Who makes diesel engines for Dodge?
Diesel engines powering Dodge’s lineup come from a small group of partners: Cummins builds the heavy-duty Ram trucks' turbodiesel, VM Motori provides the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel for the Ram 1500, and in earlier years some Dodge vans used Mercedes-Benz diesels. Here’s how these partnerships shape Dodge’s diesel lineup today.
Ram heavy-duty trucks: Cummins power
For the core Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 heavy-duty lineup, the diesel heart is supplied by Cummins.
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
- Supplier: Cummins
- Application: Ram 2500/3500 heavy-duty pickups and chassis cab variants
- Overview: A rugged inline-six turbodiesel produced by Cummins in the United States, delivering substantial torque and horsepower across configuration options. Typical output sits in the range of roughly 370–420 horsepower and up to about 1,000 lb-ft of torque, depending on model year and specification.
The Ram heavy‑duty line relies on Cummins to deliver proven durability and payload/torque characteristics that are widely favored in commercial and heavy‑duty applications.
EcoDiesel for Ram 1500: a lighter, efficient option
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 found in Ram 1500 and certain other models is produced by a different partner, focused on efficiency without sacrificing towing capability.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 by VM Motori
- Supplier: VM Motori (Italy)
- Application: Ram 1500 (and, in various generations, Jeep Grand Cherokee), among others within the Stellantis portfolio
- Overview: A modern six-cylinder turbodiesel designed for better highway efficiency and respectable torque. Typical ratings in early and mid generations hovered around 260 horsepower with about 420–440 lb-ft of torque, with variations by year and calibration.
VM Motori’s EcoDiesel represents Dodge’s effort to balance towing ability with improved fuel economy in a lighter-duty pickup, under Stellantis management.
Dodge Sprinter legacy: Mercedes-Benz engines
In Dodge’s history, some vans carried diesel engines sourced from Mercedes-Benz before the Sprinter line was fully aligned under Mercedes-Daimler branding and then later separated under Stellantis stewardship.
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines (historical)
- Supplier: Mercedes-Benz (Daimler)
- Application: Dodge Sprinter vans (produced and marketed during the Dodge era, largely before 2010 in North America)
- Overview: These vehicles used Mercedes‑group diesel powertrains, illustrating a cross-brand sourcing relationship that predates Stellantis’ current structure.
Today, Dodge/ Ram’s diesel focus sits primarily with Cummins for heavy-duty work trucks and VM Motori for the EcoDiesel option in lighter pickups, with the Sprinter-era Mercedes powertrains representing a historical footnote rather than the current configuration.
Summary
Across its current diesel offerings, Dodge relies on two primary engine partners: Cummins for the heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 lineup and VM Motori for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 in the Ram 1500. Historically, some Dodge Sprinter vans used Mercedes-Benz diesels, reflecting past cross-brand collaborations. Together, these partnerships shape a diesel strategy that emphasizes durability, torque, and efficiency to suit Dodge’s diverse truck and van customers.
What Dodge diesels to stay away from?
The Dodge Cummins years to avoid include 1992, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011. These models are known for fuel system failures, cracked engine blocks, injector problems, and dangerous suspension defects like the death wobble.
Who makes Chrysler diesel engines?
Chrysler maintained production of the engines up until Stellantis took the helm in 2021, producing the Ram series in full—from the light-duty 1500 all the way up to the heavy-duty 3500. The only other company responsible for making Ram engines is Cummins, which is known for its diesel power plants.
Who makes the Ram 1500 diesel engine?
Stellantis
First introduced with the Jeep Wrangler, it also made its way under the hoods of the Gladiator and Ram 1500. The V6 Eco-diesel engine was designed by Italian firm VM Motori S.p.A., a Fiat Chrysler (FCA), now Stellantis–owned subsidiary, known for its expertise in developing diesel engines.
Who makes Dodge diesel engines?
Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and distributes diesel engines, electric vehicle components, and power generation products.
