Recall 20V036 affects 222,207 2014-2019 Ram Promaster vehicles for a shifter cable that can disconnect. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 222,207 2014-2019 Promaster vans under recall 20V036 because the transmission shifter cable can separate and disconnect from the transmission. The shifter position can differ from the actual gear, which can allow unintended vehicle movement and increase crash risk; Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission shifter cable on 2014-2019 Ram Promaster vans is the link between the gear shift lever and the automatic transmission. When you move the lever into PARK, DRIVE, or REVERSE, the cable carries that movement to the transmission so the selected gear matches what the lever shows.
On affected vans, the cable was kinked during vehicle manufacturing. That damage can let the cable separate and disconnect from the transmission. Once it disconnects, moving the shift lever no longer reliably moves the transmission, so the lever position and the actual transmission gear no longer match.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the cable disconnects, the shift lever can feel much easier to move than usual, and the gear indicators show the actual transmission gear instead of the lever position. If the driver's door is opened while the transmission is not in PARK, the door-ajar warning is designed to show messages and sound a chime.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years, all tied to the automatic transmission shift linkage.
| 2014 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Ram Promaster | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 222,207 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2014-2019 Ram Promaster van is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the shifter cable disconnects, the shift lever position no longer tells you which gear the transmission is in. That mismatch can let the vehicle move unexpectedly and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before disconnection. If the lever suddenly feels too easy to move, check the gear indicator before exiting. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2019 Ram Promaster is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free transmission-shift-cable replacement that fixes the gear-position mismatch.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V036 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Keep your foot on the brake while shifting, and set the parking brake before leaving the van.
- Call Ram Trucks at 1-866-726-4636 with questions about recall number 20V036.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the transmission shift cable covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The new cable is meant to restore the connection between the gear shift lever and the transmission so the selected gear matches the driver's command. If you've already paid out of pocket for this related repair, Ram's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 13, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 26, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 26, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V036?
Recall 20V036 covers 222,207 2014-2019 Ram Promaster vehicles with 3.6L engines. The transmission shifter cable can separate from the transmission, so the shift lever position does not match the actual gear. Ram dealers will replace the transmission shift cable for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2019 Ram Promaster is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V036. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the transmission shift cable replacement. Reference recall number 20V036 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers will replace the transmission shift cable free of charge. The recall repair began May 26, 2020.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 20V036 is unintended vehicle movement. If the shifter cable separates, the driver can see a gear position that does not match the actual transmission gear. That can increase crash risk. Check your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your van is included.
What if I bought my Ram Promaster used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If you never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Promaster is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V036000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-866-726-4636 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V036 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V036000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →