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 difficulty restarting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified that certain models, specifically the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, are experiencing a complete “loss of motive power” primarily attributed to electrical issues that cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly.
The NHTSA received 80 complaints from consumers regarding these engine stalls, all linked to vehicles powered by the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines manufactured by Stellantis. Witnesses have reported incidents where the engine shut off while driving at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle automatically shifting into park mode and activating the emergency brake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of this engine malfunction, prompting the NHTSA to open a preliminary investigation that could potentially lead to a vehicle recall. Stellantis has expressed its commitment to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
This developing situation comes as a challenging time for Stellantis, with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands experiencing a decline in sales during the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also initiated a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, over 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software bug increasing the likelihood of accidents.
In summary, while the investigation into the Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs raises significant concerns, it is important for consumers to remember that the NHTSA is actively working to ensure the safety of these vehicles. The fact that no injuries have occurred emphasizes the effectiveness of safety protocols and consumer reports in bringing issues to light. Stellantis has an opportunity to address these problems head-on, and with proactive measures, they could restore consumer confidence in their vehicles moving forward.