The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues of sudden engine stalls in which the vehicles often fail to restart.
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” that is linked to electrical problems, resulting in engine shutdowns and intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation noted that it has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and loss of power in these vehicles, which are equipped with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC’s (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
NHTSA noted that many complaints indicated that the engine would shut off while the vehicle was moving at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries associated with this malfunction. The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that could potentially result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation represents another challenge for Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have declined in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that raised the risk of crashes.