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 and difficulties restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the affected vehicles, specifically the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, are experiencing abrupt “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues causing the engine to shut down, with sporadic capabilities to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-made vehicles, which utilize the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many of the reported incidents involve the engine ceasing operation, often while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake.
To date, there have been no reported injuries related to these issues, prompting the NHTSA to launch a preliminary investigation that could result in a recall. Stellantis has stated it will fully cooperate with this investigation.
This development adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all experienced decreased sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software flaw that raised crash risks.