The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, which are reportedly facing sudden engine stalls and difficulties in restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the issue affects 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, causing a “loss of motive power due to electrical concerns,” leading to engine shutdowns with sporadic ability to restart.
So far, the Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints related to engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-made vehicles, which come equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many complaints describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion at low speeds, resulting in it shifting into park and activating the emergency brake, according to NHTSA reports.
Fortunately, no injuries have been attributed to this malfunction at this point. The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation, which may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This development adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all reported declining sales during the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. Additionally, in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software defect that increased the risk of crashes.