The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is looking into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues with sudden engine stalls that frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden loss of power attributed to electrical problems that can lead to engine shutdown, sometimes with only intermittent success in restarting.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints indicate that drivers experienced engine shutdowns while traveling at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park and applying the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
So far, there have been no reported injuries linked to the malfunction, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This development adds to the recent challenges faced by Stellantis, as the brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram experienced sales declines in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also launched for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that could heighten the risk of accidents.