The 5.7L HEMI V8 with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) collapses lifters on the deactivating cylinders, wipes camshaft lobes, and triggers a persistent cylinder-1 or cylinder-4 misfire. Owners report a hot-idle tick, P0300/P0301/P0304, low oil pressure, and eventual engine failure. Stellantis has issued multiple TSBs (09-001-19 family) and faces active class actions.
The persistent hot-idle "HEMI tick" frequently indicates an MDS lifter that no longer seals. Document the tick with a video and an RO at the first dealer visit so you have a record if a misfire develops later.
MDS deactivates cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 on the 5.7L HEMI under light load. Pressurized oil holds the lifter in its collapsed state. Sludge, low oil pressure, the wrong oil viscosity, or a worn lifter pin allows the lifter to stick partially collapsed, which immediately starts wiping the cam lobe. Once the lobe is wiped, metal debris circulates and damages all 16 lifters. The classic symptom is a hot-idle tick that grows into a misfire. Stellantis TSBs address the diagnostic procedure; the long-term mechanical fix is a non-MDS cam, MDS-delete lifters, valley-cover delete plate, and tune.
| Model | Years | Engine | TSB | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 2009-2024 | 5.7L HEMI Eagle | TSB 09-001-19, 09-002-22 | Critical |
| Dodge Charger | 2009-2023 | 5.7L HEMI | TSB 09-001-19 | Critical |
| Dodge Challenger | 2009-2023 | 5.7L HEMI | TSB 09-001-19 | Critical |
| Dodge Durango | 2011-2024 | 5.7L HEMI | TSB 09-001-19 | Critical |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2011-2021 | 5.7L HEMI | TSB 09-001-19 | Critical |
| Chrysler 300 | 2009-2023 | 5.7L HEMI | TSB 09-001-19 | Critical |
Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), manufacturer technical service bulletins, and publicly filed class-action documents. Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.
Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:
Use our free VIN decoder to pull build info, or run a free AI diagnosis if you already have symptoms.
Multiple class actions allege Stellantis knew of the HEMI MDS lifter defect and concealed it. Bedwell v. FCA US LLC and related consolidated actions seek warranty extension, repurchase, and damages. As of 2026 the litigation is active. Stellantis also faces a separate set of complaints on the 5.7L HEMI tick that pre-dates MDS lifter collapse.
At the first sign of a hot-idle tick, get an oil-analysis kit and an oil pressure test on record at a dealer. Reference TSB 09-001-19 on the RO. If misfire codes appear, request a leak-down on the affected cylinder. Out of warranty, request goodwill with a full service-history packet.
Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
Run a Free Diagnosis100% free · No signup · Powered by NHTSA + AI
A mechanical delete (non-MDS cam, regular lifters, valley-cover delete, tune) eliminates the MDS lifter failure mode. A tune-only delete still leaves vulnerable MDS lifters in place.
Yes, within 5 years / 60,000 miles. Outside that window, goodwill is case-by-case.
No. Some HEMI ticks are exhaust manifold bolts (a separate widely known issue). Diagnosing the source requires stethoscope and dye work.
Stellantis specs 5W-20 with the MS-6395 standard. Many high-mileage owners stay with proper-spec full synthetic and shorten intervals.
Stellantis announced phase-out of the 5.7L HEMI for the new Hurricane I6 in many trucks, but legacy HEMI vehicles continue to be sold and serviced through dealers.
A wiped cam plus lifter set can sometimes be replaced without a long block, depending on how much metal made it to the bearings. Oil analysis decides.