Our Dodge Durango with the 5.7L Hemi started shaking violently with an obvious misfire and flashing check engine light at 108k miles. The problem happened suddenly, and the misfire would get worse with RPM.

For context, we perform all of our own auto work, and change the oil every 7,500 miles with synthetic. We also follow all maintenance interval recommendations; this car is well taken care of.

Upon pulling the valve covers, we found that one of the rockers on the passenger bank was not actuating. After doing some research, we found that there is a common issue with Chrysler hydraulic lifters. The needle bearings fail, causing the roller to collapse and not spin when they contact the camshaft. To complete this job, we had to remove the radiator, condenser, all front accessories, water pump and oil pan in order to provide enough clearance to remove the camshaft. We also completely disassembled the top end of the engine in order to remove the heads. Essentially, we left only the block (with pistons) in the car, with this being a complete overhaul of the valvetrain/top end.

The failed lifter completely chowdered the cam lobe (see attached picture), and left lots of metal filings in the oil pan. We decided to replace all lifters. Because our Durango has cylinder deactivation, 8 of the lifters were $95 EACH from Dodge, with the other 8 being $50. In addition to the new lifters and camshaft, this job also required new head gaskets and block bolts. The cam bearings were okay. We also replaced the timing chain/assembly, valve springs, water pump, and all gaskets while we had the engine disassembled. Nearly $2,400 just in parts when all was said and done, with a few days of "free" labor.

Long story short, when any of these lifters fail, they destroy the cam and cause a major headache. This means that on top of taking the heads off, you have to completely disassemble the front end of the car to get everything out! What a hassle, especially at only 108k miles. And since Chrysler didn't change their lifter design, we look forward to these new lifters failing in another 100k. What a joke.

My car has now come up with yet a new issue, how fun. It started out with very mild but noticeable shakes and trembles coming from the engine. At that time and several thereafter, I pull the dipstick and the oil was full of little air bubbles; not froth or foam. Soon there after the check engine light came on. After a few weeks, that stopped and the check engine light went out and had no issue for a while. At that time i did switch from a low grade discount gasoline chain to a premium well know and reputable gasoline chain. After a while it started again. I would be driving and suddenly start shaking and trembling pretty violently, i gave it a bit of a rev and it would correct itself, so-to-speak; but not for long. The weather is getting colder and is so difficult to start. The engine starts, but it misfires so bad that your able to count the engine combustions, then dies down. This goes on for several attempts and while this happens, alot of dark smoke come from the exhaust. On many occurrences, typically at a red light or stop sign, the car goes out, and is able to restart with a huge load of dark smoke from the exhaust, and you must rev pretty heavily for it not to die immediately after, all this in heavy rush hour traffic. So now, till my dealer appointment, I must bring the tranns to N with my foot on the brake and the other foot accelerating a bit just to keep it from dieing down.

This is my 1st, and my LAST Dodge(any Chrysler product) I will never purchase! Its loaded with issues.