The dodge 5.7 Hemi engine is a mighty powerplant that has been powering dodge vehicles for over 10 years, and it’s still going strong. However, like any car engine, the dodge 5.7 Hemi can develop problems at some point in time- if you’re not careful! In this blog post, we will go over four of the most common dodge 5.7 Hemi engine problems and help identify which one your dodge might be experiencing so that you can get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible!

What vehicles have a 5.7 Hemi?

Below is a list of vehicles fitted with the Hemi engine:

Chrysler 300C

The Chrysler 300C is a car that has been around since 2005. This vehicle’s 5.7 L HEMI engine produces 340 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque in the latest generation, produced in 2006, with some early models coming out as late as 2008 due to manufacturing delays. The Multi-Displacement System can reduce this powerful machine down to just four cylinders when it operates at lower speeds or under light loads for increased fuel economy ratings while still giving you near 350 horsepower on the road thanks to MDS and five-speed electronic controlled transmission system – an impressive feat considering its 4,046-pound curb weight!

2003+ Ram Trucks

The Ram Trucks have a Hemi engine that can power the vehicle with ease. This type of engine is sometimes called “V” or “Hemi” engines because there are two valves in each cylinder that exhausts into one pipe, causing it to look like this letter ‘v’. Vehicle manufacturers first used these engines for trucks and cars back in 1951, but now they’re being put on more consumer vehicles as well!

2004+ Dodge Durango

The engine fitted into the 2004+ Dodge Durango is a Hemi, which makes this SUV so powerful. It produces 230 horsepower at 5200 rpm with 260 ft-lbs of torque between 2400 – 3200 rpm.

2005-2008 Dodge Magnum R/T

The Dodge Magnum R/T was fitted with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine that produced 355 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft of torque to give you more power in less time!

2006+ Dodge Charger R/T

Dodge’s Hemi engine was a powerhouse for the Charger R/T. The 2006+ model boasted 410 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque that helped it reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds from standstill on stock tires!

2009+ Dodge Challenger R/T

The 2009+ Dodge Challenger R/T features a powerful engine that produces up to 361 horsepower and torque 390 ft. lbs.

2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen

The Hemi engine is a powerful force that you can feel behind the wheel. The 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen has 1,000-foot-pounds of torque and 295 horsepower under its hood.

2005+ Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Hemi engine in the 2005+ Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good choice for those looking to get their hands on some serious power. It has an impressive 6-liter displacement and produces up to 390 horsepower, backed by 450 pounds per foot of torque!

2006-2010 Jeep Commander

The 2006-2010 Jeep Commander is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine with 240 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque, which was the first time Chrysler had used this particular powerplant in one of their SUVs.

Chrysler’s 5.7 HEMI engine has been powering a lengthy range of popular automobiles and trucks for almost two decades. That, in our view, demonstrates the engine’s enormous success. It’s easy to create a bleak image when writing about typical engine issues. Such is why we believe it’s important to bear in mind and let our readers know that no matter how wonderful an engine is, it is also going to have its issues. If the 345 HEMI were a poor engine, Dodge and Chrysler would not have kept it in their signature vehicles for so long.

5.7 Eagle Hemi Upgrade

In 2009, the 5.7L engine was revised to improve emissions and fuel economy while improving performance to be more competitive with other engines on the market. The updated engine is known as the 5.7 Eagle, which features improved Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT), cylinder head design, intake manifold redesigns, among many other notable updates such as a Multi-Displacement System or MDS for short, along with its variable valve timing capability, which allows it achieve optimal power output across all RPM ranges by advancing or retarding cam timing without sacrificing efficiency due to increased flow through newly redesigned heads from Chrysler’s engineers who are now looking forward into 2020 when they anticipate an even stronger need for low emission vehicles worldwide because of the automotive industry’s anticipated need for an overall increase in fuel efficiency.

Overall, these were good improvements. However, there are always bugs in new technology that you must iron out over time. On the 5.7L Eagle, a couple of the upgrades may make certain issues more probable. We’ll go over this in more depth when we go over each of the typical issues listed below:

4 Typical Common HEMI 5.7 Problems

The following are 4 of the most frequent 5.7 HEMI problems, in no particular order:

• Misfires
• Engine Tick
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Before we go into the specifics of each of these frequent flaws, a few basic observations are in order. We call these issues “common” does not indicate that every 5.7 will have them. Engines are also susceptible to issues that we will not discuss. Older HEMI engines are becoming obsolete, and a slew of issues arise due to their high usage. Now, let’s go back to the issues we discussed before.

1) Tick Problems with the 5.7L HEMI Engine

Spoiler alert: this may occasionally be connected to other frequent issues. Our response to the “5.7L engine ticking” problem has been ambiguous at best. The 345 HEMI ticks are an intriguing topic of conversation. Some argue that ticking is natural and has no bearing on lifespan or performance. Other 5.7L HEMI owners, on the other hand, have had to replace their whole engine due to engine ticks. What are some of the most frequent reasons for HEMI ticking in the 5.7 range?

• Lifters with flaws
• Lifter roller seized
• Bolt failure on the exhaust manifold

Here, we’re mostly concerned with lifters and lifter rollers that are malfunctioning or stuck. A frequent and severe cause of Chrysler 345 HEMI engine ticking. It also seems to be more frequent on versions manufactured after 2009, prompting some to think the multi-displacement mechanism is to blame. It’s understandable. Finally, the issue is most likely due to insufficient oil supply to the lifter rollers, which causes seizures. The lifter then makes contact with the camshaft lobes, causing the ticking noises. As a consequence of the metal-on-metal contact, shavings appear in the oil. If detected early enough, most shavings should be collected by the oil filter, preventing additional harm.

However, if the engine is left unattended for an extended period of time, severe engine damage may result. On top of that, the 5.7L HEMI’s camshaft will need to be replaced. That job’s components and labor alone may be almost as expensive as a refurbished engine. It’s a really severe problem. However, the extent of the problems has most certainly been exaggerated due to the internet’s proclivity for exaggerating any significant engine flaws.

Problems with the HEMI 5.7 Lifter Roller.

The following are some of the signs of a failed lifter roller:

• Check engine light
• Misfires
• Ticking

Unfortunately, lifter roller issues on the 5.7 HEMI may be difficult to identify. Many people hear ticking noises and have no other symptoms. However, if the issues are serious enough or left unattended for too long, you may detect misfires or receive a check engine light.

This failure is more likely to happen over 100,000 miles. However, the issue may sometimes arise under the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. To learn more about the lifter roller problems, see the video below:

2) HEMI 5.7 Bolts on the exhaust manifold have broken.

We’d say damaged exhaust manifold bolts are the most frequent issue with the 5.7L HEMI. Some people claim to have encountered this issue numerous times. The rear passenger-side manifold bolt is usually the first to go. Many people believe the rear bolts break out first since this is the hottest area of the manifold and the engine. As the manifold bends towards the back, bolt failures are believed to be the result. On the 5.7 HEMI, there isn’t much more to say about this problem.

However, one intriguing discussion topic brings us back towards the engine tick. Broken manifold mounting nuts may be the source of certain 345 HEMI ticks. Of course, the failure threshold for the ticking we described before is different. If the Chrysler 5.7 engine is making noises, first inspect the exhaust manifold bolts. It’s a far more frequent failure with a much simpler and less expensive repair. All of the news is positive. It’s still an issue, but it’s not a major one.

Problems with the exhaust manifold bolts on the 5.7L HEMI

The ticking noise is the most common sign of damaged exhaust manifold bolts. On the HEMI 345, broken manifold bolts cause an exhaust leak. If the problem is severe enough, you may have power outages.

Repairing the bolts on a 5.7 HEMI exhaust system

Many seem to break even while under warranty; therefore, you should repair any first problems at no cost by the dealership. Otherwise, you may have to handle the repair on your own. For the DIY crowd, getting to the manifold isn’t too difficult. This may be accomplished with some work and creativity, though, depending on the kind of failure.

While you’re in there, it’s probably prudent to replace all bolts. The components for this may cost up to $100. To avoid warping, some people use an aftermarket exhaust manifold. Replacement bolts will eventually fail prematurely if the manifold is deformed.

3) Problems with the 5.7 MDS

We’ll go through this conversation and the misfires that follow at a faster pace. Four cylinders are turned off, while the 5.7 Eagle HEMI motor (2009+ upgrade) is cruise mode. It’s a fantastic method to reduce pollution and save money on gas. MDS seems to have no flaws on the surface. When you need or desire it, the 5.7-liter displacement’s power is still available. When you don’t, though, the motor is more efficient. We like what we hear. Manually deactivating the MDS here on 5.7 HEMI is also possible. For those who aren’t interested, it’s even better.

Some 345 HEMI engine owners, on the other hand, are unhappy with the MDS. There are times when the engine’s functioning does not seem natural. It’s also up for dispute how cylinder deactivation affects the lifespan of the 5.7 HEMI. This is a new technology, so time will tell if it can provide results.

It’s possible that the multi-displacement mechanism is partly to blame for lifter roller failures. The combustion process generates heat, but if some cylinders are turned off, the engine runs cooler. Changing temperatures regularly may be detrimental to metal. The 5.7L HEMI always shuts down the same four cylinders. In this regard, concerns about lifespan are understandable. Because there are so many intricacies, we don’t want to become too technical. This is something we’ll probably cover in more detail in a future article.

Problems with the 5.7L HEMI MDS are just that: a hypothesis.

There are no problems that can be traced back to the multi-displacement system. However, engineering principles indicate that MDS may have a detrimental effect on lifespan. When the engine temperature is too low, the spark plugs may foul rapidly. If the cylinders are excessively cold, lubrication may be insufficient. There’s a lengthy list of potential consequences. Again, you will most likely address this in a future article. For the time being, we’ll say this: In principle, the 5.7 HEMI MDS is fantastic, but many unknowns will need time to resolve. As a result, it shouldn’t be a major worry right away, but it’s something to think about.

4) Misfires in the 5.7L HEMI

Okay, we’ll actually speed up this part. Mistakes aren’t exactly what you’d call a frequent issue. Misfires are usually caused by other problems, such as lifter roller failures. So, it’s more of a problem in such instances rather than a symptom. Standard maintenance items, on the other hand, may cause misfires. As a result, our primary concern is indeed the 5.7L HEMI spark plugs. It has a total of 16 spark plugs. The HEMI has 16 spark plugs, which is accurate. Misfires are more likely to occur as a result of aged, worn spark plugs.

There is a slew of additional factors that may lead to misfires—internal problems such as lifter rollers, malfunctioning injectors, and ignition coils, to name a few. Spark plugs, on the other hand, are a simple maintenance component that is often overlooked. We’re all guilty of it now and then. “Oh no,” says the speaker. Please don’t make a mistake. “What have I done this time?” It is widespread for us to have forgotten about the spark plugs being a few years older than we first thought.

That’s a lot of spark plugs. A misfire code may be triggered by a single spark plug that burns out prematurely or fails. Although spark plug failures are uncommon, you should replace the 5.7 HEMI’s spark plugs every 30,000+ miles. Spark plugs are an important part of basic maintenance that may create problems like misfires.

HEMI Reliability: 5.7

Is the HEMI 5.7 engine dependable? The 5.7L HEMI engine is strong and dependable in general. It isn’t the most dependable engine on the planet. It also outperforms the least dependable. Many high-end vehicles have relied on this Chrysler 5.7L engine for almost two decades. It’s a reliable engine that people like. Problems may and do occur, but don’t blame the engine for them. All engines have issues, and this is especially true with high-performance engines. Camshaft problems are the most worrisome on the list, although they are most likely an exaggerated problem. It’s still a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

All of this is to say that the 345 HEMI’s dependability is based on several factors. One of the things we can actively manage is maintenance. Maintain the 5.7L HEMI’s basic maintenance, particularly oil changes, regularly. Other than that, part of it is just a matter of chance. Another important aspect is how hard the engine is pushed and what kind of environmental conditions are there.

Let’s not go too off track here. We’ll wrap things off with a couple of last comments. It’s worth repeating that the Chrysler HEMI V8 5.7 is a very dependable engine. Problems may and will arise throughout the engine’s lifetime. However, we incur a risk with all engines, and the most we can do is keep them as well maintained as possible. If properly maintained, the 5.7L HEMI should last for more than 200,000 kilometers. Even with well-maintained HEMIs, individuals sometimes have unfortunate, fluky encounters.

HEMI Common Issues (5.7) Summary

HEMI’s 5.7-liter V8 engine is amazing, and I won’t say it too many times. There has been a pushrod design for more than a century, and it has proved itself again and again. Furthermore, the 5.7 HEMI has been in production for almost two decades. Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler have utilized the same engine for that long, so something is correct. However, it is vulnerable to a few basic design faults, just like any other engine. In particular, an engine tick on a 345 HEMI may signal a lifter or a lifter roller problem. If this happens, it will be a severe and costly issue. However, it’s probably been exaggerated on the internet.

Otherwise, the HEMI engine is prone to regular exhaust manifold bolt issues. It’s usually not a big deal, but it may be a pain since some get it more than once. MDS may affect lifespan, although this is only conjectured at this time. Finally, with 16 spark plugs, there’s a lot of opportunity for misfires caused by worn or outdated plugs. Keep up with routine maintenance, and don’t overlook the essentials.

When it comes to maintenance, do all you can to maintain your 5.7 in good working order. Many well maintained 5.7L HEMI engines are expected to endure well over 200,000 miles. Problems will arise as a result of old age and excessive mileage. This basic idea, however, applies to all engines. The HEMI 5.7 is a dependable, powerful, and enjoyable engine to drive.

What’s your take on the 5.7L HEMI engine? Please let us know by leaving a comment.