8.1
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,530
- Average Mileage:
- 85,850 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 14 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (9 reports)
- changed sensor,belt,tensioner,thermostat,lower heater hose, (3 reports)
- engine overheating (1 reports)
- replace engine (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.
The Dodge Ram 1500 with a 3.7 Engine might be the worst truck ever made. I've gone through 3 cylinder head jobs and a complete engine overhaul. One radiato,r several sensors and who knows what else. I've never been able to use this truck like a normal vehicle. Always overheating and has a miss that I've never been able to figure out. In the Summer the temperature goes to about 3/4 of the gauge and then all hell breaks lose. I get a flashing check engine light and the truck loses power and sputters.
- Danny D., Rio Rico, AZ, US
My truck is constantly overheating. Anything more than a five mile trip and that thing starts to overheat. Even in light to medium traffic on a cool day (under 60 degrees) and in short driving distances, the engine overheats.I have replaced my water pump twice and the problem was only temporarily fixed. I also replaced the air conditioner/condenser unit on the top of the engine (the clutch plate was bad) and that didn't fix the problem, either. I constantly have to turn the heater on high and full blast in order to dissipate the heat. Not fun when the weather is 80+ degrees outside. I've talked to a few mechanics who said the 4.7 engine was not one of Dodge's best motors. I had a Ram 2500 5.9 diesel and absolutely loved it but, so far, I think the 4.7 is a piece of crap! The mileage is horrible (10 to 14 mpg) and that's without having any load in the bed or hauling anything. I've talked to a mechanic who said his shop gets a lot of 4.7 engines for scrap because they break down a lot and also mentioned the oil ports in the block are too small to efficiently keep the engine running well. Is there any recall on this motor or water pump? Are there any problems I'm overlooking? Please let me know. As it stands right now, when I'm able to afford another truck, I'm not going to turn this one in, I'm going to blow it up, take video, and post it to my facebook page with a note that says, "Don't buy any 2004 Ram 1500 pickup with a 4.7 liter V8 engine in it from Dodge." Like I said, I normally like Dodge products, but this one has me wanting to commit the murder of my truck.
- bsinnott, Olympia, WA, US
No problem with this truck for over 7 years now overhearing issue cant seem to fixed without changing every component under the hood. The shop is still working on fix after 1 week of work and dodge doesn't have any answers. I was preparing to trade for new dodge but after this fiasco I've got to look to Ford. I was told by dodge mechanic that coolant dodge used was susceptible to clogging up. You would think Dodge would recall problem and make it right. No more Dodge for me!!!!
- Jay M., Mahomet, IL, US
What the hell is going on with my dodge getting crazy hot? I replaced water pump ,fan clutch, thermo and coolant. What makes me mad is that your own people can't fix the problem and when i ask my motor head friends they say why the hell did you bye a dodge. I think u people should man up and fix this issue. I will never bye a dodge again, my nissan ran like a champ for 10years all i did was oil changes, had this dodge for 1year and its nothing but problems. American made sh*t not lookn so good people,this comment is from a company owner who has had enough of this.
- Jason R., Williamstown, NJ, US
Bought this truck in Lampasas, Tx because I needed a good truck to take back home to Ca. Around town the truck drove fine but within 20 or so minutes of highway driving the temp would start to climb. I couldn't stop every hr while driving to cool it off so I blasted the heater. It didn't bother me after that as I drove around town so a yr later I replaced the thermostat and had the hoses checked out to no relief. Backyard mechanic couldn't come up with anything on the spot so suggested I have it diagnosed. Twice was told it could be any of a thousand diff things. So, drove it around a mountain anyway and watched the temp skyrocket to red. When I got back finally took it to get diagnosed, was told it was a cracked head gasket because of the bubbles of water in the oil. Not sure now what to believe or what to do. Over 100,000 miles so debating over new engine or new head gasket, if thats even the problem.
- ayca, Bay, CA, US
Same issue. Engine overheating. Turns out it was a bad radiator. Replaced it, thermostat, coolant flush. Really the only issue I've had with the truck. Hoping to get a few more years..
- Steve P., Denham Springs, LA, US
truck keep going hot than cold was told it was thermostat so had it replaced along with serpentine belt
- Michael M., Mechanicsville, MD, US
TRUCK WAS RUNNING HOT SO TOOK IT TO DODGE DEALER, Was told by mechanic that the rams are all having problems with the water pumps. but mine was rattling and my problem was a bad radiator so had replaced!
- Michael M., Mechanicsville, MD, US
Have spent 3 K trying to get the truck to stop overheating when towing or just driving on the highway. Still do not know what the probelm is. Took it to the dealer and they say its running fine.
- jd354, Boxford, MA, US
I've changed the radiator cap and thermostat no help.What the hell do I do next and is there a real fix to the problem.
- Ron O., Evansville, IN, US
My Dodge Ram has everything new inside for the coolant system, you name it I did, how ever I did find out that engine sludge will make it over heat as well if you don't have it flushed out.
Don't know what to do now, tried trading it in but was told that I have minus equity in the vehicle and thanks to the dealer I paid way to much for it.
- tmagee, Oak Lawn, IL, US
So what is up with that? My 2004 dodge ram has got 220 000 miles on it and ever since it had about 95000 miles on it i have been driving with the heater on,in california, in 110 degree weather, what the hell. The only other problems i have had is i have gone throurh 3 waterpumps. if i dont turn on heater it gets really effin hot!!! Help me please
- Lee G., Tulare, CA, US
I bought my 2004 dam ram 4.7 4x4 1.5 years ago. Early on I noticed when I tow something that the temperature gauge would rise above normal. I had to turn on the heater and fan to full in order to get the engine to cool down. A few days ago the check engine light came on. I went to a service place and they put it on the computer for me. They said the #8 cylinder was not firing. I replaced the #8 coil and spark plug and they cleared the check engine light. Well, the check engine light came back on and they say it still says the #8 cylinder is misfiring. Now on Monday the 22nd of june, I had to go to Indiana to work(5 hrs from my home). About 2 hrs into the trip I noticed the temperature gauge going way up again. I turned on the heater full blast even though it was 94 degrees outside and this seemed to lower the gauge but it is still high. Here I am 5 hrs from home and I am reading about these problems. Count me in on a class action suit.
- almasy, Clio, MI, US
This is second Dodge 1500 Ram that I have owned. Bought one in 1998 and about 45,000 miles started overheating. Blew water pump twice and finally traded in 2004 for second Dodge Ram 1500. This one also started overheating around 45,000 miles and blew four water pumps in the next 10 years requiring the head to be redone twice. In 2014 finally gave up and replace engine and have had no issues since. Will never buy anyone Ram.
- sackett888, Wilburton, OK, US