The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs that are experiencing unexpected engine stalls and difficulties restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues, causing their engines to shut down with sporadic restarting capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalling and power loss in the vehicles produced by Stellantis. The affected models are equipped with the FCA 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
The NHTSA noted that many complaints indicated that the engine could shut off, particularly at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake.
So far, no injuries related to these malfunctions have been reported. The NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation, which may result in a vehicle recall. Stellantis has expressed its full cooperation with the investigation.
This development adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as the sales of its brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, declined in the second quarter. Just earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that could heighten the risk of accidents.