Eight problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2004 Dodge ram 4. 7l automatic transmission. The design of the radiators with the plastic sides on the aluminum radiator core is defective. During the winter the radiator leaks on the passenger side near the coupling of the plastic to the aluminum. I think this is a safety concern since vehicles can overheat without proper anti-freeze levels, and leave owners stranded on the side of highways, and roads. Let alone it's not good for the environment nor animals that enjoy the taste of anti-freeze. This is the second time this has happened to me with this truck. I replaced the radiator with the same type a year ago, and now it's doing the same thing as before. This is an o. E. M. Radiator.
2004 Dodge 5. 7 hemi engine has 2 dropped the valve in the number 6 piston on two separate engines, resulting in castrophic engine failure and needing to replace the motor. There are several complaints of this happening on edmunds . Com. Almost all of the engines are between 70,000 and 80,000 miles. Dodge has not issued a recall to accept the defect and is costing their customers between 5k and 10k dollars an engine for those who do not now how to put the engine in. I am currently a Dodge mechanic and have recognized this problem and would like to make it public. Have brought this to Chrysler corporation's attention with no result. The government needs to step in and do something about this because Dodge is refusing there is an issue.
I have a 2004 Dodge 1500. On 18 Feb 10 for no apparent reason truck started to overheat. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I understand this is a problem that is starting to develop with this vehicle and currently Dodge does not know what the issue is. Several items have been replaced on these vehicles but so far nothing has helped.
1)left house in morning found while driving down rd truck was blowing white smoke from tailpipe 2)truck cuts off due to water leaking into cylinder#1 3)dealer service dept> found the head gasket was damaged and was amazed with just at 80,000 miles a damaged head gasket in the shape it is looks like it was not seated correctly.
Driving the vehicle and notice performance issues, strange sounds and stalling, oil pressure gauge fell out, and was concerned for my safety. Pulled over and had to drive real slow with flashers to get home. Inspectors have told me that the engine had a cooling failure that caused the oil to sludge.
When making a turn engine stops for no reason causing me to lose steering. Took one a vehicle to dealer who advised they could find nothing wrong.
Coolant overflow bottle defective design. Cap leaks coolant. Coolant level @ minimum still losing coolant. Dealer states when vehicle goes over rough roads, coolant spashes and leaks out the cap. Bottle replaced 3 times, continues to leak.
Recently purchased brand new, 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab w/5. 7 hemi. Awesome truck though quality is a issue. Defective coolant surge tank or possible other defective parts leading to excessive build up of pressure. End result, coolant over flow making a mess and low coolant. Have taken to authorized dealer twice within a month. Dodge service tested and confirm however, monitoring and asked for truck to be return if coolant leak is agian present. Problem is surge tank and cap have abundant residue coolant present. My answer, dugh! the system is a failure. No replacement parts were offered, dealer states coolant over flow was due to possible overfill. Funny thing is at 3k maintenance, coolant problem was addressed and service department stated on receipt overfilled and corrected. Well then 500 miles later, coolant still leaks and service department saying nothings wrong. I guess Dodge truck are required to leak then. ?.