The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is looking into around 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs that are experiencing unexpected engine stalls, frequently with difficulties in restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power due to electrical issues leading to engine shutdowns with occasional restart capabilities.”
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles produced by Stellantis. The models involved are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
According to the NHTSA, many complaints indicate that the vehicles’ engines would turn off, often while operating at low speeds. In some cases, the vehicle would shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
No injuries have been reported due to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may lead to a recall. Stellantis stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the recent challenges faced by Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram declined 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 after a software flaw was discovered that could raise the risk of crashes.