The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs for issues related to sudden engine stalls, which often result in the vehicles being unable to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing an unexpected “loss of motive power” caused by electrical issues leading to engine shutdown, with occasional ability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and loss of power in these vehicles, which are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Many complaints describe situations where the engine shuts off, frequently while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Despite the concerns, no injuries have been reported due to this malfunction. The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that could result in 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, the government began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. Additionally, in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that could increase the risk of a crash.