The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of unexpected engine stalls, with many vehicles failing to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden loss of power attributed to electrical issues that cause the engine to shut down, sometimes with intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, specifically those equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Many complaints indicate that the engine may turn off while driving at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park mode and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
So far, no injuries related to this malfunction have been reported. The NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software defect that heightened the risk of a crash.