The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating 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) indicated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing an unexpected “loss of motive power because of electrical issues leading to engine shutdown with occasional inability to restart.”
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and power loss in these vehicles, which are outfitted with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC’s (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints describe incidents where the engine unexpectedly shuts off, particularly while driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
So far, no injuries have been reported related to this issue, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also initiated 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 heighten crash risk.