs, Rear: NS
ABS Sensor Torque6.9
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.0039", Rear: NS
Maximum Rotor Runout.0008" Measured on vehicle.

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Inspection Procedure (Lower) — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Place safety floor stands as far out as possible under both lower control arms. Step 3: The vehicle can now be lowered onto the floor stands supporting as much weight as possible. Step 4: Aluminum control arms need to have a wood block or similar placed between the floor stand and the control arm. Step 5: Use a dial indicator mounted to the top side of lower control arm with plunger against bottom surface of steering knuckle. Step 6: Zero dial indicator making sure it is perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle. Step 7: Place pry bar under tire assembly and pry upward on the assembly. Step 8: Replace lower ball joint if there is any free play noted.
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.143.66 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 65°7.14 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 92°15 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 12.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 158-162° tighten without a torque wrench for this step.7 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: Do not use a torque wrench: 45°11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Ram ProMaster City sits near the tail end of a generation that experienced a dramatic quality trajectory shift. From 2015–2017, this model suffered 56–87 annual complaints, 12–16 recalls per year, and 368–483 TSBs annually; then from 2018 onward, complaints collapsed to 1–5 per year with zero investigations across the entire period. The 2021 model records 5 complaints, 3 recalls, and 62 TSBs—complaints remain suppressed in line with the post-2017 trend, though the 3 recalls are the highest single-year recall count since 2016 (16) and warrant attention. Top complaint areas for 2021 are engine-related (3 of 5 complaints), with one each for exterior lighting/seat belts and equipment, and notably zero crash or fire complaints. Comparing to 2022 (2 complaints, 0 recalls, 9 TSBs), the 2021 data shows slightly elevated activity but remains fundamentally in the improved operational phase of the generation. The takeaway: 2021 represents a year that inherited the resolved major issues of 2015–2017 while maintaining the low complaint rates of the post-2018 era, though the 3 recalls should be confirmed as addressed before purchase—making it a comparatively favorable candidate within this generation.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
62
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
5
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 5 complaints on record, top 3 components.

Engine3
Exterior Lighting,Seat Belts1
Equipment1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V699000Seat BeltsReported 09/09/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram ProMaster City and Ram ProMaster vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing… Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC…

21V147000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 09/03/2021

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 62 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S25080001022025-11-07Electrical SystemIntermittent Uconnect Box Requires Service Message. TBM Setting Stored Or Pending DTCs…
21-040-252025-10-02Power Train948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a…
23-008-25 REV. A2025-09-18StructureExterior Front Lamps Condensation Clearing Procedure *Some customers may report that on…
02-002-25 REV. A2025-09-12SuspensionShock And Strut Diagnosis And Replacement Guidelines Leaking, noisy, or weak shocks or…
02-002-252025-05-21Suspension"Shock And Strut Diagnosis And Replacement Guidelines Leaking, noisy, or weak shocks or…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific ProMaster City. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 ProMaster City take?

5.5 qt of Mopar 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 ProMaster City have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the ProMaster City get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined mpg.