Dodge cummins models and reliability

I had a 2003 3/4 ton CC CTD auto 48RE, I traded the truck with 137,000 mies. Mine was one of the early HO 305hp. It was great truck that pulled well. The only things I changed was a lift pump at 100,00 miles and an ignition switch in the steering column. I also replaced the batteries and a electric lock switch. Never had an issue with front end, transmission etc. Oh yea the dashes crack from the sun. The dealer I bought it from was multi line and carried Chevy also. I always got a kick when I went there for oil changes etc. and saw all those Chevy D maxes getting their transmission repaired. If you service your truck and change the fluids regularly and do not chip it the truck will provide you with lots of good service. After 9 years I traded it in on a 2012 Dually 6.7 68re. One thing is for sure I will never pull a good size fiver without a DRW. Good luck.

Problem is that the engines are going into Dodge/Ram trucks so the "engine" may be fine but if the transmission, brakes, AC, cooling system, electrical components, or interior stuff like the lights and door switches and instruments have problems you will still be visiting the repair shop and paying out large sums.

Look at JD Powers and Consumer Reports to find by model and year the types of repairs reported by thousands of owners over the past 8-10 years and you will be usable information. If you get 20 replies on a forum there will be too few to be relevant regardless of the opinions expressed.

Regardless of the engine under the hood all the 2009 and earlier diesel trucks have been far less reliable overall than newer ones and all are more likely to need expensive repairs than gas engines.

Not a 3rd gen, just a 2nd Gen VP$$ Cummins, with 270,000 miles. Still tows like a beast for only having about 270 HP.

I bought my '04.5 new without doing internet research on reliability and such. I have owned Dodges all my life and they have never let me down. My current truck now is 10 years young and 164+k. Yes I have had one major expense with it and it was last Sept. with 154k and it was the transmission. I spent 20 years in maint. on very expensive machines, that you and me helped pay for by the way, and they have things that fail too. Good luck in your search.

Well I have 2006 dually with the 5.9 and exhaust brake, G56 tranny (6speed) manual with 3.73 rear end. love it and engine has been a dream. no work except maintenance and had the a/c go out but other than that no engine problems. I get 22 mpg around town empty and 13 mpg loaded with my 34ft 5er, can't complain about that. Completely stock. Oh has 140,000 on it now with original clutch and still seems very strong, no slipping.

Of the 3 We have owned
97 - 4x4, 5.9 & auto, Banks kit, 3k springs. Great truck, hated the auto, even after a $3500 hi zoot rebuild.
07 CC w/ 6.7 & 6 speed, all stock. Pullin' machine, comfortable, reliable, great mpg. (But never let it idle much and snot up the DPF)
04 QC 4x4, 5.9HO, 6 speed, all stock motor. Nicest truck I ever owned, pulled great, lots of power (not as much as the 6.7, but still plenty),
My OPINION - the weak link is the dodge auto tranny behind a Cummins. The 5.9 and 6 speed is the only way to go.

I researched for 3 years before buying my 03 in 05 and I'm still very happy with my choice but not that later years aren't also good. I love the lack of emissions, the mpg and the relative simplicity. At 30k miles the lift pump was fine but I replaced it just because. The tps went at 60k and it was a cheap part and an easy DIY job. Not cheap on the later engines. Craig

bovellois wrote:

ib516 wrote:
Here I am :)....I can't recall what post you are talking about though.

Out of 14000+ posts I thought you might have a hard time locating it too LOL. I think you listed 3rd generation 5.9s as follows and mentioned the strength and weaknesses of each. Here are the years I'm interested in

2003–2004 250 hp
2003–2004 HO 305 hp
2004.5–2007 325 hp

Someone told me recently that the latest 5.9 have had major problems. This someone had to rebuild his engine at 80k.

Well, I don't know about that. 2006 with 160k, about 100k of that pulling an 18k# gooseneck horse trailer. Never seen a wrench except routine maintenance and I plan on putting about 250k on it before even considering trading. Most reliable truck I have ever owned and I have 3 different trucks right now.

NC Hauler wrote:
IB will probably be around to help you 'sort it out':)....Truck in my sig is my 3rd Dodge/Ram 6.7 cummins and I've had zero issues with any of them and they are a towing machine....If we can help, give us an idea of what you're trying to find.

YEA WHEN THE NUBS ARE STILL ON THE TIRES WHEN YOU TRADE THEM IN THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY PROBLEMS ;)

Thanks to all. Now I'm starting to question my memory. The info could have come from someone else. In any case, this sub-forum (Tow Vehicles) is a great source of information.