I have a 1999 cummins with the #53 block. The block is cracked and according to this my research, this is a common problem. I have always owned Dodge vehicles but with all the hassle and money I have gone through trying to fix this, it is really making me reconsider buying a Dodge product ever again. This is not a wear and tear issue this is a defect and cummins needs to address it properly. Buyer beware!

- Bennett, CO, USA

Crack in block leaking coolant yr. 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel.

- Ellettsville , IN, USA

My 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 slt turbo cummins diesel. Over $11,000 in maintenance in 5 years @ 122,000 miles. Most recently fuel pump, turbo injected over a $3,000 bill. 30 days ago it was $3,000 and several other issues.

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

The engine surges periodically, sometimes when going down the road. I believe if the throttle jams wide open injury could occur and vehicle would be uncontrollable. Diagnosed as a faulty throttle position sensor. Contacted the dealer, not under warranty, cost to replace, $550. Contacted Chrysler, nothing can be done, except my paying for replacement.

- Maggie Valley, NC, USA

Coolant loss, small amount at first. Inspected hoses, thermostat, core plugs and radiator for coolant seepage possibilities, labored to no avail. Over a period of time, it was brought to my attention a small crack in the block and through researching I have this information. My block is cast in brazil by a company named "tuby" and is identified by a #53 numbered on the block. It has become apparent to me that these are defective due to weak casting that resulted in thinner water jacket walls than other blocks so with coolant cavitation, corrosion, coolant pressure in the block, and torque they are more prone to crack. Chrysler will not honor my warranty, it has been more than 5 years but the mileage was at 94,891. Cummins powermaster advised me to take it to a local dealer in tampa and I did. They did a coolant pressure check and verified the cracked block. Cummins powermaster has offered to replace the block but I would be responsible for labor and other related cost in the neighborhood of $4,500. Cummins admitted to me that there are problems arising with these #53 blocks. I also have review other complaints on a question and answer diesel website and noted several complaints to the NHTSA. If the numbers are legitimate there are about 100,000 blocks affected. It would be of interest to know how many of these blocks were replaced by Chrysler while under warranty and how many cummins have replaced without charge to the consumer. I think it to be a symbolic gesture from cummins to want to assist me in this matter. I was told that if cummins had the warranty, my block with hole like that, even if it had 200,000 miles would be replaced absolutely free. Cummins does have a reputation to maintain since it is their 24 value cummins engine in the Dodge Ram. Chrysler wants to take no responsibility for the problem or even acknowledge the defect in manufacturing of this #53 block.

- Port Richey, FL, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge 2500 with a 24 valve cummins motor. I started to notice coolant loss and found a crack on the passenger side of the block behind the heat exchanger. I have since found this to be a very common problem with 99 - 01 with a 53 casting. I went to dealer, only to find I was just out of warranty. I wrote to daimler/Chrysler and to quote "we are starting to see several of these appear and have approached cummins about this problem, but at this point they are dragging their feet on restitution or resolution." I talked to cummins and they said per their original contract they sold engines with no implied warranty to Dodge, as they said they wanted to handle all warranty issues. They both agree that their was a defect with that casting and have corrected it on other years. I am looking at a $5000 plus repair bill that is not a wear issue, but a defect.

- Quincy, IL, USA

I have a cummins diesel. It has a 53 block. There was been alot of reports of these blocks cracking. I paid over $5000 for this option. It costs over $7000 to get it fixed. I don't have a problem yet. Just feel like I'm driving a time bomb. Chrsyler refuses to help any of the poor guys with this cracked block. This is a serious isssue of a defective block. Please help all of us with the 53 block.

- San Diego, CA, USA

I and many other owners of 1998 thru 2001 Dodge cummins diesel vehicles have or will experience a known defect of the designated 53 block in these vehicles. The 53 block can develop a crack behind the heat exchanger on the passenger side which results in coolant loss and a replacement block. Mine cracked at 5 years 2 months and 53K miles. Standard warranty for these engines is 5 years 100K. I like many owners have had to pay anywhere from $2000 and up to have a known defect repaired as Chrysler will not cover the known problem if over the 5year 100K limit. There are many unsuspecting people out there that may not know of this defect and many used vehicles on used vehicle lots that may be sold to people that are unaware of this problem. Cummins has given some assistance, Chrysler has given none. Either way the consumer still pays for the defect of an engine that was touted to last at least 350K miles and in my case only 53K. I paid an additional $4600 for the diesel option and then paid an additional $2400 to have the defect repaired. Like their present balljoint problem nothing will happen with the 53 problem unless the media gets involved. If you could give me any other information on who to notify I would appreciate it as selling a 32K and higher vehicle and turning your back on a known defect does not sit well with many owners. Thank you.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

(1)dealer oil change, subsequent leak.(2)informed oil plug was 'cracked' and oil pan was 'concave' and required relacement@$800+. informed this was not uncommon.old plug not returned. (3) $20@kragen got me gasket material and ptex#2, leak fixed.

- Eureka, CA, USA

While applying brakes at any speed and without warning vehicle will pull to left until release of brake pedal. Consumer states vehicle will pull to the left when braking and will drift to the right on freeway and brakes are squeaky when braking on stop, dealer replaced calipers, turned rotors and changed brakes, dealer found steering wheel off center, dealer has replaced upper and lower control arms, dealer has adjusted the front end and replaced the rims and tires, vehicle experiences lack of power and engine light has illuminated, vehicle idles high and is experiencing poor fuel economy, when driving on freeway it gets max of 14.5 mpg, smoke also comes out of the exhaust, left side electric mirror glass had fogged, left seat bottom loose, one missing bolt found, left seat trim bezel keeps miming loose won?T stay in seat for seat belt on seat back. Dealer stated that the 2002 models do not have vibration problems due to the suspension being changed to independent.

- Rancho Cardova, CA, USA