What is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?

The 5.7 Hemi engine, a popular V8 powerplant found in many Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, has had a few problematic years over the course of its production run. One year in particular stands out as a "bad year" for the 5.7 Hemi, with owners reporting a range of issues and reliability concerns.

What Went Wrong with the 5.7 Hemi in That Year?

The "bad year" for the 5.7 Hemi was 2009. This model year saw a significant increase in reported problems, including:

• Excessive oil consumption, with some owners reporting the need to add oil between changes


• Premature wear and failure of the engine's valve train components, such as lifters and rocker arms


• Misfiring and rough idling, often caused by issues with the ignition coils or spark plugs


• Reduced power and performance, leading to a loss of acceleration and towing capability

These issues were widespread enough that they gained significant attention from both owners and the automotive industry. Chrysler ultimately issued several technical service bulletins and recalls to address the most pressing problems.

What Caused the Problems with the 2009 5.7 Hemi?

The root causes of the 2009 5.7 Hemi's problems are not entirely clear, but several factors are believed to have contributed:

• Changes in the engine's design or manufacturing process that year, which may have introduced quality control issues


• Increased demand for the 5.7 Hemi, leading to potential production pressures and a rush to meet sales targets


• Compatibility issues with the engine's electronic control systems and other vehicle components

Chrysler's response to the 2009 5.7 Hemi issues, including the technical service bulletins and recalls, helped to address the most pressing problems. However, the reputation of the engine was somewhat tarnished, and some owners continued to experience issues even after the fixes were implemented.

Lessons Learned and Improvements

The problems with the 2009 5.7 Hemi served as a wake-up call for Chrysler, leading the company to implement more rigorous quality control measures and design reviews for future iterations of the engine. Subsequent model years of the 5.7 Hemi have generally been more reliable, with fewer reported issues.

The 2009 experience also highlighted the importance of closely monitoring engine performance and addressing any emerging problems quickly, before they can escalate into widespread reliability concerns. Automakers must balance the need for innovation and cost-cutting with the imperative to maintain high-quality, durable products that meet customer expectations.

What years to avoid for the 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500?

Years to avoid for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 include 2011-2012, primarily for "Hemi tick" and lifter issues, and 2014, due to reports of catastrophic steering failures. Other years to approach with caution are 2018-2019, due to electrical and infotainment system problems, and 2004 and 2013-2015, which have documented issues with engine stalling and transmission failures, respectively.
 
Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2012: Notorious for "Hemi tick" from failed lifters or other engine issues. 2011 also had reports of engine failure, MDS issues, and water pump failures. 
• 2013-2015: Documented severe transmission failures, particularly in 2013 and 2015 models. 2015 also had numerous recalls and problems with its electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel systems. 
• 2014: Several complaints have logged total steering loss, sometimes at highway speeds. 
• 2018-2019: Reports of issues with electrical and infotainment systems are more common. 
• 2004: Engine stalling issues persisted, and there were power train concerns. 

What to look for in a reliable Hemi Ram 1500

• 2010: Generally has better engine reliability, though it was known for a weak engine combined with poor fuel economy. 
• 2018 and newer: The 5.7L Hemi V-8 is considered more reliable in these years. 
• 2020 and newer: Models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions. 
• Ram 1500 Classic models: These are also reported to do well, having fewer complex systems than the redesigned 2019 and newer models. 

What is the best year of the 5.7 Hemi?

The best years for the 5.7L Hemi are often considered to be 2014-2015 or 2018-2024 due to a balance of reliability, modern features, and improvements over earlier generations. 2014-2015 models are praised for being the peak of the third-generation design with the introduction of the 8-speed transmission, while 2018-2024 models (the newer body style) offer a more modern platform with improved features. 
This video explains the history and evolution of the 5.7L Hemi engine: 57sMarspeedYouTube · Feb 14, 2022
2014-2015

• Pros: Highly refined version of the third-generation Hemi. 
• Pros: Introduced the 8-speed transmission, which improved efficiency. 
• Pros: Often cited for a good balance of reliability and features. 
• Pros: 2014 was the last year for an unlocked PCM, which is preferred by some tuners. 

2018-2024 (Newer Body Style) 

• Pros: Features the newer body style and interior. 
• Pros: These years fall within the fourth-generation Ram 1500, which many users find very reliable. 
• Pros: 2024 models include the eTorque mild-hybrid system and offer the highest towing capacity in the latest generation. 
• Cons: Newer models are more complex and have potential issues with newer systems. 

Considerations

• 2009+ Revisions: Models from 2009 onward generally fixed issues from earlier versions, but still have some known problems like the "Hemi tick" from exhaust manifold bolts. 
• Maintenance: Regardless of the year, proper maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability. 
• "Hemi Tick": Be aware of the "Hemi tick" that can occur in these engines, which is often caused by exhaust manifold bolts. 

This video explains the common problems with the 5.7L Hemi engine: 1mVehicle FreakYouTube · Sep 18, 2023

How many miles will a Hemi 5.7 last?

A 5.7L Hemi engine can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, with many owners reporting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Longevity is highly dependent on regular maintenance, such as oil changes, and can also be impacted by factors like driving habits. While some models have potential issues with lifters or camshafts, many owners find these engines reliable. 
Factors influencing lifespan

• Maintenance is key: Following the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, filters, and other fluids is the most critical factor for longevity. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, constant towing, and heavy loads can accelerate wear. 
• Specific engine issues:
  • Lifter and camshaft failure: While sometimes overstated, some models (especially earlier ones) can experience issues with lifters and camshafts, which can be costly to repair. 
  • Exhaust manifolds: Some Hemi engines are known to have issues with cracking exhaust manifolds. 
  • MDS (Multi-Displacement System): The fuel-saving technology can be a factor for some engine issues; using a tuner or driving in tow/haul mode can prevent it from engaging. 
• Repair and rebuilds: Even if major parts fail, the engine block and heads can often be rebuilt, which can give it another 100,000+ miles. 

What owners report

• Many owners report 200,000+ miles without major engine issues.
• Some have reported reaching 300,000+ miles.
• Maintenance records and owner care significantly influence how long the engine lasts. 

What is the problem with the 5.7 Hemi?

Common 5.7L Hemi issues include the "Hemi tick" caused by failed lifters and camshaft damage, premature dropping valve seats in older models (2003−20082003 minus 20082003−2008), and issues with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Lifter failure is a significant problem that can lead to misfires and expensive repairs. Other reported problems include early spark plug wear, exhaust manifold bolt issues, and oil consumption/sludge. 
Engine-specific issues

• Lifter and camshaft failure ("Hemi tick"):
  • Cause: The roller bearings in the lifters fail, causing the lifter to seize and score the camshaft lobes. 
  • Symptoms: A persistent ticking noise, misfires, and eventual engine damage. 
  • Fix: Requires replacing the lifters and camshaft. 
• Dropping valve seats:
  • Affected models: Primarily 2003−20082003 minus 20082003−2008 5.7L Hemi engines. 
  • Cause: The steel valve seat comes loose and falls out of the aluminum cylinder head due to expansion differences between the materials. 
  • Result: Significant engine damage and costly repairs. 
• MDS issues:
  • What it is: The Multi-Displacement System deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. 
  • Problem: The system's reliability has been a point of concern, with some drivers reporting problems. 

Other common problems

• Spark plugs: Some models experience early spark plug wear, which can cause misfires. 
• Exhaust manifold bolts: Early years of the engine had weak exhaust manifold bolts that could break. 
• Oil consumption and sludge: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption and sludge buildup, especially if maintenance isn't kept up. 
• Fuel system issues: Some specific models, like the 200520052005 and 200620062006 LX-platform cars, had recalls and reported stalling issues, particularly after refueling.