Recall 21V699 covers 10,372 2021 Ram Promaster and Promaster City vans with seat belt retractors that release child restraints. Free repair at franchised Ram dealers.
Ram is recalling 10,372 2021 Promaster and Promaster City vans because the seat belt automatic locking retractors can deactivate early, so a child restraint fails to secure properly. An unsecured child restraint increases injury risk in a crash, and Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The seat belt retractor in a 2021 Ram Promaster or Promaster City stores the belt webbing and controls how the belt locks. Its automatic locking retractor function is the setting used when installing a child restraint: you pull the belt out, let it retract, and the mechanism holds the belt tight so the child seat stays secured.
On affected vehicles, the retractor can have an out-of-specification automatic locking retractor lever inside the locking mechanism. That lever can release the automatic locking function earlier than intended while the belt is being tightened around a child restraint. If the lock releases, the belt no longer holds steady tension, and the child restraint is not secured the way the safety standard requires.
The warning sign is tied to child-seat installation. While securing a child seat, the belt can stop ratcheting or switch out of its locked mode before the seat is tight.
Who's affected?
Covers both Promaster and Promaster City vans, with seat belt retractor scope listed across front, rear, and general seat belt components.
| 2021 Ram Promaster | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ram Promaster | seat belt |
| 2021 Ram Promaster | seat belt |
| 2021 Ram Promaster City | seat belt |
| 2021 Ram Promaster City | seat belt |
| 2021 Ram Promaster City | seat belt |
| Units affected | 10,372 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific van.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 21V699, an unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. If the automatic locking retractor releases while you are installing a child seat, stop using that seating position for child restraint installation and schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ram Promaster or Promaster City is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free seat belt retractor inspection and replacement that fixes early retractor deactivation.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V699 and Ram recall Y61 when you call.
- Avoid installing a child restraint in an affected seat until the seat belt retractor is inspected or replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician inspects the seat belt automatic locking retractors and replaces any retractors that deactivate early or fail the recall inspection. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. FCA US has a reimbursement practice for owners who already paid to repair the same problem before the field action. To claim that expense, send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 29, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 29, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 29, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V699?
Recall 21V699 covers 10,372 2021 Ram Promaster and Promaster City vehicles with seat belt automatic locking retractors that can deactivate early. That defect can prevent a child restraint system from securing properly, increasing injury risk during a crash.
What should I do if my 2021 Ram Promaster or Promaster City is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 21V699. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the seat belt retractor inspection and replacement if needed. Reference recall number 21V699 or FCA recall Y61 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this safety defect at no cost, and Ram dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors if needed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V699?
The safety risk is an unsecured child restraint system during a crash. The seat belt automatic locking retractor can release too early, which can keep a child seat from staying properly secured and increase injury risk.
What if I bought my Ram Promaster or Promaster City used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Ram Promaster or Promaster City is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 21V699.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V699000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V699 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V699000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →