The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically flagged the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, noting that these vehicles are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” associated with electrical issues that can lead to engine shutdowns.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 consumer complaints about these engine stalls, with some reports indicating that the vehicles can unexpectedly shift into park and activate the emergency brake, particularly while driving at low speeds. Notably, no injuries linked to these malfunctions have been reported yet. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially escalate to a recall of the affected vehicles. Stellantis, the company behind these brands, has stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This situation adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, as the company’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram divisions reported declining sales in the second quarter. Just earlier this month, another investigation concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers was announced, and in June, over 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software issue that raised safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, the ongoing investigations serve as a proactive measure to ensure vehicle safety. The hope is that through these efforts, Stellantis and other automakers will improve their product reliability and further enhance customer safety, ultimately leading to stronger consumer trust in the long run.