The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues leading to engine shutdowns with intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation received 80 consumer complaints related to the engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis vehicles, which use the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many complaints indicated that the engines would shut off unexpectedly, sometimes while moving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
So far, there have been no reported injuries linked to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This issue adds to the recent challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands fell in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, Stellantis recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that could increase the risk of accidents.