The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that are often difficult to restart. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 2022 RAM 1500 pickups and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing issues with “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical problems that can cause the engine to shut down, with sporadic chances of restarting.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints about engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which utilize the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many complaints indicate that vehicles have turned off unexpectedly, sometimes while being driven at slow speeds, which activates the emergency brake and shifts the vehicle into park, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported related to this issue, leading the NHTSA to conduct a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This development is another setback for Stellantis, which has seen a decline in sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also launched for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software error that heightened the risk of crashes.