5.7 Dodge Engine Problems – Is This Engine A Good Purchase?
August 7, 2022Are you planning to purchase a Dodge product with the 5.7 HEMI engine? And you want to learn more about the 5.7 Dodge engine problems? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic where we are going to learn everything about this specific engine.
Doing a proper research before you decide to spend all your money on a car is the right thing to do. You need to be properly informed about the engine’s specs. And make sure that it meets your demands. Or else, you will feel no use for this vehicle since it will not perform as you wanted to.
Another aspect of why you need to be properly informed is the problems that an engine could have. Some engines are really problematic and have a ton of issues. So, getting an engine like this will be no benefit for either. So, this is why a deep investigation into the matter is key if you want to get something really reliable for yourself as a future daily driver. That’s why we are here to help you out with that.
First, we are going to learn what is the 5.7 Dodge HEMI engine and learn more about its history. Then we will take a look at the applications in which this engine was included as well as the specs with which this engine comes. After that, we will move on and cover the 5.7 Dodge engine problems. So, you get better informed about it and learn what to expect. So, let’s dive into it.
What Is The 5.7 Dodge HEMI Engine? – 5.7 Dodge Engine Problems
Now let’s take a look at the basis of the HEMI engine and what HEMI really is. This will be a really good chapter for you to familiarize yourself with the HEMI engine before we dive into more complex stuff like the 5.7 Dodge engine problems. So, what a HEMI really is?
Well, HEMI engines are a series of engines produced by Chrysler. These engines were firstly introduced in 1951. And they instantly became a big hit. They were included in both Chrysler and Dodge products, as well as in Plymouth models.
What was characteristic about these engines were the hemispherical combustion chambers they had. This is how they got that HEMI nickname that still stands to this day.
Since then, three generations of these engines were introduced. The second generation is the most popular for the famous 426 HEMI which was a racing engine that won many awards and races on the track.
So, Chrysler wanted to create a small HEMI revival in the early 2000s by introducing the third generation of the HEMI design. So, they introduced the 5.7 HEMI and 6.1 HEMI engines in 2003 and 2005 respectively.
These new engines similarly to their predecessors have the same design but the displacement is rather different as you can tell. The 5.7 was the smallest and most popular engine that brought a ton of freshness into the engine market in the US at the time. And believe it or not, these engines are still in production. But what are the 5.7 Dodge engine problems? More on that we will cover in a bit.
5.7 Dodge Applications
Since we familiarized ourselves with the 5.7 Dodge engine and learned about the history of the HEMI, we think that now it is time to cover more about the applications in which this engine is included. This will be really useful for the ones who want to get a car with the 5.7 and want to learn the 5.7 Dodge engine problems. So, if you are one of them, follow along.
The main platform in which the 5.7 has seen its use is the RAM pickup truck. More precisely the RAM 1500 the entry model in the pickup lineup.
Also, this model is used on a ton of Jeep products. Namely, The Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Commander, and the newly built Jeep Wagoneer since 2022.
In addition to this, the engine is also used in Chrysler and Dodge products as well. It is included in the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Aspen. Also, in the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, and Dodge Magnum.
Overall, these are the applications of this engine. In most of them, the engine is still included as of 2022. And will be included in the near future, that’s for certain.
As you can see, there are a handful of applications for this engine. And this means that the engine is heavily supported with parts. You can find a part for this engine anywhere and anytime. There are thousands of these engines on the roads in the US. But what about the 5.7 Dodge engine problems? Well, more on that we are going to cover in a bit after we learn about the specs that this engine comes in.
5.7 HEMI Specs
Since we familiarized ourselves with the HEMI and learned the basics of the 5.7. We think that now it is time to cover some of the 5.7 HEMI specs before we dive into the 5.7 Dodge engine problems. Knowing the specs is always a good thing.
Nevertheless, the 5.7 as you probably know is a V8 engine that has 5,654cc or 345cu inches of displacement. The engine has a cylinder bore of 3.917 inches and a stroke of 3.578 inches.
The block is made out of cast iron, which makes it really durable but somewhat heavy. The heads on the other hand are made out of aluminum. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.5:1
The head design on the other hand is an overhead valve design that resembles the old-school HEMI. With rockers, return springs, and all that classic HEMI flavor. There are two valves per cylinder, 16 valves in total.
This engine implements multi-port fuel injection. So, nothing on that direct injection and carbon buildup on this engine. It is rock solid.
What is interesting about this engine is that after 2009 it started featuring the MDS system as well as variable valve timing in order to make the engine more fuel efficient.
The MDS if you didn’t know is a system that deactivates two of the cylinders in situations you don’t need that extra power. For example, cruising on the highway. But it is somewhat problematic.
5.7 HEMI Oil Capacity
Another thing that a lot of people are interested in is the 5.7 HEMI oil capacity. How much oil that this engine needs?
Well, the oil capacity of this engine is 7 quarts or 6.6 liters. Nothing crazy if you are asking me. There are some engines that take up to 14 quarts.
5.7 Dodge HEMI Horsepower
When it comes to horsepower, it really depends from application to application. The weakest engine used in the early days produced about 345hp and 375lb-ft of torque.
Nowadays the 5.7 HEMI is making a lot more power. For example, in the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, this engine is producing 392hp and 404lb-ft of torque. Really healthy numbers for an engine that is naturally aspirated. But what are the 5.7 Dodge engine problems? More on that we are going to cover next.
5.7 Dodge Engine Problems
Now let’s jump into the 5.7 Dodge engine problems and learn what kind of problems are bothering the 5.7 HEMI engine.
This engine is pretty much bulletproof. But still, there are some minor things that are worth to be noted and you to be properly informed. So, let’s cover the problems really quickly.
1. 5.7 Hemi Engine 2004 Failures
Now let’s begin with the 5.7 Dodge engine problems and learn more about what are the main issues with this engine.
The year 2004 is the most problematic on this engine. More precisely there was an issue with the valve spring failures that caused the engine to fail. So, what happened in reality?
Well, the spring broke, then the valve dropped inside of the engine and the engine failed. There are countless situations like these that are well covered on carcomplaints.com by customers who witnessed this situation and their engine has completely destroyed itself.
This is really unfortunate and it only affects the 2004 engines. When purchasing an engine from 2004, it is really useful that you check the service history and see if the valve springs were replaced. If they were replaced at some point then good.
If they were not replaced, then you should replace them if you want to avoid something like this happening to your engine. You don’t want to replace the whole engine for a simple thing like this. Now let’s move on to the next 5.7 Dodge engine problems.
2. 5.7 HEMI Ticking Noise
The second in our list of 5.7 Dodge engine problems is the HEMI ticking noise. The HEMI tick is a problem that plagues all HEMI engines, it doesn’t matter the displacement.
This engine problem appears after 150,000 miles or so and it starts to create some weird ticking sound when the engine is running.
People who own these engines claim that the ticking noise does not affect the performance of the engine and most commonly appears on engines produced after 2009 when the Eagle update was introduced. And people blame the MDS system for this sound.
But this is not actually the case because it is mainly caused by bad lifters or seized lifter rollers. So, if you experience noise like this, the thing you need to check is the lifter rollers and the lifters. Also, the condition of the camshaft has a role in this problem as well.
So, a lot of people who solved this problem have also replaced the camshaft of the engine. This is a rather expensive repair. So, if you don’t get annoyed by this ticking, then you can ignore it. Now let’s move on to the next 5.7 Dodge engine problems.
3. 5.7 HEMI Broken Exhaust Bolts
Another very common problem that we would like to share in our list of 5.7 Dodge engine problems is the situation with the broken exhaust manifold bolts.
This most often affects engines that are used on the RAM pickups. Why so? Well, it is mainly the case because these engines are often loaded more than your standard Charger or Challenger engine.
Thus, allowing more heat and stress on the exhaust manifolds. So, when there is too much stress on the exhaust manifolds, there are also situations when the bolts start to break because they went for too many cooling and heating cycles.
And in this case, you will have to replace them if they are broken. But how you can tell if exhaust bolts are broken?
Well, usually, there is a hissing sound that comes from the front end. Also, carbon monoxide smell, as well as check engine light and frequent misfires.
This replacement is not always cheap and can cost you a good penny to replace a broken bolt on the engine. Still, on trucks, these bolts are far more accessible and easy to remove and replace. Now let’s move on to the next 5.7 Dodge engine problems.
4. Problems With The MDS System On The 5.7 HEMI
And another problem in our list of 5.7 Dodge engine problems is the issue with the MDS system. As you probably know, after 2009 Dodge introduced a system known as MDS to cut emissions.
How this system works is really simple. It shuts two cylinders when the engine is not loaded. For example when you are cruising on the highway.
How this system affects the engine is not known. Many suppose that the problems with the ticking that we covered previously are because of this system. Mainly because these issues appeared after the Eagle update in 2009. So, there are ways to delete this system. If you are into this stuff, you can browse for MDS delete and see what you will get.
5. Engine Misfires
And the last problem that we are going to cover in our list of 5.7 Dodge engine problems is the situation with the engine misfires. Why is this the case?
Well, the 5.7 HEMI implements a different design with two spark plugs per cylinder. So, whenever there is one spark failing, you might get a misfire.
And since there are 16 spark plugs in total, there could be potential problems and you will need to change the spark plugs more regularly than usual. And not only that, 16 spark plugs are far more expensive than 8 spark plugs.
The average spark plug change for this engine is about 30,000 to 40,000 miles. While on other hand, other engines can easily push well above 80,000 miles with one set of spark plugs.
5.7 Hemi Best Years
Now let’s move on and discuss more about the 5.7 HEMI best years. What are the best years of this legendary engine?
When it comes to the best years, we would say to go for 2007 or 2008. These engines lack the MDS and other equipment that made the engine a bit more prone to issues.
But these engines have a ton of miles. Or they are completely trashed. So, go for the newest engine possible. All of them are pretty decent. Especially the low mileage ones.
5.7 HEMI Years To Avoid
Now let’s answer another question when it comes to the 5.7 HEMI besides the 5.7 Dodge engine problems. And that is the years to avoid. Which are the 5.7 HEMI years to avoid?
Well, definitely avoid 2004. These engines have problems with the valve springs. The valve springs tend to fail on these engines and when they do fail, the engine falls down into the cylinder and the engine is done. So, be really aware of this problem if you don’t want to pay a ton of money on possible repairs down the line.
Is The Dodge 5.7 A Good Engine
So, is the Dodge 5.7 a good engine? Definitely, yes. This is one of the best engines that you can get for your money.
It is dirt cheap to purchase a car with this engine and the parts are plentiful, you can find parts for this engine anywhere. Also, it is a really reliable engine and can be pushed way above any other regular engine can.
So, if you plan to invest in a 5.7 HEMI engine, we would definitely recommend you to do so because there are a lot of satisfied people that have this motor. Just stay away from the 2004 model year and in most cases, you will be fine if the engine is mechanically sound.
Conclusion To 5.7 Dodge Engine Problems
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the 5.7 HEMI engine. First, we learned more about the engine and its core concepts. Then we moved on and learned about the 5.7 HEMI specs and applications.
After that, we started discussing the 5.7 Dodge engine problems and learned more about this engine and what is troubling it the most. It is worth that this engine does not have many problems. The biggest problems are the valve spring failures on 2004 model year engines. Just try to avoid this model year if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a new engine. Other years are pretty good with no particular problems whatsoever.
