The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls and difficulty restarting the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into 2022 RAM 1500 pickups and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which appear to be experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” driven by electrical issues leading to engine shutdowns.
So far, the NHTSA has received around 80 consumer complaints relating to engine stalls and loss of power associated with these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles that are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engine. Many drivers reported that the engine would abruptly shut off while driving at low speeds, with the vehicle automatically shifting into park and activating the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported linked to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation and is committed to addressing the concerns raised by customers.
This investigation adds to the growing challenges faced by Stellantis, following declining sales across its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. The company is also dealing with other recent government scrutiny, including a recall investigation of 94,000 Jeep Wranglers earlier this month and a significant recall of over 1 million vehicles in June due to a software bug that raised crash risk.
While this situation may appear daunting, it is important to note that proactive investigations and recalls, like the one initiated by the NHTSA, often lead to improved vehicle safety and reliability. The cooperation of Stellantis may further ensure that necessary steps are taken swiftly to resolve any issues, ultimately enhancing consumer confidence and vehicle performance.
Summary:
The NHTSA is investigating 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to engine stall issues. Stellantis faces challenges with declining sales and prior recalls but is cooperating with the investigation, potentially leading to improved vehicle safety.