The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation concerning around 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs that have been experiencing unexpected engine stalls and difficulties in restarting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power due to electrical issues leading to engine shutdowns with sporadic restarting capability.”
The investigation was initiated following 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and a loss of power in vehicles produced by Stellantis. These models are fitted with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines developed by Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
According to the NHTSA, many of the complaints indicated that the vehicles’ engines would turn off unexpectedly, often at slow speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries linked to this issue, although 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 faced by Stellantis, as sales for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands have all seen declines in the second quarter. Recently, the government also began a recall investigation into 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.