Ram ProMaster Lawsuit Claims Van Only Uses 7 Gears Despite Having A 9 Speed Transmission
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A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Stellantis over the transmission used in certain Ram ProMaster vans. The case argues that while the vans are advertised with a 9 speed automatic transmission, they may never actually use all nine gears in normal driving conditions.
The lawsuit focuses on 2022 and 2023 Ram ProMaster models and raises questions about whether buyers received the performance benefits they were promised.
Why Are Ram ProMaster Owners Suing Stellantis?
According to reports, Victor Gonzalez and Stuart Glick have filed a class action lawsuit against Stellantis. The lawsuit claims that the company marketed the 2022 and 2023 Ram ProMaster as having a 9 speed automatic transmission, but the transmission allegedly does not engage eighth and ninth gears during regular operation.
The lawsuit does not dispute that the transmission physically contains nine gear ratios. In fact, the 9 speed unit replaced the older 6 speed transmission that was used through the 2021 model year.
The main argument is that if the transmission never reaches its highest gears, owners are not receiving the real world benefits associated with a 9 speed gearbox.
What The Lawsuit Is Alleging
The complaint claims that the ProMaster is unable to access its highest two gears because of its performance characteristics and transmission programming.
According to the lawsuit:
- The transmission allegedly does not use eighth gear.
- The transmission allegedly does not use ninth gear.
- Buyers were promised lower engine RPM at highway speeds.
- The expected efficiency benefits may not occur if the highest gears are never engaged.
The lawsuit further claims that Stellantis knew or should have known about the issue but continued advertising the vans as having a 9 speed automatic transmission.
At the center of the case is the argument that while the transmission technically has nine gears, it may function more like a 7 speed transmission in everyday use.
Ram ProMaster Engine Specifications
All Ram ProMaster variants use Stellantis’ well known 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 engine.
2022 Ram ProMaster Power Output
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
The Pentastar V6 is used across multiple Stellantis vehicles. While it provides respectable power figures, the lawsuit suggests that moving a large commercial van may limit the transmission’s ability to reach its highest gears.
The Ford Transit Comparison
One interesting comparison comes from the Ford Transit.
A similarly sized Ford Transit equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5 litre V6 produces 275 horsepower and 262 lb ft of torque. That is very close to the ProMaster’s output.
The Transit uses a 10 speed automatic transmission. Drivers report that the van can access all ten gears under appropriate driving conditions, especially during highway cruising.
Even when towing, the transmission may still use its highest gear on flat roads, although Tow Haul mode naturally favors lower gears to improve pulling power.
This comparison is significant because it shows that a large commercial van with similar power can successfully utilize a transmission with a high number of gear ratios.
Could Transmission Programming Be The Real Issue?
The lawsuit has not yet been proven in court. However, some observers believe that if the claims are accurate, the issue may be related to transmission calibration rather than engine output alone.
Possible factors include:
- Transmission software programming
- Gear ratio spacing
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics
- Power delivery characteristics
Since the case is still ongoing, no final determination has been made regarding whether the ProMaster’s transmission operates as alleged.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit will move through the legal process where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence.
For now, Stellantis continues to list the Ram ProMaster with a 9 speed automatic transmission. The key question the court may eventually address is whether having nine available gear ratios is enough, or whether customers reasonably expected the transmission to actively use all nine gears in real world driving.
Until that question is answered, the debate over the ProMaster’s transmission remains unresolved.
Sources and References
- Ram ProMaster Official Website
Official Ram Trucks page covering ProMaster specifications, configurations, capability, and features. - Stellantis Official Website
Official corporate website of Stellantis, the parent company of Ram Trucks. - Ram Commercial Vehicles
Official Ram Commercial portal with information about ProMaster and other work vehicles. - Stellantis Pro One Fleet Solutions
Official Stellantis commercial vehicle and fleet solutions platform. - Car and Driver Ram ProMaster Review
Independent automotive review source with detailed ProMaster specifications and analysis. - Edmunds Ram ProMaster Review
Independent vehicle review and buying guide with ProMaster model information. - Ram ProMaster Build & Price Tool
Official Ram configurator showing available trims, options, and pricing.
