Docker / Docker

Docker Container OOM Killed — Exit Code 137 Out of Memory

Fix Docker container exit code 137 OOM killed out of memory error Includes evidence for Docker troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 13, 2026 2 sources Needs local verification

Category: Docker
Error signature: Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled)
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: May 13, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 2 public source URLs

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for Docker, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled) is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix docker container exit code 137 oom killed out of memory error. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Real production issues: simcraft-backend crashes with code 137 on 8GB RAM system with multiple containers. Trading platform feature-engine OOM-crashes every ~30 min with 'Fatal JavaScript out of memory: Ineffective mark-compacts near heap limit'.

Common causes

Docker containers with insufficient memory limits crash silently with exit code 137. The lack of explicit error logs makes diagnosis difficult — developers see the container restarting but don't know it's an OOM issue without checking system logs.
Real production issues: simcraft-backend crashes with code 137 on 8GB RAM system with multiple containers. Trading platform feature-engine OOM-crashes every ~30 min with 'Fatal JavaScript out of memory: Ineffective mark-compacts near heap limit'.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled).
Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled) exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with Docker versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled) mean in Docker?

Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled) indicates the workflow described by "Docker Container OOM Killed — Exit Code 137 Out of Memory" failed in a Docker context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled)?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: Docker containers with insufficient memory limits crash silently with exit code 137. The lack of explicit error logs makes diagnosis difficult — developers see the container restarting but don't know it's an OOM issue without checking system logs.

Is the Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled) guidance source-backed?

The "Docker Container OOM Killed — Exit Code 137 Out of Memory" page is labeled source-backed. It has 2 public source URLs from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled)?

For "Docker Container OOM Killed — Exit Code 137 Out of Memory", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging Container exits with code 137 (OOMKilled)?

For "Docker Container OOM Killed — Exit Code 137 Out of Memory", collect the failing Docker command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.