The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs following reports of sudden engine stalls that often leave the vehicles unable to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs may be at risk due to electrical issues leading to a “loss of motive power” and engine shutdowns, along with intermittent restarting problems.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 complaints from consumers concerning engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which utilize the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
The complaints indicate that engines can shut off unexpectedly, often while driving at low speeds, resulting in automatic shifting into park and the application of the emergency brake.
So far, there have been no reported injuries linked to these malfunctions. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a vehicle recall. Stellantis has stated that it is cooperating fully with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands fell in the second quarter. Additionally, earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that heightened the risk of crashes.