When you’re looking for some serious power under the hood, you may want to look for a used vehicle that’s equipped with Dodge’s popular 5.7L V8 Hemi engine. Found on models including the Dodge RAM, Durango, and Challenger, this capable engine is ready to take your driving experience to new heights.
Still, what are some commonly reported Dodge 5.7 Hemi problems you should know about before you buy?
As with any engine, the 5.7L Hemi has had its share of issues over the years, many of which were never widespread enough to warrant formal recalls. Some of these problems include:
- Engine ticking
- Engine stalling
To save you time and hassle, we’ve outlined some of the most common Dodge 5.7 Hemi problems in detail for you below so you can get a better idea of what these issues entail and which models (like the Dodge RAM 1500) are most likely to be affected.
More about the Dodge 5.7L Hemi Engine
Dodge’s 5.7L V8 Hemi engine was introduced for the 2003 model year, making its debut on some Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup truck models. By 2004, the 5.7L Hemi was the only engine available on all RAM Heavy Duty models.
As the success and popularity of the 5.7L Hemi engine grew, Dodge began to expand its offerings beyond the Dodge RAM to include other models like the Durango, Magnum, Grand Cherokee, Charger, and Challenger.
By 2009, the 5.7L Hemi saw some revisions that included the introduction of a Variable Camshaft Timing system and increased cylinder head flow for improved performance.
Common Dodge 5.7 Hemi Problems
2011-2013 Dodge RAM 1500: Engine Ticking
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11321983, 11317189, 11321434
Multiple owners have complained about the 2011-2013 Dodge RAM exhibiting a mysterious “ticking” noise while in operation. You can learn more about the infamous Hemi engine tick in this YouTube video.
One 2011 RAM 1500 owner, for example, filed an NHTSA complaint in 2020 after noticing a ticking sound that was allegedly caused by broken manifold bolts in the engine itself.
Another 2011 RAM 1500 owner, Ryan V., wrote in a Vehicle History review in 2020 that the engine developed a ticking noise that the dealer diagnosed as a broken exhaust manifold. However, the problem reportedly continued even after making repairs.
2005 Dodge Magnum: Engine Stalls After Refueling
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11306440, 11279730, 11317172
Multiple 2005 Dodge Magnum owners have reported that the car’s 5.7L Hemi engine frequently stalls after refueling. One NHTSA report from February of 2020 maintains that this issue occurs every time the car receives a full tank of gas.
Another NHTSA complaint from March of 2020 mentions that the engine “quits running after startup following refueling, and several times thereafter.” The owner maintains that this is a safety hazard, as vehicle control is also lost when the engine stalls.
2008 Dodge RAM 1500: Engine Stalls After Refueling
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11217120, 11217894, 11308326
The 2008 Dodge RAM 1500’s 5.7L Hemi engine seems to suffer from the same issue after refueling. One owner reports in a 2019 NHTSA complaint that the engine “shuts off after every fill-up at the gas station.” This owner claims that the issue has occurred more times than he or she can remember.
Another 2019 NHTSA report explains that the vehicle stalls after refueling and that when it does, the vehicle loses power steering as well. This owner estimates that the problem occurs at “95+% of the fill-ups.”
2007 Dodge Durango: Engine Stalling
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 10864275, 11033251, 10764493
The 2007 Dodge Durango has also seen numerous complaints regarding its available Hemi engine, with many of these complaints being related to the engine itself stalling unexpectedly. When the engine stalls, it also loses power steering and braking, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Multiple reviews on Vehicle History also mention this issue. This includes a 2018 review by Korinna M., who claims that she has had to replace the engine on her 2007 Durango to keep it running. Another reviewer, Scott S., reported in 2020 that he has had issues with the power system and engine on his 2007 Durango.
