The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs facing sudden engine stalls that frequently prevent them from restarting.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are reportedly experiencing a sudden loss of power due to electrical issues, resulting in engine shutdowns with inconsistent restarting capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints detailing instances of 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 complainants noted that the engine would shut off while driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake, as stated by the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported related to this malfunction. The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that may lead to a potential recall, while Stellantis has confirmed its full cooperation in the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands all saw declines in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government initiated a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, over 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software issue that could heighten the risk of accidents.