The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is launching an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs affected by sudden engine stalls that frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power due to electrical issues that cause the engine to shut down with occasional restarting capability.”
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these vehicles, which are equipped with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicate that the engines shut off unexpectedly, often while the vehicles are traveling at slow speeds, leading to the vehicle shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the malfunction, and the NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that may lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was initiated for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that could heighten the risk of a crash.