The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is examining approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often leave the vehicles unable to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a problematic “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues that cause the engines to shut down, with intermittent ability to restart.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, which are equipped with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicate that these vehicles can unexpectedly shut off, often while being driven at low speeds, causing them to shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries connected to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may lead to a recall. Stellantis has confirmed that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to a string of challenges for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that heightened crash risks.