The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs after reports of sudden engine stalls. This issue often leaves the vehicles unable to restart, raising significant safety concerns.
Specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is focusing on the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are reported to experience a complete “loss of motive power” due to electrical issues resulting in engine shutdowns, with intermittent capabilities to restart.
As of now, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and resulting power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles. The affected models use the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints highlight problematic scenarios where the engine shuts off, even at low speeds, leading the vehicle to automatically shift to park and engage the emergency brake. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported linked to this defect, and the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could ultimately lead to a recall of these vehicles. Stellantis has indicated it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation comes at a challenging time for Stellantis, which has recently experienced declining sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. Adding to their troubles, the government is also investigating a recent recall of 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and earlier this year, over 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software glitch that heightened the risk of crashes.
Despite these challenges, the thorough investigation by the NHTSA demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, and the immediate response from Stellantis suggests a willingness to address and rectify the issue proactively.
In summary, while the investigation and potential recalls present obstacles for Stellantis, they also reflect the company’s accountability and the safety measures being put in place to protect consumers. The situation could evolve positively if the issues are rectified quickly and effectively.