The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs following reports of sudden engine stalls that frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted that 2022 Ram 1500 pickup trucks and Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing sudden “loss of motive power due to electrical issues, leading to engine shutdown and intermittent restart capability.”
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer reports regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many of the complaints indicate that the engine turns off while the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park mode and engaging the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
No injuries have been reported due to this malfunction, but the NHTSA has launched a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
This investigation adds to a string of challenges for Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have declined in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that could elevate crash risks.