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. This concern primarily affects the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which have been flagged for experiencing unexpected “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues that lead to engine shutdowns.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that it has received 80 consumer complaints regarding these engine malfunctions. According to the complaints, many incidents occur while the vehicles are moving at low speeds, resulting in the engine shutting off, the vehicle shifting into park, and the emergency brake being automatically applied. The affected vehicles are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far as a result of these incidents. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a vehicle recall. Stellanis, the parent company of these brands, has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation follows a series of challenges for Stellanis, which has seen declining sales across its brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in the second quarter. Recently, the government also began an investigation into a recall involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers and earlier this year, more than 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software issue that heightened the risk of crashes.
Despite these challenges, it is promising that no injuries have been reported, and the proactive response from both the NHTSA and Stellanis may lead to swift action to rectify the issues with these vehicles. The situation highlights the importance of vehicle safety and the commitment of regulatory bodies to protect consumers, which can foster greater confidence in the automotive industry going forward.
In summary, the investigation into the Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs underscores ongoing safety efforts and emphasizes the role of consumer feedback in enhancing vehicle reliability and safety.