The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls and difficulties restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the affected models include the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs. The vehicles are reportedly experiencing a sudden loss of power resulting from electrical issues that lead to engine shutdown, with inconsistent ability to restart afterwards.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which feature the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints detail instances where the engine shuts off while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, prompting a shift into park mode and the activation of the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
No injuries have been linked to the engine malfunction at this time. The NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could potentially result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that could elevate the risk of accidents.