The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs for issues related to sudden engine stalls, which frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are showing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical problems that can cause the engine to shut down, with intermittent capability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these vehicles, which are powered by the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicate that the engine stops unexpectedly, often while driving at low speeds, leading to the vehicle shifting into park and activating the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to these malfunctions, but the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could potentially result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This inquiry adds to the challenges currently facing Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands all reported decreased sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation affecting 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that heightened the risk of crashes.