The U.S. Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs. These vehicles are facing issues related to sudden engine stalls and difficulties in restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues that can lead to engine shutdown, with inconsistent ability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding these engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, which 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 vehicle’s engine would turn off while driving at slow speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake.
So far, there have been no reports of injuries linked to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram declined in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also launched for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software defect that could heighten the risk of a crash.