The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls, which often result in the vehicles failing to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues that can cause the engine to shut down with intermittent restart capabilities.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which utilize the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Complaints indicate that the engine may turn off unexpectedly, often while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, leading to the vehicle shifting into park mode and activating the emergency brake, as detailed by the NHTSA.
So far, no injuries have been linked to this malfunction, prompting the NHTSA to launch a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This development adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as sales for their Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands have seen a decline in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began investigating a recall concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled more than 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that could heighten the risk of crashes.