1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine › Diesel
  9
• Engine
  8
• Cooling system
  3
• Engine › Gasoline
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  29%
• 25k–50k
  418%
• 50k–75k
  418%
• 75k–100k
  418%
• 100k–150k
  627%
• 150k+
  29%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Truck has a 53 block which has cracked below the #5 cylinder freeze plug at 74,000 miles. First noticed overheating with loss of coolant that didn't go on the ground, then found 53 on block and found crack. Dodge will not even acknowledge the problem of the 53 block exists, and have been somewhat rude in their denials and lack of info. Cummins will at least acknowledge the problem, but has offered no solutions for a problem caused by poor block design. Estimates to fix are about $9,000. Which I can't afford. This problem should be covered under a Dodge extended warranty, however Dodge refuses to accept any responsibility. This issue can cause the truck to overheat, which could leave driver and passenger(s) stranded or even cause a fire.

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 $2000.00 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. …

While backing out of the driveway, the vehicle would intermittently stall. This stalling occurred six times. On one occasion, the dealer replaced the ignition coil, and on another occasion, the consumer kept hearing a pinging sound coming from the engine. The transmission was replaced, and the transfer case was still leaking. There had been a myriad of problems with this vehicle. Also, there had been several recalls associated with this vehicle. The consumer claimed that the vehicle was in the shop more than it was in her possession. The vehicle experienced the following: airflow noise/sucked air due to a possible vacuum leak, the passenger mirror vibration due to the bug shields, engine ticking, undershield rusted along with the driveshaft, u-joints, and the bumper, there was rust on the rear box panels, engine ping/noise, the check engine light had come on two times, rear window …

Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that he first had the brakes replaced at 36,000 miles. Periodically when applying the brakes the front wheels locked, and felt a very hard pulsating in the brake pedal. The contact stated that at 42,000 miles he replaced all four tires at the dealers prodding that the problem was with the tires. At 44,000 miles he replaced the electronic module after being told that this was the problem. The contact stated that after taking the car in approximately 5 times the same problem with the brakes recurred and never did work properly. The contact stated that weather was not a factor, and that he was driving at 30 MPH the times that he experienced problems with the brakes. The consumer stated the vehicle pulled to the left, there was a buzzing sound coming from the radio, the lower intake gasket was replaced. The ac blew warm air. …

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4 x 4 quad cab with the v-10 manual transmission. Since I purchased it new in March 1999, I have twice replaced the rr track bar ($200 part, not including labor) and the steering intermediate shaft ($89 part, not including labor). This truck wanders all over the road and a heavy clunk is felt in the steering wheel. The dealer mechanics keep telling me "that's typical of this vehicle," but there is no recall. Why? I have also noticed an abundance of coolant loss at each oil change since about 10,000 miles...up to 1 gallon per 3000 miles. The radiator pressure checked OK. Dealer mechanics and chat rooms have told me this is another "typical" problem with this truck. Apparently the antifreeze blows through the headgasket and into the exhaust system where it evaporates. Still no recalls. Why are automanufacturers getting away with this?

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.

Before any engine performance up grade, recognized after tbs 18-019-01 installed in the ECM/PCM of my 1999 Dodge diesel 2500 24v coolant not circulating through engine. Temp fix with new ECM and TSB upgrade 10-040-02. No code or serious over heat especially during winter months. But does run 190 degrees or more up hill- winter months. Scalding signs inside engine at thermostat change. Mechanic clueless upon visual over pressure of top radiator hose after engine reaches operating temps. Software seem to go into default or hacked cal mode. With this decrease in performance is suddenly mileage decrease, power and shifting erratic suddenly. Other symptoms not obvious either. Again everything seem fine after last software boot but after 100 miles or so returning home from out of town dealership, truck running loosely after over night sit.

I had a leaky heater core that needed to be replaced which required me to remove the dashboard. I noticed some hairline fractures in the dash before I removed it, however it looked very much in tact so I didn't think much of it. After removing the dash from its mounted position however it began breaking apart and throwing shards of sharp broken plastic to the floorboard and seats. It virtually began to disintegrate before my very eyes and I could not help but imagine what it would be like to be in an accident and have all of those plastic shards being propelled into my body and face. I am terrified when I think of my safety and the safety of my family. The plastic is obviously defective. Is Dodge aware of this, orvam I the only one? What a nightmare.

I own a 1999 Dodge/cummins diesel 2500 truck with a #53 cummins engine block. This engine block has developed a crack and is leaking coolant. This engine block has a known defect from the manufacturing process. In research, it was found from sources such as the turbo diesel register.com and a national repair company - locknstitch.com - that 1000s (thousands) of these blocks have cracked in the same place necessitating repairs costing owners millions of dollars thus far. The cost to me alone to repair this block will be $3000.00 with no guarantee it will not crack again! I know there have been many complaints filed here. Why has there been nothing done about this obvious and very costly defect???

Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH the contact heard a flapping sound underneath the hood. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed there was a part missing from the engine. The contact found the harmonic balancer that was attached to the crank shaft position sensor in the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The dealer was informed of the failure. The dealer stated the part was unavailable and would be ordered. The contact stated approximately four months had passed since the part was ordered and was not received. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Engine complaints in other Ram 2500 years