1999 Dodge RAM 2500: engine overheating

Filed May 5, 2016 · Engine · 74,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed May 17, 2005 · Engine · 94,891 miles · FL

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 federal safety agency. 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. Sb

Filed Feb 6, 2005 · Engine · 121,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Dec 26, 2004 · Engine · 53,300 miles · AZ

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. 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 $4600.00 for the diesel option and then paid an additional $2400.00 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.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 26,296 miles · NY

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?

Filed Aug 23, 2001 · Brakes, Wheels · PA

Brakes overheating causing wheels to become hot. Wheels are condinsating on inside causing rust on inside of wheel causing valve stem failure and tires to become gaulted to wheel making it imposable to save tire for repare. (dot number: m32k tiresize: lt24575r16)