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 and difficulties restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that issues have been identified in 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, where a “loss of motive power due to electrical concerns” has led to engine shutdowns with an inconsistent ability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles produced by Stellantis, specifically those fitted with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicated that the vehicles’ engines would shut off, often while traveling at lower speeds, which resulted in the vehicles unexpectedly shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
So far, there have been no reported injuries linked to this malfunction, but the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis confirmed its full cooperation with the investigation.
This investigation marks another setback for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also launched for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was mandated to recall over 1 million vehicles across North America due to a software issue that could heighten the risk of accidents.