The 6.7L Cummins replaced the 5.9L in 2007.5 and added DPF/DEF emissions. The block is famously stout - 1 million-mile trucks exist - but the emissions hardware, lift pump, and aluminum head on later trucks all create headaches. Pick the right year and the 6.7L is the most durable diesel you can buy.
Every era of 6.7L has a "watch out" item. 2007.5-2012 are most prone to grid heater and EGR cooler issues. 2013-2018 trip NOx sensors constantly. 2019+ trucks use a CP4 pump like Ford's.
Clogged, cracked, or stuck EGR systems plague 6.7L trucks. Coolant loss, hard starts, P0401. Cleaning is $400; replacement is $1,200-$2,500.
View P0401 Diagnosis →2007.5-2018 used the bulletproof CP3 pump. 2019+ trucks switched to the CP4.2 - same disaster risk as Ford. Owners install bypass kits as standard practice.
Get a free diagnosis →Holset VGT vanes coke up and stick. P0299, lazy spool, reduced power. Cleaning is $300-$800; actuator replacement $400-$900.
View P0299 Diagnosis →The factory in-tank lift pump on 2007.5-2018 trucks is undersized and fails by 100K miles. An aftermarket FASS or AirDog system ($800-$1,200) is mandatory at high mileage to protect the CP3.
Get a free diagnosis →The intake grid heater bolt loosens and drops into the intake on 2019+ trucks, destroying the engine. Ram issued recall NHTSA 22V-836; check VIN immediately.
Get a free diagnosis →2013+ trucks fail NOx sensors and DEF heaters routinely. P204F, P20EE, P20B9. Sensor cost $400-$700 each.
View P20EE Diagnosis →Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact diesel. Get the most likely cause in under 30 seconds.
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Ram TSB 18-094-15 covers DPF regen calibration updates. TSB 18-009-16 covers DEF heater software. NHTSA Recall 22V-836 is the critical grid heater bolt drop recall on 2019-2022 trucks - check your VIN. Cummins extended SCR catalyst warranty to 10 years / 120,000 miles on 2013-2016 trucks via FCA program X37. Recall 19V-019 covers SCR catalyst replacement on 2019 trucks.
If you see a check engine light, these codes most often relate to the issues above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps.
2018 is widely considered the sweet spot - last year of CP3 pump, mature emissions, refined turbo. 2007.5-2009 are also strong if you can find clean examples.
2019-2022 because of the grid heater bolt recall and CP4 fuel pump. 2007.5 transition year had break-in calibration issues.
Block longevity goes to Cummins. Refinement, power, and electronics go to Powerstroke. Both are excellent post-2017.
Illegal on a registered truck. Modern emissions programs (like Banks PedalMonster + factory) give most of the benefit without legal risk.
500,000+ miles on the long block with proper maintenance. Lift pump, turbo, EGR, and emissions parts get rebuilt along the way.
Yes - FASS or AirDog at minimum on 2007.5-2018 trucks. The factory in-tank pump starves the CP3 and shortens injector life.