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 shutdowns that are often followed by difficulties in restarting the vehicles. This inquiry, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically targets 2022 models of the RAM 1500 pickup trucks and Jeep Wagoneer SUVs.
The NHTSA has noted that these vehicles may experience a “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues, which causes the engine to shut down unpredictably. They have received around 80 consumer complaints detailing engine stalls, particularly when the vehicles are operating at low speeds. In some instances, affected vehicles have shifted into park automatically and engaged the emergency brake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these engine malfunctions, and the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a recall of the affected models. Stellantis, the manufacturer of these vehicles, has stated its commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation.
This investigation adds to recent challenges for Stellantis, with the company experiencing a drop in sales across its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands during the second quarter. Additionally, earlier investigations into other models, including a recall of 94,000 Jeep Wranglers and the recall of over 1 million vehicles due to software issues, indicate ongoing concerns within the company’s product lineup.
It remains to be seen what solutions will emerge from the current investigation, but it is a crucial opportunity for Stellantis to enhance vehicle safety and consumer trust.
In light of these issues, it’s essential for companies to prioritize transparency and swift action to address customer concerns, which can lead to improved customer relationships moving forward. The commitment of companies to cooperate with regulatory bodies demonstrates a positive step towards ensuring greater safety for consumers in the automotive industry.