The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues that can cause the engine to shut down intermittently.
The Office of Defects Investigation has filed 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and power loss in these vehicles, which are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Many complaints detail that the engine would turn off unexpectedly, sometimes while driving at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
So far, there have been no reported injuries related to these malfunctions, prompting the NHTSA to open a preliminary investigation that could eventually lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram experienced declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also started a recall investigation concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers and, in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could heighten the risk of crashes.