The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls, which are often followed by difficulties in restarting the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing issues linked to electrical malfunctions that can lead to a complete loss of power.
So far, the Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 consumer reports detailing incidents where the engine shuts off unexpectedly, frequently during low-speed driving. In these instances, the vehicles have been documented to automatically shift into park mode and engage the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries associated with these engine failures, prompting the NHTSA to open a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis, the parent company of the vehicles in question, stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, as sales for its brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, have declined in the recent quarter. Earlier this month, a similar recall investigation targeting 94,000 Jeep Wranglers was also launched, 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 accidents.
As the situation develops, it is hopeful that Stellantis will take the necessary steps to address these issues effectively. The commitment to cooperation with regulatory authorities is a positive sign that the company is prioritizing consumer safety and working towards a resolution. Keeping consumers informed and safe should be an industry priority, and proactive engagement in investigations can pave the way for better practices in automotive manufacturing going forward.