The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues with sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a “loss of motive power because of electrical issues leading to engine shutdowns with intermittent restart capability.”
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
The NHTSA noted that many complaints indicated the engine would turn off, frequently while driving at low speeds, and that the vehicle would shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
Currently, there have been no reported injuries linked to this malfunction, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram all experienced a decline in sales during the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. Furthermore, in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that heightened the risk of accidents.