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, which can often lead to difficulties in restarting the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has specifically focused on the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, citing issues related to electrical problems that cause “loss of motive power,” resulting in engine shutdowns.
The investigation was prompted by 80 consumer complaints received by the Office of Defects Investigation about sudden engine stalls leading to a loss of power in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, particularly those equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many users expressed concerns that their engines shut off unexpectedly, especially while driving at slow speeds, causing the vehicles to automatically shift into park and activate emergency brakes.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to these malfunctions. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation raises the possibility of a recall, and Stellantis has confirmed its full cooperation with the inquiry.
This recent issue adds to the troubles faced by Stellantis, as sales for its brands—Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram—have experienced a decline in the second quarter of the year. Additionally, the company is already navigating a separate recall investigation related to 94,000 Jeep Wranglers and a previous recall of over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software error that raised crash risks.
This situation underscores the importance of rigorous vehicle safety standards and the proactive steps that manufacturers and regulators must take to ensure consumer safety. It is promising to see regulatory bodies actively addressing these issues, which ultimately leads to safer vehicles on the road. As Stellantis navigates this challenge, transparency and prompt action will be key in regaining consumer trust.