The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating 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) revealed that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” linked to electrical problems causing the engine to shut down, with inconsistent ability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding these engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, which feature the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicate that the engine would turn off, frequently while moving at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
No injuries have been reported due to this malfunction, 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 investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for its brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram declined during the second quarter.
Additionally, earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could heighten the risk of a crash.