GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 28 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Of the 6 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (28).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR DAM, Front, With Actuator (Active Air Dam) Prior to replacing this part, please call FCA Redacted Content. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Random stalling is the dominant complaint across these 28 complaints, with engines shutting off unexpectedly at traffic lights, during acceleration, while turning, or on the highway—sometimes followed by loss of power steering and brakes. Multiple owners took trucks to dealerships repeatedly without getting them fixed; techs cite lack of stored codes or blame sticky EGR valves without resolution.
Oil sending unit failures trigger Check Gauges lights and force engine shutdown as a safety measure, per Dodge TSB #18-003-08. Owners report replacing the sensor twice in one year and paying out-of-warranty costs despite Dodge knowing the issue predated warranty expiration.
Exhaust manifold bolts shear and rust off on 5.7L Hemi engines (and the 3.7L and 4.7L engines also reported), creating exhaust leaks inside the cabin and running repair bills of $800+ per manifold. One owner cited this occurring twice on the same truck.
Internal engine failures include valve seat dropout, head gasket failure on second replacement, piston rod breakage, spark plug melting into ignition coil, and one fire at highway speed tied to unrepaired recall 08V641000. One truck needed engine replacement at 58,000 miles after oil pump and sending unit failure. Unintended acceleration events strand owners with wheels turning despite full brake pressure, requiring complete engine shutdown.
Same Dodge Ram 1500 engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Random stalling / engine shutdown
Engine dies unexpectedly while driving at any speed or while stopped at lights, often with loss of power steering and brakes. Stalling may occur randomly or be triggered by acceleration, braking, or refueling. Multiple shop visits often fail to isolate the root cause.
When: Throughout ownership; mileage 4,000–140,000
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Loss of power steering and brakes when stalling; Stalling at stop lights or while turning; Stalling during acceleration or while passing; Intermittent nature; may work fine for days then fail; Check Engine light may illuminate before stall
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Check Gauges light, Throttle warning codes, ESP indicator illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced EGR valve, performed multiple diagnostic attempts without resolution. No consistent repair identified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #18-003-08 addresses oil sending unit failures; TSB #18-003-18 for onboard computer update refused by manufacturer without charge. Dealers often cite no stored fault codes.
Oil sending unit / oil pressure sensor failure
Oil pressure sensor fails, causing incorrect oil pressure readings and triggering Check Gauges light. Failure signals the onboard computer to reduce RPMs and stall the vehicle, creating a safety hazard.
When: Early in ownership; 15,000–58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil gauge registers zero incorrectly; Check Gauges light illuminates; Vehicle stalls following gauge light illumination; Engine will not restart after shutdown
Codes mentioned: Check Gauges light
Repairs/costs cited: Oil sending unit replacement performed; some owners replaced twice within one year. Oil pump may also require replacement. Engine replacement may be necessary if crankshaft damage occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #18-003-08 issued; manufacturer knew of issue before warranty expiration but did not notify owners. Warranty denials common; repair costs $100+ out of warranty.
Exhaust manifold bolt shearing / cracking
Cast-iron exhaust manifold bolts rust, shear, and break off at the cylinder head-to-manifold junction. This creates exhaust leaks that allow fumes to enter the cabin and bypass sensor readings. Issue is chronic across multiple model years.
When: 35,000–256,000 miles; reported as widespread across 2001–2010 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Tick or loud unusual noise from engine; Exhaust fumes entering cabin; Visible exhaust leak at manifold; Rusted and broken manifold bolts
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of exhaust manifold bolts and manifold; cost cited as minimum $800 per manifold. Multiple replacements reported on same vehicle over ownership period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread reports. Dodge statement reportedly acknowledges combination of cast iron, aluminum, and weak bolts causes repeated failures, but no recall or TSB found in narratives.
Unintended acceleration / surging
Vehicle surges forward without driver input, especially under light throttle or while stopped. Engine RPM increases abnormally and vehicle attempts to drive forward even with brakes applied. Vehicle must be shut off completely to stop.
When: Early ownership; 4,000–26,529 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward without warning; Uncontrolled RPM increase; Vehicle resists brake pressure; Must shut off engine completely to regain control; ESP indicator illuminates during surge; May occur after refueling or when stopped
Codes mentioned: ESP indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Six dealer visits without resolution reported in one case. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Valve seat dropout / catastrophic internal damage
Valve seat separates from cylinder head and drops into cylinder, causing total engine failure. Associated oil seal leaks allow oil to spill onto heated exhaust manifold, creating fire hazard.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Valve seat drops into cylinder; Catastrophic engine damage; Oil pours from valve cover seal; Smoking and fire risk from oil contact with exhaust manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete engine overhaul or replacement.
Head gasket failure
Head gasket fails, requiring replacement. At least one owner reported failure of second head gasket set, with entire engine deemed faulty by technician.
When: 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Head gasket failure
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement required; second set failure reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer warranty refused coverage despite mileage well within typical 60,000–100,000 mile powertrain warranty period.
Spark plug melting into ignition coil
Spark plug (number 8, against firewall) physically melts into ignition coil, disabling cylinder.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spark plug melted into ignition coil
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil replacement required.
Piston rod breakage
Internal piston rod breaks while driving downhill, causing complete loss of power, unusual loud noises, and oil spillage.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud unusual noises while driving downhill; Engine vibration; Complete loss of power; Oil spilling from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine replacement or rebuild.
Anti-theft system malfunction
Engine enters anti-theft mode for no apparent reason, immobilizing vehicle and preventing engine restart.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-theft mode activated spontaneously; Engine will not run for more than 2 seconds; Vehicle stranded
Engine knocker / internal noise
Engine develops knocking, tapping, or internal noise after refueling or during normal operation, suggesting internal mechanical failure.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise from engine; Tapping noise from engine; Sounds of broken internal components
Ignition switch sensitivity / key inadvertent contact shutdown
Engine shuts off if ignition key is struck or bumped, such as with knee while in vehicle. Same issue reportedly affects GM vehicles.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off when key is knocked or touched
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted ignition switch replacement at owner's expense.
Engine fire
Vehicle caught fire while driving at highway speed with trailer attached. Fire was linked to unrepaired recall campaign 08V641000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Part unavailability delayed repair.
When: 256,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer and retained; never repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 08V641000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) identified but repair part not available at time of service appointment.
Low oil pressure reading
Vehicle exhibits low oil pressure warning, but underlying cause often remains undiagnosed. May be sensor fault or actual pressure issue.
When: 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illumination; Low oil pressure indicated
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer did not repair; diagnosis inconclusive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; vehicle no longer under warranty.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Motor started making a knocking noise after getting gas and sounds has broke in motor and is making a tapping noise bad
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Dodge Ram 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 25,000 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 135,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Dodge/Ram 1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.