The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, which are reportedly suffering from sudden engine stalls that frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs as part of this investigation due to a significant issue described as “loss of motive power” caused by electrical failures that result in engine shutdowns.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 complaints from consumers detailing experiences of engine stalling and power loss in these Stellantis-made vehicles. The affected models utilize the FCA 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engine, which may be linked to the reported issues. Many complaints indicate that the engine tends to shut off unexpectedly, particularly while traveling at lower speeds, causing the vehicle to automatically shift into park and apply the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no injuries connected to this malfunction. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a recall of the affected vehicles. Stellantis has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation efforts.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for their brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, have seen a decline in the second quarter. Earlier this month, another recall investigation was launched concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and back in June, over 1 million vehicles in North America were recalled due to a software bug that raised the risk of crashes.
In the midst of these challenges, it’s essential for consumers to remain informed about vehicle safety, and for companies to prioritize preventive measures that enhance reliability and customer trust. As investigations proceed, there is hope that necessary actions will be taken to improve vehicle safety and restore confidence in the affected brands.
In summary, the investigation highlights a critical issue with certain Ram and Jeep models that could impact customer safety and manufacturer reputation, but it also presents an opportunity for improvement in vehicle design and reliability.