The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating around 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues, resulting in engine shutdowns and intermittent restarting capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding these engine stalls and loss of power in vehicles produced by Stellantis, which are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
According to the NHTSA, several complaints report that the vehicle’s engine would turn off, particularly while moving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
No injuries have been reported related to these malfunctions, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could result in a recall. Stellantis stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation is part of a troubling trend for Stellantis, as brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram experienced declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also initiated for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. Additionally, in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software flaw that raised the risk of crashes.